Julie and Mike, after I finished my BFA, I decided to go for an Advertising/graphics concentration and it was between Ringling and the Art Institiute of Fort Lauderdale. Well being in my early twenties, hummmm ... Lauderdale? Sarasota? Yes I went to the Lauderdale.

I had no idea they had such a lovely place, wow!

Mike if you like Rosa Bonheur's, I have just fallen in love with Anton Mauve. My favorite (of what I have seen) is in our Taft Museum, Cincinnati:

Statue graveyard?
 

Hi Mike -

Funny! I don't remember seeing these when I was there two summers ago. I do recall that they used to have a statue graveyard in a back area. It was weird seeing arms, legs, torsoes etc of statuary laying around in a pile.

Have you visited the Cah D'ZHan (Ringling mansion)? There's a wonderful over-lifesize full-length figurative by Robert Henri in (I think )the dining room - called "Salome". Very dramatic and beautifully done.

Sarasota
 

Elizabeth,

Sarasota was and is known for its rich retiree population. This had its advantages, like the time our student president wangled a presentation from Red Skelton when he came down for a show (he also liked to paint, hence the acceptance of the invitation).

Plus I have fond memories of visiting the home and studio of a prominent illustrator/painter named Thornton Utz, who was very encouraging to us young artists. I remember how impressed I was with the beauty of some portraits he had done.

Another great memory is "touring" the home of Mabel Ringling before it was renovated. Actually, it was locked but a group of fellow artists and I got to look around the grounds and drew in the courtyard that still had its Italian tile intact.

Sarasota has had renovations in the last few decades, which probably makes it even more beautiful. I know it certainly has made a difference with the Ringling Museum. As a student, I recall it had a certain shabbiness that is missing now.

Actually, I think it was a disciplinary issue, cavorting amongst themselves during museum hours. All this, while that poor bull suffered.

Suddenly I feel an urge to go out and get into trouble.

Under circumstances I cannot reveal without killing myself, I drove past the Ringling site on a frenzied foray to Sarasota (Clearwater, the actual destination). I could not, at the time, imagine that it was "serious," but then, neither was I, back then. I regret my youthful indiscretion. Perhaps I should use atonement as an excuse to get back to the Sunshine State's Gulf coast. There aren't any hurricanes on the way, are there?

As I began my journey toward Florida, Hrrrricane Agripina I think it was, approached the eastern coast of Florida. Each night in the motel I would watch as it made it's way across the state and headed north. It seemed obvious that we were going to meet one another in the northern part of the state.

I made my way south from Memphis to Biloxi where I spent an extra night trying to allow the beast time enough to pass (The fact that there was a hookers' convention going on at the time had no effect on my decision. Although, It looks like I'll be painting fishnet stockings and spiky heeled shoes long into the future).

The next night, as I approached my turn to head south into Florida, it became apparent that I should have waited another day. I was one of the few vehicles on I-10 being blown left and right. I pulled into a small town and got the last room at the inn. It blew all night, and rained hard until noon the next day as I drove south.

And so, to answer your question Steven, yes, there will be no more hrrrricanes in Florida, ever. During that storm the night before, I made a pact with that higher authority, that if he would get me through that night, and promise never to allow another hrrrricane to hit Florida, I would pass on the next three hookers' conventions I encountered. He/She also promised to make this burning sensation stop.

All things considered I think I got the best of the deal. I haven't always.

I would be remiss not to applaud your sacrifice in being willing to compassionately witness their stories.

Word to the wise: there's no real sand in Key West -- it's all trucked in and I'm sure the hrrrikns took most of it out. But go see the six-toed cats at the Hemingway House anyway, and always stand with your back to a wall.

...and while in Key West go see the street performers on Mallory Pier at sunset. Back in my wild youth, I was one of them.

I saw an ad the other day about a high speed boat transport from Fort Myers to Key West. They claimed a 3 1/2 hour trip, instead of a 15 hour drive.

In addition to that, there is a dinner train from here to Fort Myers. I may have to make this journey some day.

Mike such adult luxury! You must go by bus from Miami... then you can get over to Coconut Grove and also check out Vizcaya.

VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS

This is an Italian Renaissance-style villa and formal gardens built in 1916 as the winter residence of industrialist James Deering. The house has 34 rooms of 15th through 19th-century antique furnishings and decorative arts. The grounds include over 10 acres of formal gardens and fountains. Vizcaya is one of only two officially designated National Historic Landmarks in Miami-Dade County. Open to the public daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The house remains open until 5:00 p.m. and the gardens remain open until 5:30 p.m. The ticket booth closes at 4:30 p.m. Guided tours are often available. Group tours may be arranged by appointment. Wheel chair accessible first floor, complete info at the web site.