Bringing the Art of Asia to The Ringling

The David J. Patten Asian Art Fund

Established in 2018, the David J. Patten Asian Art Fund was created with one mission—to assist The Ringling with acquiring works in underrepresented areas in the collection, including works by indigenous and minority artists in Asia. His intent is to support the collection with annual funds so that acquisitions can be made immediately.

The first purchases, made in consultation with David, were two outstanding Asian works of art of an Indian miniature painting entitled "Sorath Ragini—The Lonely Lady in a Garden" from Rajasthan, Malpura, dated 1756. The other work was a Japanese color woodblock triptych depicting Tokyo firefighter exercises from 1876.

David subsequently decided to make The Ringling the sole beneficiary to his estate and trust. "The best way The Ringling can honor me for including the Museum in my estate plans is to make certain that my estate is used very judiciously for the purchase of outstanding Asian works of art for the Museum's permanent collection. I am so glad that The Ringling has the Center for Asian Art, since the art of Asia is all too often neglected and very often not even represented in American art museums."

Although limited mobility does not allow David to make trips to the Museum, Dr. Rhiannon Paget, Curator of Asian Art, and Associate Director of Development Michelle Young ensure that the Museum travels to David. "Through frequent communication via email and phone, videos and photos of gallery updates, virtual tours, the sharing of publications that have featured his supported acquisitions at the Museum, or even photos from Dr. Paget's travels in Asia, we aim to show David his monumental impact on our institution," says Michelle.

By donating his annual IRA required minimum distribution to his fund, David has supported the Museum's acquisition of eight works of art from Asia, and he does not intend to slow down. "I feel confident that Dr. Paget will be finding other outstanding Asian art treasures to be acquired for The Ringling's Center for Asian Art," he says. "She has done such an outstanding job in spending such funds by acquiring several exceptional works of art so far. I'm always amazed and so very pleased with what she'll recommend next as an acquisition."

Find out how you can easily leave a legacy of support for The Ringling. Contact Michelle A. Young at 941-358-2611 or michelle.young@ringling.fsu.edu to learn about your options.