March 29 Museum Tour Summary

[sunny duann]

Message from the President of CCCTB

March 29 – With the arrival of spring, we were blessed with pleasant weather for our visit to the Ringling Museum of Art, an event organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay (CCCTB). Nearly 70 attendees joined us, including friends from Tampa and Sarasota. Additionally, our board member, Qian Zuo gathered over 20 participants from Miami, who made the early morning drive north to meet us at the 1 PM assembly.

This visit was made possible through the coordination of Professor Kirk Wang and his wife LeAnn Wu. Upon gathering in the museum’s main hall, the museum staff arranged for us to first visit the Asolo Theater, where we were warmly welcomed by Museum Director Steven High, who made a special weekend appearance to greet our group. After a brief introduction of Professor Kirk Wang and his wife by me, Professor Wang introduced Director Steven High, who then delivered a speech about the rich history of the Asolo Theater, which was relocated from Italy to Sarasota in 1952, as well as the John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, which was donated to the government by the Ringlings. As a token of appreciation, Qian Zuo presented panda-themed gifts to both the director and Professor Wang, which they gladly accepted.

Following this warm welcome, the museum arranged for three docents—Sue, Joe, and Diane—to guide our group, which was divided into three teams (A, B, and C), through an afternoon of immersive learning.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of artworks spanning from the 17 century BCE to the 20th century CE, with masterpieces from renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Velázquez, Veronese, and Frans Hals, particularly highlighting the grandeur of the Renaissance period. Beyond the art museum, we explored the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Museum, which chronicles the legacy of the “Greatest Show on Earth.” We also visited the Asian Wing, housed in a distinctive green building, where a special exhibition of Japanese porcelain was on display.

Our final stop was Ca’ d’Zan, the stunning waterfront mansion of John and Mabel Ringling, which epitomizes the Venetian architectural style. John Ringling originally purchased this 66-acre property for just $8,000, and today, it stands as a treasured landmark of Sarasota. Strolling through its expansive gardens, we marveled at the breathtaking Southern European landscape design and towering ancient trees, a testament to nature’s magnificent artistry.

To conclude this enriching day, we dined together at Captain Brian’s Seafood, a local gem recommended by our board member, Peter Simmons. The restaurant impressed us with its fresh seafood and excellent service, providing the perfect setting for lively conversations, networking, and new friendships. Many attendees expressed how unforgettable this art, culture, and culinary journey had been.

I sincerely thank everyone for their enthusiastic participation and support of CCCTB’s activities. Special gratitude goes to our board members and volunteers, whose dedication made this event possible. I look forward to seeing you all again soon at our next gathering!

Sunny Duann
President, Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay

A LETTER FROM PROFESSOR KIRK WANG

Dear Friends,
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay, as well as our friends from Fort Lauderdale and Miami! Thank you for visiting and supporting the Ringling Museum of Art on Saturday, March 29th. A special thanks to President Sunny Duann, Ms. Qian Zuo,  the ABC group leaders, and many other friends from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay (CCCTB). Your organization, leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm made this event a great success.

I just received an email from Sue Hallam, the docent for Group A. She asked me to convey her deep appreciation for the “more than generous” gratuity she received from Group A members. She also shared that she has donated the gratuity back to the Ringling Museum. Likewise, Diane Efthimides, the docent for Group C, told me on Saturday that she also donated her gratuity to the museum. What a beautiful synergy in supporting the Ringling!

Many of the Ringling Museum docents are remarkable individuals who have retired from highly successful professional careers. After moving to Sarasota, they dedicate their time, energy, and expertise to supporting the museum. Some of them are also financial patrons of the institution.

I hope everyone enjoyed this visit to the Ringling. The museum is vast and filled with extraordinary treasures—one afternoon is simply not enough to take it all in. Just as I lived near the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan for many years and have yet to see everything it has to offer, the Ringling gives us a reason to return again and again. I hope you will visit often in the future!

As I immerse myself in the legacy of the Ringling Museum—its priceless treasures, exquisite artworks, and stunning architecture—I often ponder this question: Does beauty truly exist? The ancient Greek philosopher Plato believed that beauty is an eternal truth of the universe, much like a mathematical formula—an exalted and unchanging principle. The German philosopher Kant agreed but emphasized that beauty can only be realized through human perception and emotion, which allow it to manifest in a sublime way. Meanwhile, the French philosopher Bourdieu deconstructed the concept of beauty, arguing that it is a product of social class. He believed that our socioeconomic status shapes our pursuit of beauty and evolving artistic tastes.

As the economic standing of our Chinese American community continues to rise, refining our artistic appreciation should also be an integral part of achieving the American Dream. Would you agree?

Once again, my deepest thanks to you all!

Kirk Wang
Board Member, The Ringling Museum of Art
Sent from my iPhone

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