We are deeply saddened by the news that after a valiant battle with cancer, the American circus community lost its seminal figure, Rick Davis. Rick, a founding member of the American Youth Circus Organization, was an influential figure in the North American circus community, an inspiration for generations of circus artists. Rick was a former Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey clown, and the former co-director of the Silver Lining Circus Camp, a developmental circus arts program and Circus Learning, an in-school and after-school program that teaches learning skills and personal values through circus arts. He was also the school residency director for Circus Smirkus. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family, his friends and the entire circus community.

Link to Circus Smirkus’ Article of “Honoring Rick Davis.”   and  Flying Gravity Circus’  “Tribute to Rick Davis.“