St. Armands Circle is home to the Allegory of Sarasota, Her Seven Virtues, a unique park celebrating the city's cultural and natural heritage. At the site where John Ringling Boulevard meets St. Armands Circle, seven statues, each symbolizing a key virtue, reflect Sarasota's identity and John Ringling's vision for the city as a cultural hub. These statues were added during the Save Our Statues (SOS) project, led by resident Edward Pinto. The project aimed to preserve and enhance the area's artistic legacy.
A statue with deep symbolism represents each of the Seven Virtues:
- MUSIC—This statue represents the performing arts, symbolizing Sarasota's rich theater, opera, and music traditions, integral to the city's vibrant cultural life.
- FLORA—A replica of a Ringling-era statue, this piece embodies Sarasota's natural beauty, reflecting the lush greenery, parks, and scenic landscapes that characterize the region. (pictured above).
- ARISTOTLE—Symbolizing Sarasota's commitment to education and research, this statue honors the institutions and scholars that contribute to the city's intellectual growth.
- SCULPTURE—Another Ringling-era replica, this statue represents the visual arts, including painting and sculpture, highlighting Sarasota's thriving art scene and dedication to artistic expression.
- ASCLEPIUS, the god of medicine—This figure symbolizes the gifts of medicine and honors Sarasota's healthcare community, which provides essential services to the region.
- BOUNTY—Representing the abundance of Sarasota's land and sea, this statue reflects the city's prosperity and connection to nature, underscoring the area's agricultural and maritime riches.
- AMPHITRITE, wife of Neptune – Symbolizing the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota's beautiful bays, this statue emphasizes the city's strong bond with its surrounding waters, which shape its identity and economy.
These statues are part of a larger effort, the Save Our Statues (SOS) project, initiated in 2007. This project, led by resident Edward Pinto and with the active participation of the community, aimed to restore the 16 original statues purchased by John Ringling in the 1920s and to add 21 new marble statues, selected to align with Ringling's classical vision. The project was completed in one year, and on February 2, 2008, the community celebrated the completion and rededicated the park to John Ringling's vision of Sarasota as a cultural jewel.
With its statues and lush landscaping, the parklet at St. Armands Circle stands as a testament to Sarasota's enduring commitment to the arts, culture, and natural beauty. This enduring commitment is something we can all take pride in, as it echoes John Ringling's belief that "Though Life is Short, Art is Long."
St Armands Circle Statuary Walking Guide: Click Here
