Through its exhibits, galleries and objects curated from old masters and contemporary artists alike, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art acts like a time machine. It informs patrons of the way things were, while creating a dialogue using the artistic portals of inspiration and expression. The Ringling’s newest collection continues this role by focusing on the time when America became America.
“Behind Closed Doors: Art in the Spanish American Home, 1492-1898” is the first major exhibition in the United States that explores the genesis of the modern American character through the artwork, objects, clothes and possessions of Spanish and British colonists and indigenous peoples. It spans from Christopher Columbus’ momentous first steps into the New World to Cuba gaining independence from Spain in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. To lend the vast amount of objects an added layer of authenticity and intimacy, the Ringling is using its newest initiative: docent tours in Spanish.
The museum believes the Spanish descriptions of the personal momentos and objects will help bring them to life. “Our long-term goal is to be able to offer a variety of languages,” says Maureen Zaremba, curator of education. “This was our first exhibition where we were able to offer bilingual description labels in English and Spanish.”
But when searching through their ranks of regular docents, Zaremba and Beth Mattison, Selby education fellow, could not find a tour guide comfortable or fluid enough in Spanish to lead groups through the exhibit’s immense treasure trove. But they didn’t have to look too far to find their solution — New College of Florida’s humanities department. Five eager students fluent in Spanish volunteered for docent training.