Avant-Garde

Ringling College of Art and Design’s annual fundraiser Avant-Garde is committed to raising funds for student scholarships. Scholarships bridge the gap between the cost of a college education and the resources of the college student. Education and success go hand in hand. But what if a deserving student misses the opportunity to become a successful entrepreneur, filmmaker, teacher, or artist due to financial constraints?

Scholarships empower students to pursue their dreams, motivate them to aim high, encourage them to pay it forward, and prepare them for a lifetime of achievement. More than 90% of Ringling College students qualify for need and merit-based support, and most could not attend without scholarship assistance.

All of the proceeds from Ringling College’s annual Golf Tournament and Avant-Garde celebrations support student scholarships at Ringling College. Together, we can continue to transform the lives of these aspiring artists and designers.

2024 Gala

Details for the 2024 Avant-Garde will be posted here as soon as they become available.

As Ringling College’s signature annual costume gala, Avant-Garde entertains partygoers with dinner, dancing, and an extravaganza of exciting student work. All proceeds directly impact Ringling College students by providing scholarship support.

Contact

Office for Advancement
2700 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL, 34234
941-309-4733
941-359-7662 fax
giving@ringling.edu

2023 Gala

The 2023 Avant-Garde event on Saturday, March 18, was one of our most successful galas to date. The Ringling College campus was transformed into a Boogie Wonderland, back to a time when art didn’t just reflect but also changed the world. Guests came dressed in their 70s threads and enjoyed an evening of dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. The 2023 event showcased students and their work across all majors and highlighted the INDEX program (Industry Experience at Ringling College). The event was chaired by Dona Scott, Rosa Stanfield, and Jackie Tilton.

2023 Photo Gallery

2023 Recap Video

Video: Crossing the Finish Line

Video: 2023 Scholarship Winners

Video: Scholarship Finalists

Presenting Sponsors

Carolyn & Maurice Cunniffe

Champions

Edward D. & Anna Mitchell Family Foundation

Susan Palmer and Diane & Robert Roskamp

Underwriters

Ginny & Ravi Akhoury

Gloria & Ali Bahaj

Joy Bebry & Jeffrey Katz

Sondra & Gerald Biller

Robert & Anne Essner

Shirley and David B Sykes Family Foundation, Inc., Diane & Terry Gans

Sherry & Tom Koski

Jean Martin

Drs. Gail & Joel Morganroth

Pamela & Tom Reilly

Dona & Sam Scott

Jackie & Glenn Tilton

Leaders

APG

Beverly & Robert Bartner

Chartwells Higher Education

Custodial Maintenance

Sharon & Herman Frankel

Ann & Larry Garberding

Marcy & Michael Klein

Elenor Maxheim
Mary Ann & John Meyer

Janet & George L. Miles, Jr.

Rosemary & Lou Oberndorf

The Perlman Family Foundation, Richard Perlman & Ellen Hanson

Publix Super Markets Charities

Susan & Jim Travers

Benefactors

Peggy Allen & Steven Dixon

Pat & Robert Baer

Barbara Brizdle

Susan & Jim Buck

Jo Ann & Don Burhart

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Carol & Richard Kalikow

Kutya Major Foundation, Flora Major

Cornelia & Dick Matson

Isabel Norton

Brenda Patten & Steve Hutchinson

Milli Ricciardelli

Ringling College Library Association

Sam Samelson

Janet Schmidt

Eileen Scudder & Russ Zimmermann

Indu & Rajesh Soin

Kim & Mark Standish

Rosa L. & Willie M. Stanfield

Joann & Steve Stein

Judilee Sterne

Dale Strohl

Lois Stulberg

Charlotte & John Suhler

Janis & Skip Swan

Lois & Bernie Watson

Fellows

Peggy & Ken Abt

Lori & Devin Cahn

Marianne & Louis Cohen

Dr. Karen Craparo and Mr. Paul Thomson

Carole Crosby & Larry Wickless

Julie A. Harris

Bonnie & Michael Hartley

Nancy & Joseph Jacobson

Jeffrey Peterson

Leslie & Richard Rivera

Jackie & Angus Rogers

Rowles Family

Sarasota Estate Auction

Zelia & Martin Trueb