AACG News
Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion to break ground in April
This April The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art will break ground on the 5,500-square-foot Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, which will be sited at the main entrance, adjacent to the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion. Opening in fall 2017, it will showcase The Ringling's growing permanent collection of American and European studio glass, including major gifts donated by Nancy and Philip Kotler and Margot and Warren Coville. The Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion will also serve as the formal entrance to The Ringling's Historic Asolo Theater.
Designed by Lewis + Whitlock, a regional architectural firm recognized for its commitment to innovative and sustainable design, the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion will be characterized by an engaging and sculptural façade, using glass as a principal material, enabling views into the gallery from the outside. Additionally, minimal interior finishes will provide a neutral backdrop to the works on display.
"It was only natural that the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion's dynamic façade, with its light-controlling fins, would be inspired by the sculptural effects that wind and water have on sand, a principal ingredient in the glass-making process," said Hays Layerd, Creative Director, Lewis + Whitlock. "Working together with The Ringling leaders to realize their vision of this important new addition to their historic site was exceptionally gratifying."
"The Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion provides a wonderful new entry experience for our visitors, strongly communicates that The Ringling is a significant presenter of both visual and performing arts, and conveys commitment to performers and visual artists engaged in creating the art of our time," said Executive Director Steven High.
Fifty years after the emergence of the studio glass movement in the US and the revival of glass art in post-war Europe, glass has become a highly esteemed and immensely popular medium. The Sarasota region boasts a high concentration of studio glass objects and collectors and its prominence in the contemporary glass world continues to rise.
"Thanks to the generous gifts from the Kotler and Coville families, historic and contemporary studio glass is a new and exciting collecting focus for The Ringling," said Matthew McLendon, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. "These objects and the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion allow The Ringling to increase public access to the collection and introduce or reintroduce our community to the importance of studio glass."
"We are delighted to support The Ringling in developing and showcasing its growing studio glass collections and look forward to sharing the medium's many facets through this marvelous new pavilion," commented the Kotler and Coville families.
| Posted 16 Jan 12
