… the art of shopping!Proud member of the Museum Store Association

WeYLocal ArtAfter you savor the always exciting FLAG exhibition, visit Isabelle’s to enjoy and purchase the artwork of Florida artists, several of whom are FLAG members. Whether original art, fine crafts and jewelry, a variety of engaging art toys, kits, books and posters, or a special hostess gift, you are sure to find something unique and distinctive for every taste and budget.

Isabelle’s Museum Store presents inaugural Trunk ShowAs a complement to LRMA’s recent landscape-themed exhibitions, Isabelle’s Museum Store hosted “A Personal Landscape” on November 13, the museum’s first-ever trunk show. LRMA’s lobby, store and Interactive Gallery were artistically arranged by volunteer Leah Slavensky to provide a festive backdrop to showcase our vendors, Diane Prekup, Spathose and Italianissimo.

Guests wandered throughout the various venues and tried on superbly crafted wearable art and jewelry; learned about the processes as developed by the artists; and enjoyed tasty treats and beverages, all with the backdrop of beautiful music provided by cellist, Theresa Villani, and pianist, Robert Shone.

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St. Petersburg College is an Equal Access/Equal Opportunity institution. 15-0013-02

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is to collect, conserve, exhibit and protect the works of art entrusted to its care and stewardship. Through its exhibitions, programs and expanding collection of 20th and 21st century art, the museum strives to engage and inspire our diverse community by providing opportunities for education, enlightenment, interpretation and research to students, scholars and visitors.

Ann Larsen, Director 727-712-5225R. Lynn Whitelaw, Curator 727-712-5210Patricia Buster, Education Coordinator 727-712-5226Beth Becker, Visitor Services Coordinator

727-712-5227Michele Bredal, Curatorial Prep Assistant 727-712-5202Jennifer Carlevatti, Communications

Specialist 727-712-5232Arlene L. Ehrlich, Visitor Services Staff 727-712-5762Larry Fineout, Preparator 727-712- 5212Aziza Gaisi, Education Assistant

727-712-5220Karen Keith, Weekend Visitor Services Staff

727-712-5762Cristina McCormack, Staff Accountant 727-712-5203Lynn F. Pierson, Museum Store Manager 727-712-5217Michele Schneidenbach, Membership

Coordinator & Administrative Assistant 727-712-5222

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art Board of Directors

William Schumacher, ChairmanVonda Woods, TreasurerJairo Garcia, SPC Student RepresentativeMary Mitchell AveryAnna BillirisKen DambrosioMaria EdmondsDestry FudgeHoush Ghovaee Deveron M. GibbonsMarleen P.I. GravitzEdward C. Hoffman, Jr.Taylor IkinRalph MelickDr. Carolyn RootRobin SaengerDr. Jonathan SteeleTownsend TarapaniDr. Francisco M. TorresGary ZinoEvelyn M. Bilirakis, Director Emerita

Ex-Officio Board MembersDr. William D. Law Jr., President, SPCDr. Marvin L. Bright, Provost, SPC Tarpon

Springs CampusAnn Larsen, LRMA Director, Board SecretaryFrances Neu, Vice President, Institutional

Advancement and Executive Director, St. Petersburg College Foundation, Inc.

from the

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directormuseum staff

I’m always inspired by my daily walks around the galleries, whether I listen in on a college class discussing a challenging work of art with their instructor, watch a child create a Calderesque sculpture with a grandparent in the Interactive Gallery, or watch docents leading tours. Sometimes the decibel level of a school group reminds me that art can evoke boisterous responses, while on quieter days, the museum is a peaceful, contemplative oasis.

At LRMA we hope our programs inform and inspire you every time you visit. To add another creative dimension to our programming for children and adults, we’re excited to begin offering studio-based and art appreciation classes and workshops. The first of these for adults will start in March with an introduction to working with polymer clay (more details on page 8), led by a nationally-recognized artist/educator. As we build the class schedule, your class suggestions are welcome.

I hope to see you in the museum—and studios—soon!

Ann Larsen

The care and feeding of a collectionDid you know that LRMA’s modern and contemporary art collection is composed of more than 6,000 works? To display it in its entirety would require several football fields of space (much larger than the museum’s current footprint).

As a result, the majority of LRMA’s collection is securely stored in a special vault between showings. Curatorial Department staff and volunteers are highly trained in object-handling procedures. These procedures vary based on the type of medium being handled and can include things such as wearing cotton gloves to prevent damage from the oils in human skin and noting structural weaknesses to avoid during transport. In addition, the Collections Manager must record the movement of every object that enters, exits or moves to a new location.

In the photo on the right, curatorial volunteers Lee and Mary Ann Evans catalogue and inventory works from the Contemporary Glass exhibition with assistance from Preparator Larry Fineout. After three years on display, the works were protected using archival materials and placed on shelves in the vault until they are ready to be enjoyed in another LRMA exhibition.

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Events and exhibitions are subject to change.For up-to-date information, visit www.spcollege.edu/museum or call 727-712-5762.

exhibitionsImages clockwise from top of page 5.

Abraham Rattner (American, 1893-1978), When We Were Together Frontispiece, 1944, Pen and ink on paper, 12 x 18 in., On loan from the SPC Foundation, Inc., LRMA 1997.1.2.58.1; Made of Clay installation in the Fine Art Crafts Gallery; Chaim Gross (Austrian/American, 1904-1991), The Ark, 1950, Color lithograph, 87/250, 21 x 22 in., Gift of Lothar J. Uhl, in honor of Allen Leepa, LRMA 2004.45

AREA 1David ChangRose Garden StudioOil on linen, 16 x 12 in.

AREA 2Cecily HangenYellow FlyingAcrylic, 30 x 40 in.

AREA 3Susan von GriesIndustrial VibeMixed media on canvas, 40 x 30 in.

AREA 4George B. TrimitsisEscapeMixed media, 24 x 36 in.

AREA 5Cheryl BogdanowitschNatural GloryWood, epoxy, acrylic, 43 x 22 x 25 in. 

AREA 6Sydney McKennaRoadside Rain RushOil on canvas, 24 x 18 in.

AREA 7Peter ZellSpring Street 1950Oil, 24 x 28 in.

AREA 8Jeffrey Smart BaisdenDecadence: Broken PromisesColored pencil, 15 x 21 in.

AREA 9Terrie Corbett All My Cats Purr Like ThisEncaustic, 8 in. square

AREA 10Dinett HokSpring EquinoxAcrylic, 18 X 36 in.

Special exhibitionFlorida Artists Group 65th Annual Exhibition MARCH 1 – MAY 3

The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is pleased to host the 65th annual exhibition and symposium of the Florida Artists Group (FLAG). This non-profit organization was incorporated in 1949 and represents the oldest professional artists’ group in Florida. FLAG members are selected by a jury, and the organization is comprised “of artists whose work has attained national or state-wide recognition.” The purpose statement for the group “is to stimulate attainment of the highest standards of creative art within the state of Florida.”

Each year, FLAG hosts its exhibition and symposium at a different cultural institution around the state. LRMA last showcased FLAG’s events in 2009. Many of FLAG’s members are art educators and several St. Petersburg College faculty members are

among its award-winning participants. This year, approximately 90 artists, representing the 10 areas in the state, will display works for juried award competition in a variety of media – painting, sculpture, mixed media and graphics. The judge for this year’s exhibition is Frank Faulkner, a nationally acclaimed painter, artist and interior designer, who lives in Hudson, New York. As a companion exhibition, screenprints by Faulkner from LRMA’s permanent collection will be on view in the Focus Gallery.

For more information about Florida Artists Group (FLAG) visit www.floridaartistsgroup.org.

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in the Permanent Galleries

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Upcoming special exhibitionHenry and Abe: Finding AmericaMAY 17 – AUG. 16Presenting Sponsor: Carol E. Martin

Writer Henry Miller (1891-1980) and painter Abraham Rattner (1893-1978) developed a unique relationship, a true attraction of opposites that spanned over 45 years. The controversial Miller met Rattner in the cafés of Paris in the early 1930s. In 1937, Miller published the book Scenario: A Film without Sound and asked Rattner to provide an illustration to visually complement the surrealist imagery of the book. Miller’s many writings about Rattner have served as source material for the artist, particularly during his Paris years.

Both Miller and Rattner left Paris in 1939 as change engulfed the politics and culture of France. In New York City, they reconnected and discussed their sense of alienation and desire to travel in the United States to better understand the land of their birth. Miller’s publisher supported the idea of a road trip, and with a $500 advance, the two set off to “re-discover” America. They departed Saturday, October 26, 1940 in a second-hand 1932 Buick roadster. From New York City, they traveled through the Mid-Atlantic states, followed the Appalachian Mountains down to Chattanooga and then journeyed through the Southern states before ending their trip on January 26, 1941 in New Iberia, Louisiana.

Henry and Abe: Finding America is an exhibition of drawings, paintings, books, archives, artifacts and didactic material that provides context for a historic road trip taken by two of America’s most interesting mid-20th century cultural figures. The exhibition is organized by the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art with donations from the Jewish Museum in New York City and loans from: Guild Hall, East Hampton, NY; Shadows-on-the Teche Historical Home and Gardens, New Iberia, LA (a National Trust Property); and the private collection of Lucy Dos Passos. Further support has been provided by the Henry Miller Memorial Library, Big Sur, CA, and the Archives of American Art, Washington, DC. A major symposium with three leading Henry Miller experts will be held at LRMA on June 6.

Jewish Life: Prints from the CollectionThe Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is pleased to present 12 prints from its collection that focus on the theme of Jewish life. The prints were created by artists known for their depictions of Jewish customs and cultural identity. Many of the prints reflect nostalgia for times past. For Jews in the Diaspora, meaning Jews outside of Israel, it is shared history, literature and custom as well as religious belief and practice that creates a feeling of community and belonging.

Jewish Life: Prints from the Collection is on view throughout the months of March, April and May. During this time several significant springtime Jewish holidays will take place, including Purim (a joyous festival, March 5), Pesach (Passover, April 4-11) and Shavuot (the Giving of the Torah, May 24-25). It may be interesting to note that Jewish holidays begin at sundown the night before the first day and end at sundown the night before the first day and end at sundown on the last day. While these holidays are based on Biblical events, April 16 acknowledges a modern observance, Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, a somber commemoration of the six million Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis during World War II.

Each of the images in this exhibition tells a story of Jewish life. Please take the opportunity to view these works and learn more about Jewish holidays and customs. The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art wishes to thank donors Carole and Alex Rosenberg, Lothar J. Uhl, and the SPC Foundation, Inc. for their gifts to the museum’s permanent collection and to recognize LRMA Docent Gail Simon for her curatorial contributions.

FINE ART CRAFTS GALLERY

Made of Clay: The Art of CeramicsClay from the earth was used in some of the earliest artifacts made by man. Advancements in pottery, including hand-building techniques, the use of the potter’s wheel, firing clay objects in a kiln, and special glazing techniques have turned ceramics into both an art and science. While most pottery is seen as utilitarian, the modern era of ceramics (since World War II) has explored burgeoning technology and aesthetic appreciation for ceramic objects.

The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art has a growing collection of ceramics documenting its evolution as a fine art craft. The 17 works on view in this exhibition span from a large 1930s Art Deco vase to a Picasso owl figure created in 1951 to large-scale ceramic pieces that are viewed as a sculpture. Many of the artists presented are ceramic educators working in art centers, colleges and universities through the state of Florida and southeastern United States. The museum is pleased to highlight works by Jonathan Barnes, Kim Kirchman and McKenzie Smith, three ceramic artists from the St. Petersburg College Fine Arts Department.

spring 2015

For up-to-date information on these and other exciting programs at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, visit www.spcollege.edu/museum or call 727-712-5762.6

happenings

MARCH

1 Sunday 65th Annual Florida Artists Group (FLAG) ExhibitionOpens to the Public

Jewish Life: Prints from the CollectionOpens to the Public

6 Friday Focus FridayNoon, Focus Gallery, free with admission

Learn more about art, art history and the museum’s expanding collection. Each month, from September through May, a different object is the focus of a short, informal presentation by one of LRMA’s docents. For March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, three cliché-verre works by Maggie Foskett will be presented by Nancy Krauss and Lyn Tebrugge.

20 FridayArt, Books and Community (ABC) Reading Club1:30 p.m., free with admission

Palm Harbor Library Director Gene Coppola facilitates this bimonthly program held at the museum. Members read books about modern and contemporary art and enjoy light refreshments. March’s selection is Thomas Hart Benton: A Life by Justin Wolff.

22 SundayGallery Talk: Jewish Life 3:00 p.m., LRMA galleries, donations welcome

LRMA docent and Guest Curator Gail Simon will introduce visitors to the Jewish Life exhibition. Simon has an extensive background in Jewish education. She was Director of Education for Temple B’nai Israel in Clearwater for 17 years and has received several teaching awards including the Ratner Fellowship for outstanding teaching in the Cleveland Jewish community, the Yitzhak Rabin Educator of Excellence Award and the Lifetime Jewish Educators Achievement Award, both from The Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties. 

25 WednesdayLeap into Art at Leepa-Rattner!3 p.m., Challenge of Modern Art Gallery, free with admission

Great for ages 4-8, this program features stories about art read by Palm Harbor Library Youth Services Librarian Marisa Meale and a related hands-on art activity led by LRMA Education Assistant Aziza Gaisi. Families are encouraged to arrive early to view the galleries. The theme for March is Bunny Tails and the books are The Easter Egg by Jan Brett, Rabbityness by Jo Empson, and What Does Bunny See? by Linda Sue Park.

APRIL

3 FridayGood FridayMuseum administrative offices closed.

10 Friday Focus FridayNoon, Focus Gallery, free with admission

Learn more about art, art history and the museum’s expanding collection. Each month, from September through May, a different object is the focus of a short, informal presentation by one of LRMA’s docents. For April, Richard Florsheim’s 1949 painting The Turmoil and the Shouting will be presented by Barbara Schnipper.

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Visit www.facebook.com/leeparattner and give us a like. In return, we’ll remind you about upcoming events a few days in advance. Go on, show us some love!

19 SundayFlorida Artists Group Roundtable3-5 p.m., Fine Arts Auditorium, donations welcome

Enrich your knowledge of the Florida Artists Group exhibition by attending this roundtable discussion featuring several of the artists represented.

29 WednesdayLeap into Art at Leepa-Rattner!3 p.m., Challenge of Modern Art Gallery, free with admission

Great for ages 4-8, this program features stories about art read by Palm Harbor Library Youth Services Librarian Marisa Meale and a related hands-on art activity led by LRMA Education Assistant Aziza Gaisi. Families are encouraged to arrive early to view the galleries. The theme for April is Going Green and the books are My Forever Dress by Harriet Ziefert, Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis, and Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art by J.H. Shapiro.

2 SaturdayWelcome to Tarpon Springs: A Historical and Cultural Overview2 p.m., Fine Arts Auditorium, donations welcome

Tina Bucuvalas, Arts and Historical Resources Curator for the City of Tarpon Springs, will introduce FLAG members to the history and culture of the area.

Juror’s Insights and Reflections: The 2015 FLAG Exhibition3:30 p.m., Special Exhibitions Gallery, donations welcome

Frank Faulkner, FLAG judge and acclaimed artist and interior designer, will give a tour of the exhibition. A selection of Faulkner’s screenprints from LRMA’s collection will be discussed at May’s Focus Friday.

Closing Reception 65th Annual Florida Artists Group (FLAG) Exhibition5-7 p.m., Free to members with RSVP, $10 general public

Join us for light refreshments and to meet the artists of the Florida Artists Group. RSVP by April 28 to 727-712-5229.

3 Sunday65th Annual Florida Artists Group (FLAG) ExhibitionCloses to the Public

17 SundayHenry and Abe: Finding AmericaOpens to the Public

The Curator Speaks: Henry and Abe3 p.m., Special Exhibitions Gallery, donations welcome

LRMA Curator Lynn Whitelaw will give a gallery talk about the special exhibition he organized.

22 FridayArt, Books and Community (ABC) Reading Club1:30 p.m., free with admission

Palm Harbor Library Director Gene Coppola facilitates this bimonthly program held at the museum.

Members read books about modern and contemporary art and enjoy light refreshments. For May, members will read publications related to Abraham Rattner and the Henry and Abe exhibition. For details, please call (727) 712-5226.

25 MondayMemorial DayMuseum administrative offices closed.

27 WednesdayLeap into Art at Leepa-Rattner!3 p.m., Challenge of Modern Art Gallery, free with admission

Great for ages 4-8, this program features stories about art read by Palm Harbor Library Youth Services Librarian Marisa Meale and a related hands-on art activity led by LRMA Education Assistant Aziza Gaisi. Families are encouraged to arrive early to view the galleries. The theme for May is Spring: It’s a Flowery Thing and the books are Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert, Sky Sweeper by Phillis Gershator, and Through Georgia’s Eyes by Rachel Rodriguez.

31 SundayJewish Life: Prints from the CollectionCloses to the Public

MAY

1 Friday Focus FridayNoon, Focus Gallery, free with admission

Learn more about art, art history and the museum’s expanding collection. Each month, from September through May, a different object is the focus of a short, informal presentation by one of LRMA’s docents. For May, FLAG exhibition judge Frank Faulkner’s Palm I, Palm II, and Still Life will be presented by JoAnn Voigt.

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newsArt classes coming soonLRMA is adding a number of classes and workshops to extend the member and visitor experience with hands-on, studio-based and art appreciation offerings for both children and adults! The first of these will be:

Polymer: Exploring a New Medium

• Instructor: Karen Woods

• Dates: Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. March 18 through April 8 (4 sessions)

• Ages: Adults (16 and up)

• Cost: $96 public rate or $78 member rate, plus $30 material fee, which includes all clay, handouts and additional materials used in each technique.

Equipment to bring: A flat work surface such as a large 17”x17” untextured floor tile (easily obtainable at your local home improvement store) or similar size sheet of glass; an acrylic rod and slicing blade available in the polymer clay section of your craft store, and a pasta machine with clamp. Pasta machines can also be loaned by the instructor with advance notice at no charge (request when registering).

This introduction to the possibilities of polymer clay as an art medium begins by learning techniques including ombre shading, canework, mica shift manipulations, and mokume gane color layering. In combination, these techniques with “the new clay” will let the student achieve spectacular results in just a short time. They also lay a foundation for more complex ways of working with the clay that will be offered in future workshops.

Register in person at the LRMA Visitor Services desk or by phone at 727-712-5222.

An illuminating change in the galleriesWhen you visit LRMA in March, you may notice something different about the Challenge of Modern Art Interactive Gallery and the Changing Exhibitions Galleries. You’ll see them in an entirely new light thanks to recent upgrades by LumaStream. The innovative St. Petersburg-based company recently installed a state-of-the-art, low-voltage LED lighting system that’s designed to reduce energy costs without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of traditional lighting.

In addition to cost savings, a major advantage of the new system is precision. Through an iPad application, the system can be configured to turn on only the lights needed to illuminate an object and every light can be set to a specific wattage.

LumaStream was founded by Eric Higgs, a sculptor, environmentalist, and entrepreneur who sought new ways to efficiently light his large-scale sculptures. LRMA is among the first museums in the Tampa Bay area to install LumaStream’s next generation lighting solution.

Re-imagined website to launchComing soon to a browser near you: a new and improved LRMA website! The site is expected to launch sometime this spring and will feature enhanced content, a redesigned format, new functionality and an improved user experience. Some of the exciting new features available will include the ability to:

• View and RSVP for upcoming events

• Schedule group tours

• Sign up for the LRMA e-mail list

• Apply to be a volunteer or docent

• View and register for art classes and workshops

• Renew your membership

• Make a donation directly to LRMA

Finally, in a move to extend the museum’s brand and enhance its position in search engine results, the website address will change to www.leeparattner.com. Stay tuned for updates on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/leeparattner.

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mem

bership

Member trip: California, here we comeTo complement the upcoming exhibition Henry and Abe: Finding America, LRMA is planning an exclusive members-only trip to California, tentatively scheduled for early September. Destinations include the Monterey Museum of Art, the Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur and Hearst Castle in San Simeon, among other cultural sites. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a memorable meal at Nepenthe, the famous Big Sur restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean, as well as other unique dining experiences. Watch for an announcement on trip dates and prices on Facebook (www.facebook.com/leeparattner) as well as in our next newsletter, or contact Curator Lynn Whitelaw to be mailed a flyer when they are available.

Thank you to our membersThe Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art gratefully welcomes its newest, renewing and upgrading members who have joined since our last newsletter ( indicates upgraded level; bold italics indicate new members).

PATRON LEVELS:

Sustainers ($1,000)Dr. Patricia Miller

Advocates ($500)William and Hazel HoughFrancis LarewCharles and Claudia Sodaro

Contributors ($250)Michael and Elizabeth

Coachman Ken and Dori Dambrosio Charles DeGrandpre and

Marcia Makris Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Harris Barbara TomeoDr. Carolyn Root

Friends ($125)Harold and Carol BickfordMr. and Mrs. William BradyMr. and Mrs. F. Robert FritzDr. and Mrs. Burt GolubDon and Annette GordonRonald and Patricia HaddadDr. Sonia LinkeDr. Gordon and Mrs.

Antigone MerrittJohn and Esther MiseroyFrank and Ann Nixon

Dr. Gregory Rosasco Joan Saunders Van TilburgLothar UhlLynn and Linda Whitelaw

SUPPORTER LEVELS: Family ($65)Lisa Butler Dr. Fabrice and Mrs. Caroline

Adams Byrd-Denjoy Lorraine and Roger Golomb Sherry Holzman and Egils ElgutsMr. and Mrs. Jack King Thomas and Paula KramerGreg and Jaqueline MaloneMichael and Kay PetryszakRichard and Irene SalladinTownsend and Jenna TarapaniErnst & Gene Upmeyer

Dual ($60)Henry and Donna Cadorette Louise Barrett and Greg PelloneBennett and Sylvia EngelmanPaul and Mary FarrierRichard and Fern GordonMark Hardies and

Diane Prekup Robert and Sylvia HicksRobert and Jaime LorberJohn and Pam Luthin

Charles and Kimen MitchellHerb and Winnie MoorElizabeth A. Nace and Emil

Bugno Karl and Kathleen NichterJudith OvercashGary and Patrice PlatteisJay and Judy Roth John and Maureen Skipper Steven and Gail SimonGerald and Pamela ThompsonAlexandria and Robert WelkerDavid and Shelly Whiting

Individual ($40)Barbara BoguslawDeborah Seslar BoyleCindy BrayDorothy ChoateLinda CoboMuriel DesloovereFaith DevittRachel DiFransicoBarbara FisherJames L. FozardVirginia H. Glaiber Robert GreenH. Quimby HeotzlerKathleen HuffmanPatricia KeeleyMary Katherine Kelly

Member discounts on art classesAs a new benefit of your membership, LRMA is pleased to offer discounts on our upcoming studio-based and art appreciation classes. Each time a class is offered, you’ll notice two course fees – one for the general public and one for LRMA members. Simply mention that you are a member when registering for the course to receive the reduced rate. The first adult class to be offered is Polymer: Exploring a New Medium (see page 8 for more details).

Wanda KimseyLisa KoslowBlanche LevineJoan LevinsonDoris P. LindsaySelma MagedEvelyn McElwainLaura MessingKathleen MonahanRuth RoggDr. Vahak D. SarkisJudith SauersMary Sloan Margaret Smith Dr. Jonathan Steele Anita SteinfeldJames SweeneyJanet Treacy Mr. and Mrs. George

TrimitsisDorothy TruscottEleanor VasselThomas Whitelaw Barbara WitlinLaura WilhelmKathy Wilson

StudentBrett KroekerFred Taylor

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education

Art Mobile ends successful runThe “Totally Mod” Art Mobile has ended its four-year run. This exclusive arts enrichment project, sponsored by Pinellas County Schools, provides two truck trailers that may be retrofitted by local museums into curriculum-based mobile teaching spaces. Over a four-year period, the trailers visit every elementary school in Pinellas County, reaching over 100,000 students.

LRMA Founding Director Lynn Whitelaw imagined an art mobile partnership shortly after the museum opened. With leadership from PCS Art Supervisor Sue Castleman and with assistance from LRMA Education Coordinator Patti Buster, the project was steered to realization. The “Totally Mod” Art Mobile hit the road in early 2011. The Ellmar Foundation, a Tarpon Springs non-profit, funded the project’s cost, and ADM2 Exhibits & Displays of Tampa handled the design and construction. The revamped trailer became a “Totally Mod” interactive gallery including an original sculpture by Esther Gentle. Goals were to introduce students, their families and the community to the museum; to supplement the PCS art curriculum; to enrich learning through multi-purposed, interactive stations; and to foster an enduring appreciation of the visual arts. PCS art teachers Linda Crawley, Julie Levesque, and Amy Rioux wrote a curriculum guide and SPC Video Production Specialist Jeremy Peplow, with Anna Faiola and Stephen McFadden, created an introductory video featuring young student actors as guides. The museum provided a family admission pass for each child who visited the art mobile.

The museum extends its appreciation to Pinellas County Schools; the Ellmar Foundation; ADM2 Exhibits & Displays; SPC; and the talented contributors who worked passionately on the project. We are grateful that so many school children were enriched by the “Totally Mod” Art Mobile.

Education department receives grantSt. Petersburg College awarded the museum’s Education Department a $3,500 Innovation Grant. The money will fund a collaborative program with SPC’s Disability Resources Department titled Empowering Abilities through the Arts. SPC students with disabilities on the Tarpon Springs Campus will have the opportunity to attend a semester of art therapy sessions at the museum.

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giving

LRMA presents highest honorsSurrounded by family and friends and the beautiful music of the SPC Madrigalians, three longtime LRMA supporters received high honors from SPC President William Law, Museum Director Ann Larsen, and LRMA Board Chairman William Schumacher on Dec.13. In

recognition of her service on the LRMA Board of Directors, Evelyn M. Bilirakis was appointed Board Member Emerita. Lothar Uhl and Helen Gilbart were recognized for generous lifetime gifts to LRMA with the naming of the Lothar and Mildred Uhl Works on Paper Gallery and the Donald and Helen Gilbart Gallery. Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition.

The Rita Hayes and Robert Russek Scott Estate gift adds significantly to collection

To learn more about leaving a legacy at LRMA through a bequest or charitable trust, contact Museum Director Ann Larsen at 727-712-5225.

Television personality Rita Hayes Scott may be best known as the voice of Crisco advertising in the 1950s and 60s, but it is her generous gift to LRMA for which we will forever remember her.

Rita and her husband Robert, a fabrics broker, lived in New York City and spent time in Paris each year where they explored art and antiques galleries. They enjoyed collecting art and found interest in a variety of art forms including decorative, ethnographic and 20th century French and American fine art.

In 2007, the Scotts became acquainted with LRMA when they attended the Picasso Highlights exhibitions. This celebration of three Picasso-related shows included a traveling exhibition of Picasso Ceramics from the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art. The Scotts owned three Picasso ceramic pieces and were thrilled to see such a large collection. They were inspired by the museum’s architecture and exhibitions, and decided to bequeath part of their collection to LRMA.

In late 2013, Rita Scott, whose husband had passed away, asked Curator Lynn Whitelaw to view their collection and select items to be included in the bequest. The final selection included: The Meeting, a significant work by color field artist Kenneth Noland; an impressive tapestry titled Automne by Orphism co-founder Sonia Delaunay; a piece of Art Nouveau glass by Emile Gallé; an Art Deco ceramic urn from the 1930s; a 1951 ceramic owl by Pablo Picasso; a carved wood sculpture by Jim Collins; and seven additional paintings by various American and European artists.

While the bequest is an eclectic group of objects, it will enhance the museum’s collection areas significantly, and several pieces are of major importance.

Upon Rita Scott’s passing, the LRMA Board of Directors approved the bequest in May 2014. Two works are currently on view in the Made of Clay: The Art of Ceramics exhibition, and earlier this year, The Meeting and Automne were the subject of Focus Friday presentations.

Images clockwise from top: Kenneth Noland (American, 1924-2010), The Meeting, 1973, Acrylic on canvas, 79 ½ in. dia., LRMA, 2014.5.001, Bequest of the Estate of Rita Hayes and Robert Russek Scott; Sonia Delaunay (French/Russian, 1885 -1979), Automne, 1970, Hand-woven wool tapestry, 88 ½ x 65 in., LRMA 2014.5.003, Bequest of the Estate Rita Hayes and Robert Russek Scott; Unknown (French), Art Deco Vase (Montieres Studio), c. 1930, Luster glazed stoneware, 15 1/2 x 12 1/2 in. (dia.), LRMA 2014.5.013, Bequest of the Estate of Rita Hayes and Robert Russek Scott; Pablo Picasso (Spanish/French, 1881-1973), Owl with Feathers (Edition Picasso: Madaura Studio), 1951, Earthenware, decorated in oxides with knife engraving, 12 × 9 × 7 in., LRMA 2014.5.004, Bequest of the Estate of Rita Hayes and Robert Russek Scott

ST PETERSBURG COLLEGEPO BOX 13489ST PETERSBURG FL 33733-3489

spring 2015MARCH | APRIL | MAY

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art

Public HoursTuesday, Wednesday, Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Thursday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (March 12: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. only)Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Sunday: 1-5 p.m.Closed Mondays and major holidays.

Location Tarpon Springs Campus of St. Petersburg College600 Klosterman RoadTarpon Springs, FL 34689

Admission Adults – $6Seniors – $5Free for members, college students with ID, children 17 and under, and active duty military.Sunday – Individual admission is by donation

Docent tours every Sunday at 2 p.m. (no charge).

727-712-5762 (LRMA)www.spcollege.edu/museum

www.facebook.com/leeparattner

LRMALeepa-Rattner Museum of Art

The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art extends its appreciation to the following corporate and community sponsors:

Kinder-Morgan Foundation

LRMA is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Washington, D.C., a distinction held by only 6% of all U.S. museums.

Carol E. Martin

Visitor comments

“Our Docent, Gail, gave us a mini ‘art course 101’ on what to look for and how to look at a painting! Gail was most informative and one could tell she loved what she was doing!”

“Awesome experience with my 6 year old! She had a great time and is very excited to come back. Thanks for making this available for students and children. I’m sure we’ll be back soon.”

“I had fun. My name is Kaeli. Your museum of art is cool and awesome.”

“Thank you for a great tour of the museum for our homeschool group. It was very informative and the kids really loved it.”

Cover Image: Brie and Kaiya Ochoa (mother and daughter) sketching in the Challenge of Modern Art Interactive Gallery. Son Ryder is in the background.