Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art Gala celebrates modern art's roots

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art will host the museum’s annual gala and auction from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 10, at The Nittany Lion Inn. Guests will enjoy a celebratory evening complete with an elegant sit-down dinner, musical entertainment by the Dan Yoder quartet, dancing, silent auction and live auction. This year’s honorary chair is Barbara Palmer and the theme is in celebration of the 1913 Armory Show in New York City centennial, officially known as the International Exhibition of Modern Art, which marked the beginning of the modern art era in America.All are invited to attend the museum’s benefit gala. Preregistration and payment are required ($175 per person; includes $60 tax-deductible donation). All proceeds benefit the Palmer Museum of Art and provide funding for the museum’s free public programs, including lectures, gallery talks, musical performances, workshops, films, and docent-led tours for school and community groups.Auction items include vintage collectibles, jewelry, apparel, works of art, crafts, decorative accessories, gifts, dining, gourmet delights, intriguing luxuries and travel packages. Items can be previewed at www.palmermuseum.psu.edu by clicking on the Gala 2013 icon. This year the Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art have created a new auction category to highlight selected artists from within our community to feature. The inaugural artists include Mary Lee Kerr, Steven Ford, David Forlano, Mary Sullivan, Chuck Fong, Christopher Staley, Jana Scott and Jim Bright who will be presented with the 2013 Palmer Friends Distinguished Artist award.Also, a Friends’ membership may be purchased for as little as $35 a year and includes benefits such as invitations to exclusive Palmer events and a Museum Store discount.For more information about the gala or becoming a Friend, please contact Jennifer Feehan, coordinator of membership and public relations at 814-863-9182 or palmermembership@psu.edu.