“ It ’ s going to be a fun and new event that highlights all the assets that the art museum has to offer the community .”
The Erie Art Museum is taking fundraising to a new level by throwing what may be the most unique party of the summer — the inaugural ARTrageous gala event . It has retired the traditional fundraisers such as Party on the Patio in lieu of one big blowout event on Saturday , June 11 , from 7 to 11 p . m .
“ There is something for everybody . This is our signature fundraiser ,” says Carissa Snarski , Director of Marketing & Public Relations for the museum . “ We decided to do one big bash and this is one not to be missed because of all the entertainment , artists and performances . We ’ re going to try to go crazy with the senses .”
The gala is described as a sensory and participatory art event , and the experience begins before you even set foot through the museum doors .
The Art in Tandem duo of Ricardo and Jessie , a couple that travels the world dressed exactly alike as living art , trying to break down stereotypes , will transform the steps up to the old Customs House as you arrive .
Once inside , guests are greeted with a champagne toast in the Hagen Family Gallery and participate in an interactive art installation by Fran Schanz and Deb Sementelli .
Five themed bar and food pairings are strategically placed around the museum , with food catered by Make-it-Fabulous and entertainment throughout the evening . Offerings will range from local favorite culinary delights to edgy , urban creations . In the Lower Level Customs
House , a South Asian exhibit features a performance by Masood Omari and Abigail Adams Greenway and of Tabla For Two . Their music is described as a fusion of Eastern beats with Western style .
Premiering the night of ARTrageous in the Bacon Gallery is an exhibit by famed New York photographer José Picayo . His urban and gritty photographs often feature mugshot-like portraits . The museum has invited him to be a part of the event to discuss his art with guests .
The 93rd Annual Spring Show , currently on display , is located in the Main Gallery and features local food and drink pairings .
When you are ready to dance the night away , head to the Special Events room for a reunion of Matty B and the Dirty Pickles , a folk ’ n rock band playing ‘ 50s rockabilly songs to get you moving .
Want a quiet , relaxing experience ? Chill in the Nicholas Gallery lounge with music from Tasana Camara , a griot , musical storyteller , healer and keeper of ancient traditions from Guinea in West Africa .
Enjoy the evening summer air on the covered patio for the fire and ice-themed party featuring an ice luge , an ART-tini bar and a combustible fire hoop performance by local artist , Jennifer Dennehy , who delivers a mesmerizing and exciting experience .
“ It ’ s going to be a fun and new event that highlights all the assets that the art museum has to offer the community ,” says Art Museum Board Treasurer Karen Burton Horstman of Burton Funeral Homes .
Ticket proceeds support the Erie Art Museum ’ s programming and its tradition of inspiring the community with art . Tickets on sale now – go online at erieartmuseum . org . n
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