UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art will host the museum’s annual gala and auction from 6:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday, May 19, at The Nittany Lion Inn. This year’s theme, “Kaleidoscope of Glass: A Splash of Color,” was inspired by the remarkable studio glass exhibition on view at the museum, transferring the spectrum of celebration to the inn’s ballroom where guests will enjoy an elegant evening complete with dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions orchestrated by entertaining master of ceremonies Jeff Brown.
Mimi Barash Coppersmith will greet guests as this year’s honorary chair, chosen for her dedication to the Palmer Museum of Art and devoted service throughout the community, as local Doo-Wop group Ramalama broadcast their colorful harmonies. Later in the evening, Tommy Wareham and the Intrigues will splash the ballroom with energetic music once the live auction commences and the dancing begins.
The Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art have selected the evening’s menu to include the following courses: spring mix lettuces, heirloom cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, beets, and julienned cucumbers with a Spanish sherry, shallot and herb vinaigrette; duet of grilled filet of beef with a red wine and horseradish demi-glace and seared salmon dusted with herbs with a white wine butter sauce accompanied by fingerling and red bliss potatoes, asparagus and julienne red peppers; and a trifle with layers of white chocolate mousse, strawberries, lemon curd, and buttery pound cake topped with freshly whipped cream and blueberries.
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 Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art are very appreciative of the generosity received from numerous local artists and businesses in the community and encourage everyone to support them throughout the year. The Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art have partnered with Shute Battaglia Wealth Advisors; Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Audi, Volkswagen, Sprinter, and Volvo of State College; and State College Orthodontics to help shape the event and are grateful to receive their support.
Everyone is invited to attend the museum’s benefit gala. Preregistration and payment are required ($175 per person; includes $60 tax-deduction donation). All proceeds benefit the Palmer Museum of Art and provide funding for the museum’s free public educational programs that include lectures, gallery talks, musical performances, poetry readings, workshops, films, and docent-led tours for school and community groups, as well as sustaining a vital, free-admission resource for the community and those who visit.
A Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art membership may be purchased for as little as $35 a year and includes the following benefits: newsletter and calendar of events; tri-annual publication; a 10 percent discount at the Museum Store, excluding consignment items; invitations to members-only events, such as opening exhibition receptions; 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 of the Palmer Museum of Art, contact Jennifer Feehan, coordinator of membership and public relations, at 814-863-9182 or palmermembership@psu.edu.