Hermitage Artist Retreat Greenfield Prize Weekend, April 13-14

The Hermitage Artist Retreat and its partner the Philadelphia-based Greenfield Foundation have announced the details of their Greenfield Prize weekend, April 13-14. This year’s celebration includes the world premiere opening of new work by acclaimed photojournalist David Burnett, the 2017 recipient of the Greenfield Prize (opening April 13 at The Ringling); a free community program, “Creative Conversations” with Burnett and the 2019 Greenfield Prize recipient, composer, vocalist and performer Helga Davis (April 13 at The Ringling); and the Greenfield Prize Award dinner honoring Davis (April 14 at Michael’s On East).

The world premiere exhibition, "Fourth Quarter: Senior Athletes, and their Indomitable Spirit," features new works by Burnett. For this project, which was part of his 2017 Greenfield commission, Burnett spent two years photographing senior-aged athletes from around the country who dedicate themselves to serious physical competition and team sports. In this engaging series, he treats his subjects with reverence as he celebrates their tenacity and challenges us to rethink our notions of what aging means in the 21st century. April 13 through July 21 at The Ringling. For more information, visit www.ringling.org.

“Creative Conversations” with Davis and Burnett is Saturday, April 13, 3-5 p.m., in the Chao Lecture Hall at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. During this free event, audience members will learn more about these artists, their bodies of work, and trends in their fields of art. Davis begins at 3 p.m. with “My Life, My Work,” and Burnett and a panel follow at 4 p.m. with “Fourth Quarter: Senior Athletes and their Indomitable Spirit.” This panel discussion will explore Burnett’s work and illuminate trends in the field of photography. Reservations for these free programs are required and can be requested at www.HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Helga Davis will be honored at the 2019 Greenfield Prize Award dinner, Sunday, April 14, 6-9 p.m., at Michael’s On East, 1212 East Avenue South, Sarasota. Tickets begin at $150; reservations can be made online at www.HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

“We’re honored to introduce these acclaimed artists to the Sarasota-Manatee community,” says Bruce Rodgers, executive director of the Hermitage. “David has been photographing the world for more than 35 years. His spectacular photographs of serious athletes over 70 years old speak to a positive, national re-definition of aging. These life-affirming images are hopeful and inspiring for people of all ages. We also look forward to sharing Helga Davis with the community. She is a powerful, dynamic force both as a creator and a performer who is ‘all in’ with whatever she does. Her work speaks to the moment and no one leaves her work untouched. She will speak about her work and life.”

PHOTO CREDIT:

David Burnett, Runners, 2017 National Senior Games, Birmingham, AL, June 2017, ©2019
David Burnett/Contact Press Images -- "Fourth Quarter," commissioned by the Greenfield Prize
at the Hermitage Artist Retreat