Dianne Ventura
Professor Dunn
Hum: 1025
John and Mable Ringling Museum
As we drove up to the entrance of the John and Mable Ringling Museum, I was taken back for a moment. How could I have lived here in Tampa for seventeen years and never visit this place? I walked in and saw the grounds; this place was huge, well kept and full of history. My first stop was a stroll through Marble rose garden, it was beautiful , over one thousand-two hundred roses are planted in the garden the beautiful marble sculptures was placed in the right order, not overpowering the garden but just enough to accent the landscape. The stroll quiet relaxing, the cool air flowing through the trees, the sweet smell of morning dew on rose petal was the perfect way to begin the day. As my stroll ended I was told that the large tree surrounding the ground was much smaller, giving Mable a clear view of her garden from every room in her mansion. My next stop was the Museum of Art, what a beautiful exhibit. This was actually my favorite place in the entire museum. The first thing that captured my eye, was the twenty feet DAVID towing over the garden. Even though it was not the original, it was radiant. His poise and grace just over took the outdoor quarter. Viewing a sculpture in a text book and actually touching and seeing it in person is amazing. Remembering what I was taught in class; I started reviewing him carefully. Searching for all the characteristics was amazing. I was enjoying this and was in awe. As I got upstairs and was able to touch the sculpture I was amazed of how smooth it was, the original was made out of marble and this one at the museum was made from brass using the original cast. His feet were as long as my arm and his hands as large as my head. After viewing David and viewing all the other sculptures in the courtyard, I taught to myself how amazing theseartists were, having the ability to take a piece of metal or stone and create it into a work of art without the help of machinery.
Entering the door of the Museum of Art there were painting and sculptures everywhere, only a man of fine taste and elegance would have a building just for his masterpieces. I could not believe the amount of art effects that was displayed in this museum. The first painting was by Rembrandt van Rijn Lamentation, c 1650, in this painting you can clearly see, light vs. dark, there was also an portrait called the Portrait of a Woman that was listed as Rembrandt, however, it was stated on the information card that this portrait was done by one of his assistants under his supervision, it shows how the sitter portrayed historical and biblical characters. Next was the Portrait of Maria Bultelby Jan Anthoniszvan Ravesteyn, oil on panel. This portrait reflects the paintings of the aristocrat class, of the 17th century, with the beautiful gowns and elegance. There was quite a few painting byLodovico David, such as The Judgment of Paris which reflects the Baroque era with painting technique and color. There were also quite a few artists I have never seen, such as SimonVoute: Time discovering the love of Venus and Mars. At a glance I taught it was one of Peter Paul Rubens painting with the vivid colors of reds, blues, gold and voluptuous women. When I read the informational card I was shock to see that Simon Voute technique was very close to those of my favorite artist Peter Paul Ruben. Finally to the end of my tour in gallery 2 were Peter Paul Ruben’s Triumph of Divine Love and the Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek. Triumph of Divine Love, flying chubby cupids in a circular motion signifying a halo. A voluptuous woman as a motherly figure resembles Virgin Mary. The Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek, an episode from the Old Genesis14, this masterpiece is the largest and important piece in Ringling’s cartoons. Rubens again uses of gold and reds, the chubby angel fly above so peacefully. Next was my favorite, The Four Evangelists, standing in front is Saint Luke with his symbol, the ox. Saint Mark gospel is held underneath his arm and the angel and Saint Matthew are in the middle, showing balance in this painting. The lion and the ox are biblical symbols in this painting. I could not believe the size of these paintings, standing there in this gallery fill with fine art and was amazed. Wishing I could just feel the texture of these painting would have been highlight of this tour, but since I have a new found love of the art, I know in order for others to enjoy these painting, I’ll have to keep my hands to my side.
After being awed by the collection of John Ringling in his museum, my tour continued on to the Ringling Museum Circus Gallery, where I was able to see the costumes worn at the circus such as the Spec Costume. A beautiful crushed velvet dress covered in sequins. This costume was made for Don Foote: Puss and Boots in 1978. Also in the gallery was the first human canon used in at the circus, which was very unsafe but also very entertaining. Along with the human canon, there were the circus first box cars. There were also the private rail car of John and Mable that was built in 1905 for them to travel to next town the circus was going too. In the rail there were kitchen, full service restroom with an actual tub, sleeping quarters and lodging area. The rail had most of the original furniture’s and flooring. This was not only a well decorated rail car but traveling mansion with all the amenities of a home.
On my way out of the museum tucked in the corner was Emmett Kelly the most popular clown in America, better known as Weary Willie, red nose and raggedy clothing was also on display at the Circus Gallery. Using mime to communicate with the audience Willie was constantly compared to Charlie Chaplin. Another clown display was of Lou Jacobs who left a rich Legacy as a clown, with his giant smile and outrageous costume was also on display. But, what really caught my eyes was his Miniature car, two feet by three feet, and Lou who was 6'1", was able to drive it into big top and pop out with ease. It was noted that, Lou was able to do so by using the skills he learned as a tumbler and contortionist.
My third tour was the Tibbals Miniature Circus Museum. There I was able to see the full range of the circus in miniature form. The model represents the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus during its Golden Era, from 1919-38. The time and effort to build this replica of the actual museum took Howard Tibbals over a period of 50-years plus to create. Tibbals handcrafted almost 1 million pieces to make this miniature circus. It is listed that there are 1500 performers, 152 wagons, 7000 folding chairs for spectators, and dishes and tableware to serve 900 people in this miniature circus. Along with the above performers and wagons, there are also miniature y fully equipped train cars, a four-foot-high big top, 500 plus circus animals, thousands of other items that is a part of the 3,800-square-foot, 1/16th scale model three-ring circus. Based on the information video as you entering the display, it is stated, Tibbals wanted to keep historic accuracy of the circus so he collected over a million photographs and measurements of wagons, train cars, and other circus equipment so he can construct his model to a scale of 3/4 inch to a foot. I was also told that the miniature circus area is approximately the length of 1.5 football fields.
The best view of this little circus world is the night effect; it is as thought the circus comes alive and you feel as though you are part of the show. From the upper level you are able to get a perfect eye view of the entire display which is completely amazing. The back ground music of the circus and the noise of the animals is the right touch needed to draw one into the circus, giving a craving for a large bag of cotton candy so you can grab a seat to relax and enjoy the show. My final stop of my tour was the Ca`d’Zan Mansion: This 56 rooms’ mansion construction started in 1924 and was completed in the amount of $1.5million dollars. On my tour I was advised that the name of the mansion means “The House of John” in Venetian. The mansion is filled with it original furniture and art effects. This Renaissance style mansion overlooks the Sarasota Bay. Our tour guide advised us that John and Mable chose the Sarasota Bay because it reminds them of the Grand Canal of Venice and the mansion was modeled after the Ca d'Oro. Facing the rear part of the mansion John Ringling’s Yacht was dock in the bay. It was also stated that the Ringling’s would light the tower of the mansion whenever they were at the Ca d’Zan. The home is surrounding by hand painted stained glass that gives a warm feeling to the home. Mable would choose a color from the stained glass to decorate her bedroom. Mable also took picture throughout her travel in Europe to record all the art effect she wanted for their home.
In the home is a grand piano for the lavish party John and Mable would give. There were also intercom systems so the servant would be able to serve the guest efficiently . The kitchen still has it original Tiffany china and silverwares. Beautiful marble floor cover the entire home along with a thirty-two foot French tapestry rug. The foyer is filled with many beautiful and unique pieces from Europe, such as lamps, tapestries and paintings. The ceiling is done in shade of red color fresco, and there are a mix of exquisite treasures from past artificer such and mural on the wall and painting throughout the home that blends right in the décor. John and Mable slept in different room with where both beautifully decorated with European hand sewn linen of lace and batten burg lace. I could just imaging how wonderful it felt to by the owner of such a gem, a home overlooking your own rose garden from every bedroom in your house, then on the opposite side of the home the view of the clamming waters of the Sarasota Bay.

My only complaint in regards to the entire museum tour is that of the burial location of John and Mable Ringling. I feel that it should have been an intricate part of the tour. I was told at the end of the Ca`d’Zan tour that the grave site was at the left side of the mansion in the gardens. I had a difficult time finding the location of the graves. The garden was full of weeds and the tombstones were covered by leaves. For a couple as the Ringling’s who practically left their most valuable treasure to the State of Florida and the City of Sarasota, this was a complete disrespect. More pride and care are needed where these two generous soul are resting. If was not for them, someone as myself, would not have had the opportunity visited a Museum of this magnitude.

Henry B. Plant Museum
The Henry B. Plant Museum is the first museum I had visited with my daughters. As we drove up to the museum my youngest daughter was so excited to enter this unique and beautifully built former hotel. Entering the lobby we were giving information about the hotel and was told it was built in 1891 as the Tampa Bay Hotel, at a cost of $2,500,000 with no investors, it took two year to be built with an additional $500,000 to furnish to this 511 room lavish Hotel for the rich and famous.
Sitting on 150 acres, this amazing hotel included a 2000 seat auditorium, casino, a lavish garden, heated indoor swimming pool that was converted into a Grand ballroom in the evening. Also on the estate there were a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts boathouse and a racetrack. A total of 21 buildings which house most of Henry favorite past time activities, such as ; bowling alley, spa facilities and card rooms.
The inside of the hotel was decorated with finest Victorian furniture that Mr. Plant and his wife personally purchase while in Europe. For this reason he wanted every inch of the Hotel to be furnish with art effects and that will attract the rich and famous from the north too vacation in Tampa Bay during the winter months. Henry even owned his own railroad and steamboat system to make the journey to the hotel easy and efficient for his guest. The linen in the hotel was hand washed and iron three times a day to make sure that the guest always had clean linen.
The eating accommodation was separated by the adult in the ballroom and the children and the nannies in the adjacent room. The children were never permitted to dine with the adult. For each setting fine china which is display in the museum was use for the seven course meals by the full staffed live in cooks and servers. This hotel was the first electrical ran hotel, however because of water shortage the guest were only permitted to take a bath once a week. In the Spanish-American War Room, there is literature that gives you the role the hotel played in the war 1898 between the United States and Cuba. Because of the hotel is now listed as a National Historic Landmark. In the corridors of the hotel/museum there are still quite a few European furniture and art like the “Wine and Women” painting in the music room. of the Gilded Age. There are two display bedroom that are actual stage the exact same Henry and his decorated the rooms of the hotel. We were told that these room could be rented for $5.00 for a regular room and $15.00 a night for the three room suite. The hardwood floor is still the original and the bathroom where restored to its original state. The patio surrounding the hotel was the relaxing spot for most of the guest to enjoy and keep cool, however the adjacent patio was the drop point for the passenger riding the railroad. In the reading the tobacco bowl sits right to the foot of the table for the men who chewed tobacco. Some of the original newspaper with scripted writing was also displayed in the music room from 1896, this room is the most accurate historical in the entire hotel/ museum. It molding is the original state and have never been untouched. This hotel also house the first elevator in Florida, however because it is three story high the hotel do have beautiful hardwood crave staircase throughout the hotel. At the end of the tour we were told that some of the furniture was missing after Henry Plant and his wife pasted away and the hotel was closed and taken over by squatters. However after the state of Florida took over the main part restored to keep it historical qualities, however the rest is now classroom and banquet hall for the University of Tampa. This museum has such a wonderful feel to it, it takes you back in time, opening you mind and imaging how this hotel severed the elite and also place Tampa Bay on the map and as a must visit vacation spot.
The Woman and Children of Darfur The play of What the Heart Remembers: The Woman and Children of Darfur held at the USF Theater were wonderful. It was a great depiction of the Rwandan genocide of 1994 through the eyes of the people that lived through displacement, slaughtering, starvation and rape of the Sudanese. Entering the play there were art effects from the children of Darfur displayed in the entrance way of the theatre, somewhere graphic and heart rinching but most of the painting showed the pain and suffering that these individual witness and experienced. This play had twelve sections to it; the first section was the prequel: (Shall I tell you of my Darfur?) It gave a brief synopsis of the life in Darfur and the anguish the people felt when the genocide begun. In the second (Village Portrait), the actors assembles in a series of freeze frame poses that depicted the torture the people of the refugee had to encounter. The depiction of the scenes made you not only thinks about what they went through but also made feel the pain of the refugees. Section VII (The Road to Water). The woman of the refugee chanted, “It is my turn to get the water. I know that when I return, I will not be me.” This was the saddest part of the play for me. It shows the conditions the women went through just to provide water for their families. The women were beaten, tortured and raped on the way to the watering source. In one attempt as one of the woman were on the way to get water, the soldier’s rape and beat her to death. At this point I was agreed yet sadden by the pain and humiliation the dancers depicted. The fact that they have to live through this on a regular basis is unthinkable.
Catherine Costa flute /vocalist and Barry Skeete on drums provided the music that captured your attention and put you in the feeling and frame of mines as being in the middle of the village of Darfur. Especially when the water stick was used in the section of the The Road to the water was a nice touch to scene.
Death, Burial and Sorrow, a child died from starvation and the body of a child is brought out, with feet hanging and arm dangling to show the limpness in her body, she was placed onto a litter where the mother and women of the village cried and whaled with grief. Clearly can see the pain of this lifestyle as the mourners and the mother of the child carried her out for the burial. Another precious life, taken from the bosom of a mother and the women of the village. “Love Duets.” A peaceful yet uplifting part of this play, a dance showing the love the women left for their man who was about leave. As she says “Now I remember you.” This was a clear indication of the sadness she had, but used this dance as a way to embrace and cherish the few moment they will share. She is held tightly and felt safe, an indication that he will return to protect.
“Resilience and Hope: This is Not the Time,” is repeated continuously to gives us and the message that this is not the time to be silence, We must listen, see and speak to move this mountain that block the freedom of the Darfur women and children. We must carry in our hearts what we have witness, to go out and spread the word of the suffering and genocide. The student of USF and the children that participate in this play gave an amazing performance I was able feeling the pain and emotion through cast. As the opening act stated “If you are facing the mountain, you can move the mountain.” That resonated in my memory as we listen to the guest speaker at the play Rebecca Tinsley Director of Waging the peace, she went in to details and explained to us that this play is not about something that happen year ago, but a problem the Darfur are still facing today. She urges us to fight for justice for the refugee in Rwanda / Darfur. She stated over 300, 00 death tolls, 2,700,000 Darfuris, estimated have lost their homes since the start of the genocide of 1994. 3,500,000 women and men and children rely on humanitarian aids. So we must remember the crisis continues and the government terror is still active and increasing.
Rebecca Tinsley encourage us to join the save Darfur community and spread awareness about what I have learned, write letters to the President and Congress representative so they can deploy an international force to protect the people of Darfur. So I will fight for the freedom and peace for the families in Darfur.

The Cardboard Stories: Blissful Turmoil
Cardboard Stories a play about faces of the homelessness in the Tampa Area. This production was held at the Palladium Theatre in St. Pete. As I was watching Bay News 9, the announcement was made about the Play and I decided to go just to make up the amount of performance need to write my paper, but to my surprise this play has change my life drastically. It made me has an appreciation for all that I have the strength I needed to never give up on my dreams and to change my outlook on the homeless.
Blissful Turmoil is a part of the tetra logy for Cardboard Stories. This play focus on the homeless, a young girl who has aged out of foster care and is now on the street with a baby of her own and no place to live. The scene located in Williams Park and the bus terminal that is located right across the street from the park. The play in focus on Allie who lost her mother and sister due to an automobile accident two years ago. She was forced to live with her step- father who sexually abused Allie for years, after running away on several occasion Allie was placed in the custody of an older sister.
Allie’s older sister was not concerned of Allie’s well being, but was more interested in the Social Security check she received on a monthly base. Longing for the love of her mother and her little sister who past, Allie became pregnant, thinking that would and could bed be loved. As the play progress, the announcement of her pregnancy change everything in Allie’s life, she was kick out by sister and went from foster care to foster care until she was place in the care of a wonderful woman named Auntie Evelyn. Auntie Evelyn had health complication and had past and again Allie along with her baby was calling Williams Park home. She was meet Jack the

protector of the park. Jack was an Army Veteran who had mental problem and was also homeless. Even though he may have been mentally ill, Jack felt like it was his job to keep those who call the Park home safe. Jack introduce Allie to Hope, a college student who was conducting research for her term paper, then became her passion to help those in need.
Because of Allies age she was no longer the responsibility of the State, and without an address , there was no way for her to apply for any type of assistance from the government. Allie did want any handout she just wanted a place to call home and to take care of her baby. The plays also focus on the lives of three other homeless people, each with their own unique story about the circumstances that led them into homelessness. The executive of a market firm, Bill, the Amanda the wife with a abusive husband who is about to kick her and her kids out the house. They will all interact and learn about the destiny that brought them together and will lead them to a place called home. These plays will educates us and give us the clear understating of the history and reason why some people are on the street. Most of them don’t just want handout but more a hand up from the pit that they are currently in.
The music in the play pulled you in and touched the heart of the audience, with the words of pain and hope flowing through the theatre. The voice of the cast settles in your heart and performance keep up at night wondering is there an Allie out there on the street looking for some place to sleep safely tonight. The cast came from many back grounds, two of the cast member who was in that play are homeless, but is trying to find a way out. Even though the play ended with Allie find safe haven at the nightly shelter. Her story continues in this three part series leaving us to wonder what will become of o Allie, Jack, Amanda and Bill. We will find out in three months, but in the mean time the PCCH has heighten the awareness about the varying of homelessness, raise funds to support t the Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless to provide help to the homeless individuals of Tampa Bay. And most of all motivate the public to take action in helping to prevent and end homelessness. As the series continue I will sponsor the cause by attending every play and give my contribution so we can transform our community so everyone can have a home.