special to the Venice Gondolier
The partial demolition of the historic Venice Circus Arena has taken place, revealing the superstructure that still stands strong after removing its shabby, neglected exterior. Stripped bare, the massive steel framework is a sturdy sculpture visible to anyone traveling across the Circus Bridge. It sits on the thick concrete base built to support elephants weighing several tons each when the Arena was the winter home of the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The Circus Arts Foundation remains committed to saving what remains, hopeful that temporary cladding with canvas might make the Arena useful as a performing center while continuing to seek funds for its revitalization.
Meanwhile, the Foundation has new headquarters, located at 200 Base Avenue in Venice. Thanks to the owners of Sharky's on the Pier restaurant, Mike Pachota and Greg Novack, the organization now has a 6,000 square foot building to use as office space and storage for tents, seating and equipment. The Foundation also has a collection of circus memorabilia gifted to it through the past several years; now there will be space to display many of these treasures.
If you are an occasional or regular shopper at the Saturday Farmers Market in downtown Venice which runs from eight a.m to noon, stop by the Foundation's booth to catch up on news, buy a bumper sticker or tee shirt or just visit with the volunteers who are helping keep the dream alive of restoring the Arena as an economic and entertaining reality.
Feedback from those who have come by our Market booth since the partial demolition of the Arena have been upbeat about the change. Many have expressed the idea that they can now see potential for the Arena that may have been difficult to visualize when its exterior was such an eyesore. Come by and tell us what you think.
The Foundation's next big event is our participation in the Ringling Clown College Alumni Reunion which is reaching out to 150 of these "graduates," for a three day meeting in October. On Saturday, October 12, attendees will gather all day on the Venice campus where they earned their professional credentials.
The festivities will be open to the public that day and will include the unveiling of a Circus Walk of Fame with engraved pavers celebrating circus "greats" who performed in the Venice Arena. It will be housed in what had been the Big Cat building where world famous animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams housed his amazing animal performers. A proposal is headed now to the Venice City Council to restore the roof on this structure and make it usable as a local museum.
Watch this column next month for details about the Clown College Reunion and how you can join in the fun that day. Or visit the Foundation website, www.venicecircusarena.com for up to date information.
Judy Houston is a writer and volunteer with the Venice Circus Arts Foundation.
The "Circus Theme Quilt", a gift from the Venice Area Quilt Guild
Is completed and ready to be presented to the Venice Circus Arts Foundation and will be displayed at the Clown College Reunion with Uncle Soap's Quilt and the Shellenberger Quilt.
Quilters Guild members Francine Lavenbarg & Tavie Ziedler with Bea Holt VCAFI Board
Secretary (center)
YOU CAN FIND US AT THE "VENICE FARMERS MARKET" ON SATURDAYS 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.!
Come on down and pick up a t-shirt, Kim Cool's Circus Book, or some Circus Jewelry. All sales help our project.
A very special Thank You to both Linda & David, (and especially Linda's Mom!)
Jessie Garner Heiny and her brother Boots Garner
grew up in Venice when their father Mr. Garner was
veterinarian to RBBB. Jessie and Boots had the
arena as their playground and eventually went off to
college to learn a trade. They are back now and
helping us "Save the historic Venice Circus Arena"
I love a story with a happy ending!
Very soon you will see our banner on Venice Street Legal trams. You will be able to also make a donation there to help support the Arena Project. Thank you Kathy & Bob Cushing!
From Paula Timpson
The Clowns Are Coming
Thanks, Clowns for coming
to Venice,
'Paradise'
Welcome
We all believe in your humor and wit
twinkling eyes, kindness and funny ways
Children's laughter
are
rainbows
everyday
Stay with us, clowns and feel our love
for your true,
special
gift of
Joy!
Love, Paula Timpson
http://paulaspoetryworld.blogspot.com
