SARASOTA, FLA.- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art announced that Marissa S. Hershon has been appointed Curator of the Ca’ d’Zan and Decorative Arts. Hershon comes to The Ringling from The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston where she performed curatorial duties in the department of Decorative Arts, Craft and Design. Her past employers include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C. Ms. Hershon is a graduate of Tulane University and received her Master of Arts degree from The Smithsonian Associates and the Corcoran College of Art and Design.

Steven High, Executive Director of The Ringling says, “We are fortunate to have a curator with the in-depth knowledge of both art and architecture that Marissa possesses. I am excited to introduce her to our community as she champions our efforts to preserve and interpret the unique stories and history of the Ca’ d’Zan.”

Hershon, who is an accomplished lecturer in the decorative arts, including glass and silver is also a widely published author, having appeared in publications such as The Magazine Antiques and Silver Magazine. Her previous volunteer activities include serving with Tulane’s Women to Women Mentoring Program and as a docent at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery, Washington, D.C.

The Ringlings' dazzling palatial mansion is a tribute to the American Dream and reflects the splendor and romance of Italy. Described as “the last of the Gilded Age mansions” to be built in America, Ca’ d’Zan has 56 incredible rooms filled with art and original furnishings. In April 2002, comprehensive restoration and conservation was completed on Ca’ d'Zan. The six year, $15 million initiative restored the mansion to the era when the Riglings resided there.

“I'm happy to be joining the Ringling and am excited to bring a fresh perspective to preservation efforts, research and interpretation of the Ca' d'Zan” Hershon said. “I look forward to exploring new ways to connect visitors with the unique history of the Ca' d'Zan as well as share the stories that objects tell in the Ringling’s Collection of Decorative Arts.”