Astro-Futurism quilts at Ringling Museum in Sarasota
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, FL presents Mid-Century Modern Astro-Futurism, artworks from the South Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild. This exhibition, on view at The Ringling’s Community Gallery in the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art, showcases innovative quilt art inspired by the iconic design and cultural trends of the 1950s and 1960s.
Each year, the South Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild presents its members with an opportunity to challenge themselves, their skills, and their creativity with a group challenge. This year’s challenge was written by guild member Peg Normandin, with a fun twist on The Jetsons Cartoon Series. The South Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild members were invited to create a quilt inspired by the 1950s and 1960s Mid-Century Modern Astro-Futurism trend.
“Our incredibly talented members have put a lot of time and effort into these quilts, and it shows,” Bridget Pasternak, President of the South Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild, said.
“This was a fun challenge based on Mid-Century Modern Astro-Futurism, or as I like to say make a quilt inspired by The Jetsons,” Peg Normandin, Vice President of Programming for the South Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild, said. “It is such a good fit for Sarasota, which is known to have some of the most iconic mid-century architecture. We hope everyone enjoys the show.”
The Community Gallery, a free public exhibition space, is dedicated to displaying works from community-based, non-profit, or student groups in the local Sarasota/Manatee area. Generously funded by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, this initiative fosters inclusivity and accessibility in the arts. This year, the gallery is co-managed by Eleanor Merritt Fellow, Dominique Goden.
“This experience has greatly enriched my early career in the museum field, providing me with invaluable hands-on experience in exhibition preparation,” Goden said.
Mid-Century Modern Astro-Futurism is currently on display at The Ringling’s Community Gallery through April 2, 2025. Exhibitions at The Ringling’s Community Gallery are always free to visit; visitors can check in at the museum’s Visitor Pavilion upon arrival and ask for a Community Gallery wristband. For additional information and hours, visit ringling.org.
About the South Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild
The South Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild’s mission is to provide an atmosphere of fellowship for persons interested in the art and craft of modern quilt making and related arts and to encourage the growth and development of modern quilting through art, education, and community. Find out more about this organization at South Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild’s main page.
About The Ringling
As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling is Florida’s center for the arts, history, and learning. Bringing the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences, The Ringling is a place of exploration, discovery, and respite.
The Ringling’s campus in Sarasota, Florida—which includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, a historic mansion, an 18th-century theater, the glass arts pavilion, and Bayfront Gardens—is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
