Press Release

January 26, 2005
Contact Vicki Brodnax at 407-646-2526

Director of the Ringling Museum speaks

in cornell museum’s lecture series

Winter Park, FL — While Rollins College’s Cornell Fine Arts Museum is building its new and expanded facility, its high quality cultural programs continue.  The Cornell is featuring notable speakers as part of its Florida Visions Lecture Series.  Directors from some of Florida’s most prestigious art museums are delivering lectures on their museums’ collections and their building projects.  On Sunday, February 13, at 3 p.m., in the SunTrust Auditorium in Crummer Hall at Rollins College, Dr. John Wetenhall, executive director of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, which is now part of Florida State University, will speak on “Expanding on Ringling’s Vision for His Museum.”

Appointed in 2001, Dr. Wetenhall also serves as director of the Ringling Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan mansion, and historic grounds.  Internationally known for its magnificent collections of European art, the Ringling is one of the fastest growing art museums in the U.S.  Under Dr. Wetenhall, the Ringling has completed a major renovation of the mansion, repairs to the Art Museum, and landscaping improvements throughout its 66-acre estate.  New construction and renovation will cost over $75 million, contributing 165,000 sq. ft. of new space. 

The sixth and final lecture in the Florida Visions Lecture Series will be presented by Brian A. Dursum, director of the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami in Coral Gables on Sunday, April 3, at 3 p.m.  The lecture series is made possible without charge through the Thomas P. Johnson Distinguished Visiting Scholars program at Rollins College.  Seating is limited.  Please call the Cornell at 407-646-2526 for reservations or for a schedule of Cornell Museum events presented during construction.  Or visit the Museum’s website at www.rollins.edu/cfam