Around Town | Virginia Shearer

By Julie Milton | Photo by Nancy Guth | February 2024

She’s cultured, she’s colorful, and yes, she is an arbiter of good taste in Sarasota! What else would you expect of Virginia Shearer, the leader of our local contemporary art museum—Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, also known as SAM?

So, what plans does this trendsetting trailblazer have in store for SAM in 2024? Sarasota Scene sat down with Virginia at the stellar Bistro on the Museum’s campus for the scoop in between bites of an artfully presented beet and avocado salad. We also wanted to find out what goes into running a successful museum, especially one that is part of our beloved Ringling College.

The iconic Sarasota High School with its Collegiate Neo-Gothic architecture was an interesting choice for a contemporary art museum— a dichotomous approach by Ringling College of Art and Design and Sarasota Art Museum! Please tell our readers what they will find when they enter the doors of this historic building.Upon entering, you’re greeted by a radiant, light-filled space adorned with Leah Rosenberg’s 28 Colors. This mural, a vivid tapestry of Sarasota, captures the essence of local landmarks. The colors, ranging from Selby Gardens’ rich green to the bright yellow of Siesta Key Beach’s lifeguard stand, are a visual homage to the city. Rosenberg, a San Francisco-based artist, infuses each hue with her unique interpretation, making 28 Colors more than just art—it’s a love letter to Sarasota, connecting visitors and residents alike to the community’s cherished spots. Her work creates an immersive, welcoming introduction to both the Museum and the city.

What are your thoughts about a contemporary art museum being housed in architecture of the past and how does SAM honor the building’s rich history?Sarasota Art Museum’s use of the historic Sarasota High School is a unique blend of heritage and innovation, following a global trend of repurposing buildings with community significance. This practice, seen in places like PS1 in New York, transforms structures like old schools and power plants into creative spaces. At SAM, reanimating this beloved building has been special. It’s more than preserving history; it’s about creating a living, breathing space for art that resonates with everyone who has a connection to it. The fusion of historic architecture with contemporary art energizes both artists and visitors. The building’s character and history serve as an inspirational canvas, sparking creativity. When artists visit, the space itself becomes a muse, igniting a flurry of ideas for how their work can be showcased. SAM stands as a testament to how art and architecture can interweave to create something truly extraordinary for the community.

The exhibitions you select are thought-provoking and in some cases boundary pushing. Please take us through your selection process.Curating at SAM is an intricate process. We aim to connect with our diverse Sarasota audience, elevate contemporary art discourse, and position SAM as a distinguished destination. Sifting through numerous artists, we focus on those poised for greater exposure or ready for their first solo exhibition. This consideration extends to a broad spectrum of media—from video art and photography to new paintings and installations. Our mission is to spotlight artists from varied backgrounds and life experiences, particularly emphasizing women artists, who have historically been underrepresented, especially women of color. By doing so, SAM not only showcases a wide range of artistic expressions but fosters an inclusive platform where diverse voices and stories can resonate and enrich the artistic narrative.

How do you do to keep things fresh in the gallery space? Artists keep it fresh! We are a non-collecting institution. Our operational model is a kunsthalle, German for “art hall” or “art shed,” which, as distinct from a kunstmuseum refers to a non-collecting institution that presents art on loan from other institutions or individuals. As such, it is incumbent on us to rotate our exhibitions. Our mission is to have an ever-changing schedule of exhibitions by world-class artists. We seek to bring the global art world to Sarasota. The dynamism of the exhibits and the ever-changing flow of messaging presented by the artists keep SAM’s gallery space fresh.

In addition to being a museum, SAM has wonderful educational offerings for children, families, and adults. Please tell us more. SAM is a hub of inspiration and learning for all ages. Our Saturday Family ArtLab, from 1 to 3 pm, offers families a chance to explore artmaking in a casual setting. This program, free with admission, allows an adult to bring two children under 17 at no extra cost. Participants can enjoy various Museum activities, dine at the Bistro, or visit SHOP+Museum. Each week features new art activities inspired by our current exhibitions. Additionally, every second Sunday, SAM opens its doors for free, hosting family-friendly performances and art workshops from 11 am to 4 pm. Highlights include live music and Asolo Repertory Theatre’s interactive Activating Words performance. These events, supported by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, embody our commitment to making art accessible and engaging for everyone.

You have made quite an impact on SAM since your arrival in August 2021. What are your long-term goals and vision for its future?Sarasota’s vibrant growth attracts a global community, creating a dynamic city. SAM has become a joyful haven, drawing visitors worldwide. It’s exhilarating to see SAM as a key reason people visit and return to Sarasota. Recently, a Czech couple, captivated by our events, eagerly inquired about future programs, planning their visits around SAM. This enthusiasm confirms SAM’s role as a cultural magnet and a pivotal part of Sarasota’s identity. Our vision is to make SAM the heart of Sarasota’s art scene, a destination with global appeal. We aim to transform SAM into a cultural and economic landmark, significantly impacting both the local community and visitors from afar.

You and your team have developed very creative fundraising events in support of SAM—Art Bash, Unconventional Evening, En Plein Air Wine Dinner, and a luncheon series featuring guest artists. Please share a peek of each and what supporting these events means to SAM.
At SAM, our fundraising events are designed with the same creativity and vitality that defines our art. We strive to make each event an immersive experience, encouraging guests to connect deeply with our community. Our annual Art Bash is the pinnacle of socializing in the art world, and we’re grateful for Sarasota Scene’s support. This year’s Unconventional Evening, a Valentine’s Day spectacular, promises a dynamic blend of art, performance, and interaction. Our En Plein Air Wine Dinner in April, a brainchild of the talented Laura Stuart Wood and her team, blends contemporary art themes with exquisite fine dining. Our luncheon series takes a more intimate approach, focusing on artist-inspired cuisine and conversation. These events aren’t just gatherings; they are carefully crafted to transcend the ordinary, creating lasting memories and forging strong connections with our community. In philanthropic Sarasota, we aim to reciprocate the support we receive by offering unforgettable, artistically charged experiences.

If someone wants to get involved with SAM, in addition to attending fundraising events, please tell us where they start. SAM offers a variety of community engagement opportunities beyond special events. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College provides non-credit, stress-free learning experiences for adults over 50. Unique in the U.S., this program offers intellectual joy without the pressure of grades or tests. Meanwhile, The Studios at SAM welcome people of all ages and skill levels to explore art. Our diverse classes, taught by professional artists and Ringling College professors, range from painting and ceramics to photography and anatomy drawing. These classes are more than just learning art; they’re about building community and enhancing mental well-being through shared creative experiences. Additionally, volunteering as a Museum Guide at SAM is a fulfilling way to engage with art. While prior experience in guiding or art history is beneficial, it’s not necessary as we provide comprehensive training. This role is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of contemporary art and contribute to our community-focused mission.

After you leave the museum each day, what are some of your other interests in town? I have an amazing family that I love to spend time with, and I have a great yoga community that helps restore my mind and body after a long week at the Museum. I’m also a wanderer who does not like to structure my free time. I shun planning, obligations and scheduling my off hours. I would much rather go for a long walk in one of my favorite spots in Sarasota with my dog. This gives my mind time to breathe and think about things I do not have time to consider during the week. I go to Siesta Key Beach to walk on the sand, and I kayak and paddleboard at Turtle Beach. There is not a week that goes by that I miss out shopping at The Exchange and Designing Women. I love both of those places! I am excited to see the restaurant scene growing in Sarasota, with all the international flavors and new foods being presented by small business owners. I am super into this ramen house on Clark Road. I’m also a huge fan of bubble tea, which I am glad to say has arrived in Sarasota in a big way.

What is your favorite place in the world and why?

One of my favorite places in the world for art is Shanghai. If ever I am presented with the opportunity to visit Shanghai, Beijing, and other provinces in China, I will be there in a moment’s notice. It has been a privilege and honor to experience art with Chinese colleagues throughout my career, and I will go back again and again. In my dream life, it’s a forest in Puget Sound. I go there every year to walk among the redwood trees, look at the ferns and smell the earth. I feel very small, because the trees are so big. It is an annual event each summer in my life because it makes me feel alive.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Sarasota Art Museum exhibitions, classes, and events, please visit sarasotaartmuseum.org.