Statues Stand as Sentinels in Sarasota

[Linda Batey]

St. Armands Circle in Sarasota is a surprisingly interesting place to visit. The powers that be have made the history of Sarasota absorbing even to those of us who don't consider themselves history buffs.

 

Take the 33 statues that are placed among the beautiful landscaping. Beautifully restored, and some of them new, they beckon the visitor to take a closer look at the details of the incredible sculptures. I found myself using up most of my memory card in my camera on photographing these beauties, amazed at the talent that created them as well as the perseverance of the people who recognized the need for their restoration.

 

In 1998, young Adrian Zack was a Boy Scout looking for an Eagle Scout project and looked at the restoration of the then 16 statues that had originally been placed by John Ringling in 1920. The circus big-wig had brought the statues of classic Greek and Roman design to Sarasota as a means of bringing art and culture to its residents. Adrian's zeal for the project eventually caught the attention of Ed Pinto, a newcomer to Sarasota, ten years later. Ed Pinto garnered support for the project from many local associations and the City of Sarasota, and in 2008, the project was completed, along with the addition of 21 new marble sculptures, bringing the total to 33.

 

Art doesn't ordinarily move me, but the details of these pieces deeply moved me. The vibe of the people who live here and are responsible for this incredible undertaking moves me even more.

[Allie McCoy]

This is a far cry from the boy scout leader who wrecked irreplaceable stone formations in Utah.