Skip to main content

This is your Donation message.

Home » News » Volunteer Leaders Celebrate FSU Arts in Sarasota

Volunteer Leaders Celebrate FSU Arts in Sarasota

Published June 13, 2023
A group of people pose for a photo in a theatre lobby.

The College of Fine Arts Dean’s Advisory Council

A group of people pose for a photo in front of an impressive, elegant window.

Volunteer leaders met in Sarasota last May

More than 150 of FSU’s volunteer leaders came together in Sarasota, FL over multiple days of board meetings, education and engagement events, and networking in early May.

Florida State University is proud to be a driver of Sarasota’s cultural coast, having operated a graduate degree program in Acting there in partnership with the Asolo Repertory Theatre since 1973. Operation of the Ringling Museum was transferred to FSU in 2002, with opportunities for specialized study on-site for students pursuing degrees in Interior Design, Art History, and Art Education.

FSU College of Fine Arts Dean’s Advisory Council, FSU Alumni Association Board and FSU Foundation Board hosted their spring meetings in Sarasota on the campus of the Ringling Museum and FSU Center for the Performing Arts, home to the Asolo Repertory Theatre and Sarasota Ballet. Leadership from each group – along with that of the Ringling Museum and Asolo Repertory Theatre – met together socially throughout the three days to discuss best practices and opportunities to collaborate. Activities included Dinner by the Bay, curator-led tours, and a performance of Man of La Mancha.

 

We are so fortunate to have this jewel in our FSU family. Meeting those volunteers and sharing our passion of the arts and dedication to FSU was truly inspiring. As Don Quixote sang so powerfully Friday night, ‘Dream the impossible dream!’

– Brett Player, Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council, FSU College of Fine Arts

Four people socialize in a garden party setting.

Volunteer leaders attended a reception at The Ringling.

Two men pose holding paintings on a staircase. Another man stands proudly behind them.

Outgoing founding members were honored at the event.

Dean James Frazier and Council Chair Brett Player capped the spring meeting by honoring four outgoing members who were also Founding Members of the Council – David Gilchrist, Howard Kessler, Marcia Thornberry and Chuck Whited.

As an inaugural member, it’s a bittersweet moment to leave after fifteen seasons at the plate. It’s been quite an honor to have served through several Presidents and Deans, and I know that this council wil continue exceedingly well with its current and future members. Go Noles!

– Chuck Whited, Founding Member