Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design (SAM) is proud to announce plans to give back to the community by donating 650 basketballs to Sarasota County Schools and select community groups following the close of its exhibition, Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press. The basketballs are currently featured in a towering pyramid sculpture by artist David Huffman titled Basketball Pyramid, as part of SAM’s presentation of the nationally traveling exhibition on view now through August 10, 2025. This commitment to giving back to the community through the arts began with a powerful gesture initiated by Huffman and proudly carried forward by Sarasota Art Museum.
“We are thrilled that the impact of this powerful exhibition will live on long after its closing date in the hands of local area youth,” said Sarasota Art Museum Executive Director Virginia Shearer. “We all know that art makes a meaningful impact here on the suncoast. This is just one more example demonstrating the many ways art benefits the everyday lives of Sarasotans.”
“This generous donation will come just in time for the 2025-2026 school year,” shared Angela Hartvigsen, Fine Arts Program Specialist for the Sarasota County Schools. “Community support like this fuels dynamic, hands-on learning and keeps students moving—literally! We are extremely grateful to Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design for their amazing gift of hundreds of basketballs, which will bring energy and excitement to our physical education programs across the district.”
Of the 650 total basketballs, 546 balls will be distributed to 39 Sarasota County Schools, including 16 Title I Schools. Recipients include Alta Vista, Ashton, Atwater, Bay Haven, Brentwood, Cranberry, Emma E. Booker, Englewood, Fruitville, Garden, Glenallen, Gocio, Gulf Gate, Lakeview, Lamarque, Phillippi Shores, Southside, Tatum Ridge, Taylor Ranch, Toledo Blade, Tuttle, Venice and Wilkinson Elementary Schools; Booker, Brookside, Heron Creek, McIntosh, Sarasota, Venice and Woodland Middle Schools; and Booker, North Port, Oak Park, Pine View, Riverview, Sarasota and Venice High Schools. Additional balls will be distributed to Laurel Nokomis and Sky Ranch schools. The remaining 104 basketballs will go to serve local organizations including All Star Children’s Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota, Girls Inc., Gulf Coast Sports Group’s Lions Club program, Sarasota City YMCA Branch and Sarasota Housing Authority’s Youth Thrive program.
“Sarasota Art Museum has consistently gone above and beyond to make sure every corner of our community feels seen, included, and supported,” shared Charles Walker, Sarasota Housing Authority Youth Thrive program manager. “Their latest donation of basketballs is just one more example of how they truly understand and respond to the needs of our youth. With Orange Ave. Park just steps away, basketballs are one of our most requested—and hardest to keep—items. This thoughtful gift from SAM is more than just equipment; it is an investment in the well-being of our youth, and a reflection of a partnership that continues to enrich lives in a meaningful way.”
“We are honored to be part of this inspiring initiative that brings together art, community and youth engagement,” said Roscelyn Guenther, senior director of Program Services for Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. “The donation of basketballs from David Huffman’s Basketball Pyramid is more than just a gift of equipment. It’s a creative way to connect young people with the ideas and energy behind the exhibition. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, we’re always looking for ways to spark curiosity, promote healthy activity, and broaden horizons. This generous contribution helps us do exactly that, both on and off the court.”
Personal to Political is a nationally traveling exhibition organized by Bedford Gallery and curated by Carrie Lederer, former Bedford Gallery curator.
