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 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,” delivers a glitzy and glamorous affair where guests will enjoy a celebratory evening complete with an elegant dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions led by master of ceremonies Jeff Brown.
Manifesting the essence of Vegas, the Friends have selected the evening’s menu to include the following courses prepared by chef Andrew Monk of the Nittany Lion Inn: Caesar “Palace” salad with Gemelli Ciabatta rolls; Raspberry sorbet; “The Riviera and The Frontier” Shrimp and grilled tornadoes of filet with mushroom sauce and fried onions, served with asparagus and hollandaise on the side and baked potato preset with butter and sour cream; and Baked Alaska, Red Velvet cake with raspberry, strawberry, and mango sauces for dessert.
Eric and Molly Barron are featured as this year’s honorary chairs 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." And when the premiere ends, 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,” “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 Friends are very appreciative of the generosity received from numerous local artists and businesses in the community and encourages everyone to support them throughout the year. The Friends also have partnered with Shute & Coombs Financial Advisors; Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Audi, Volkswagen, Sprinter, and Volvo of State College; Penn State Alumni Association; 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’ 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 Friend, contact Jennifer Feehan, coordinator of membership and public relations at 814-863-9182 or palmermembership@psu.edu.