Spring Hours
Monday - Friday: Open by appointment 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., no drop-ins
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Holidays: Closed January 15 and May 6, 2024
Location
Ringling College of Art + Design
2nd floor of the Alfred R. Goldstein Library
2700 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234
Schedule a viewing appointment
specialcollections@c.ringling.edu
Sign-up for a research consultation
https://calendly.com/goldstein-library
Cheri Marks (she, her) MFA, MSI
Special Collections Curator and Archivist
Cmarks@ringling.edu
941- 359-7583
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Our educational mission is to introduce our publics to diverse voices and ideas that challenge staid constructions of the canon and the master work. The Center routinely juxtaposes the familiar and widely recognized with the lesser known and the underrepresented. Through our work, we hope that the next generation of thinkers and makers will draw inspiration from a nuanced web of references.
Hands-On Object-Based Research
At the Special Collections Center, you can gather ideas for a creative project, engage in scholarly research, or discover something new. Gain hands-on experience utilizing primary sources in our reading room, and explore our unique collections through an active exhibition program and campus events. From social justice activism to international folktales to the latest in fabrication techniques, the material objects at the Center can be a great way to explore questions about conception, production, circulation, readership, and cultural histories.
Collection Types
The collections namely consist of artists’ books and photo-bookworks from the 1960s to the present; illustrated books and periodicals from the 1700s forward; historic and contemporary prints and printed matter from the 1450s forward; specialty archives and collections; and a new institutional archive.
You'll find: broadsides, campus materials, democratic multiples, documentation of time-based and performance projects, engravings, exhibition publications, experimental writing, fine press books, flip books, handmade editions, historic facsimiles, parlor toys, photographs, pop-up books, prints, rare books, zines, and more. See our SC Collection Guide for highlights and more in-depth info.
Open to Everyone
Open to students, staff, faculty, art and design practitioners, and the general public. Our Center functions as a reading room, classroom, print study center, and gallery. To schedule an individual appointment, research consultation, class visit, or group tour please contact our Center staff in advance.
Faculty Resources & Curricular Support
As a teaching resource for faculty, the Center can be utilized for class visits, critique sessions, performances, and extracurricular activities. For class visits, see How to Use the Center for a brief overview. Interested faculty/classes are also invited to collaborate with the Center on Exhibitions and Special Projects.
MAKE YOUR MARK
25/252 BOTTLES
EXHIBITION
Curated by Special Collections Curator and Archivist, Cheri Marks with help from Muling Tzai, Special Collections student assistant.
On view March 15 through April 5, 2024*
In the heritage-rich setting of Maker's Mark distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, 252 bottles emerged from a single barrel, curated by a delegation from Ringling College. Stop by to view 25 of these bottles crafted by Ringling College's community, marking the inauguration of a premier collection that stands as a celebration of craftmanship, creativity, education, and the spirit of giving back. This exhibition honors the collaborative spirit of students, educators, and professionals united in cultivating talent and contributing to the community. A selection of these bottles will be featured at the Avant Garde, Ringling College's signature fundraising gala for scholarships.
Special thanks are extended to those whose efforts were vital in the production of the bottles and oak boxes: Don Brandes, Jeff Bleitz, Scott Treibly, Matt Bilancia, Jeff Schwartz, and David Jackson. Their contributions were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
*Please note the Alfred R. Goldstein Library is currently swipe-access only, accessible with a Ringling College ID. Members of the public can phone the front desk at 941-359-7587 to see the exhibition during library hours.
Photo: Poster of exhibition information with decorative illustrations. Created by Special Collections student assistant Muling Tzai.