StreetTalkin – Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Host Midnight Masquerade Winter Gala in the Great Stair Hall, February 20, 2010

photo by Graydon Wood

The Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are holding their annual black tie Winter Gala on February 20, 2010 in the Great Stair Hall at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  Guests will experience a special unveiling of the spectacular Picasso and the Avant-Garde in Paris exhibition on display February 24 through April 25. Over 500 guests are expected to attend the stylish evening of dancing, exquisite food, and fabulous raffle prizes and auction items including fashion- and sports-themed gift packages. Proceeds from the gala will support the Young Friends’ mission to acquire new works of art for the Museum’s collection, and to aid the Museum’s conservation and preservation, as well as outreach and educational programming. Advance tickets, available until February 12, are $100 for Young Friends members, $140 for non Young Friends members, and $125 for groups of four or more. Tickets are $160 at the door. VIP tickets ($200 for members, $250 for non Young Friends members) include a curator-led tour of Picasso and the Avant-Garde in Paris, swag bags and access to a VIP lounge and bar.

The Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a lively group of young professionals and art enthusiasts who support the Museum, is pleased to announce its annual black tie Winter Gala, scheduled for February 20, 2010 in the Great Stair Hall. To celebrate the masquerade theme, partygoers will don festive masks for the evening and be the first to experience a special unveiling of the spectacular Picasso and the Avant-Garde in Paris exhibition on display February 24 through April 25. Over 500 guests are expected to attend the stylish evening of dancing, exquisite food, and fabulous raffle prizes and auction items including fashion- and sports-themed gift packages. Proceeds from the gala will support the Young Friends’ mission to acquire new works of art for the Museum’s collection, and to aid the Museum’s conservation and preservation, as well as outreach and educational programming.

Guests will have the opportunity to discover the Picasso and the Avant-Garde in Paris exhibition, which features about 180 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by Picasso and his fellow expatriate artists like Marc Chagall, Jacques Lipchitz, and Man Ray. From 8 p.m. to midnight, attendees will also enjoy culinary delights complemented by an open bar and live music performed by CTO Park Central.

The 2010 Winter Gala is chaired by Amanda Christoph from Philadelphia, Sandi Macan from Newton Square, and Greg Seitter from Ardmore. Call 215-235-SHOW (7469) or visit www.philamuseum.org/youngfriends to reserve tickets. Advance tickets, available until February 12, are $100 for Young Friends members, $140 for non Young Friends members, and $125 for groups of four or more. Tickets are $160 at the door. VIP tickets ($200 for members, $250 for non Young Friends members) include a curator-led tour of Picasso and the Avant-Garde in Paris, swag bags and access to a VIP lounge and bar.

Publicity Party for Midnight Masquerade Winter Gala

The Young Friends have scheduled a Publicity Party for January 20, 2010 . The event will consist of a casual happy hour at Smith’s Restaurant and Lounge (39 S. 19th St., Philadelphia), and generate excitement for the Young Friends’ highly anticipated Winter Gala on February 20, 2010. Attendees can enjoy drink specials from 6 to 8 p.m., and pick up invitations or buy tickets to the gala. Admission is free for Young Friends and their guests. Space is limited and reservations are required.

About the Young Friends

The Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a dynamic group of professionals that supports Museum initiatives. The group provides young people (aged 21 to 45) in the Greater Philadelphia area with a forum to participate in a variety of educational activities through special access to the Museum’s collections and a constant mission to enhance art appreciation. Funds raised through activities are used to support conservation and preservation of the collections, educational programming and international special exhibitions. Museum membership at the Individual level ($65) or higher is required to add on Young Friends benefits ($50). Social events sponsored by Young Friends include the annual Winter Gala held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the annual Rodin Party held in the fall at the Rodin Museum, private tours of the Museum’s galleries, previews of special exhibitions, and First Friday gatherings held in Old City locations.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is among the largest art museums in the United States, showcasing more than 2,000 years of exceptional human creativity in masterpieces of painting, sculpture, works on paper, decorative arts and architectural settings from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. An exciting addition is the newly renovated and expanded Perelman Building, which opened its doors in September 2007 with five new exhibition spaces, a soaring skylit galleria, and a café overlooking a landscaped terrace. The Museum offers a wide variety of enriching activities, including programs for children and families, lectures, concerts and films.

For more information visit www.philamuseum.org/.