UNIVERSITY PARK — The Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art will host the museum’s annual gala and auction from 6:30 p.m. to midnight Friday, May 13, at The Nittany Lion Inn on the University Park campus of Penn State.
This year’s theme, “It’s Your Lucky Night: Celebrate an Evening in Vegas,” will deliver a “glitzy and glamorous affair” where guests will enjoy a celebratory evening complete with dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions led by master of ceremonies Jeff Brown.
The Nittany Lion Inn’s chef Andrew Monk will prepare a Friends-selected menu featuring a Las Vegas theme.
This year’s honorary gala chairs are Penn State President Eric and Molly Barron, who are being recognized for their leadership at the university and dedication to the community. Following dinner, President Barron will introduce the State College theatrical premiere of ESPN’s “30 for 30” documentary ‘WE ARE.’
Following the screening, the dance floor will open as Pittsburgh-based band Smokin’ Section takes the stage. Returning to the gala by popular demand, Smokin’ Section has been the house band for KDKA-TV’s “Jerome Bettis Show,” “The Hines Ward Show” and “The PNC Steeler Huddle Show,” and has opened for many headliners including Kenny Wayne Shepard, Eddie Money and The Guess Who.
Auction items being offered include a wide range of unique options from dining and experiential packages to jewelry and works of art. Items can be previewed at the museum’s website, www.palmermuseum.psu.edu.
The museum’s benefit gala is open to the public. Registration and payment of $175 per person, including a $60 tax-deductible donation, are required. All proceeds benefit the Palmer Museum of Art and provide funding for the museum’s free public educational programs, including lectures, gallery talks, musical performances, poetry readings, workshops, films and docent-led tours for school and community groups, as well as sustain the museum’s position as a free-admission resource for the community.
Friends of the Palmer Museum memberships are also available, with benefits that include a newsletter and calendar of events, a 10 percent discount at the museum store, invitations to members-only events, an invitation to the Friends’ Purchase Party and annual meeting and an invitation to the Friends’ annual Holiday Art and Ornament Sale preview reception.
For more information about the gala or becoming a Friends member, contact Jennifer Feehan, coordinator of membership and public relations, at (814) 863-9182 or palmermembership@psu.edu.
