Ringling College of Art & Design makes moves and magic
Avant Garde: A Magical Evening was hosted March 23 at Ringling College.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 8:29 p.m. March 23, 2019
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Fairies, wizards and elves made magic happen March 23 for the Ringling College of Art and Design’s Avant Garde: A Magical Evening.
President Larry and Pat Thompson made their grand entrance after digital projections of the pair spoke to guests about the college’s new Motion Design major in the Roskamp Exhibition Hall.
After their entrance, guests spent the rest of the cocktail hour getting figure enhancement sketches by Ringling students, posing in front of the green screen photo booth, watching magic trick shows and, of course, drinking cocktails and eating hors d’oeuvres.
Also during cocktail hour, photographer Cliff Roles was not only shooting photos but also judging costumes in the categories of most imaginative, best representation of theme and best group. There were multiple winners in the categories, which were announced during dinner.
Avant Garde is hosted each year to support Ringling students and raise money for scholarships, and, as Barancik Foundation President and CEO Teri A. Hansen told guests, it was time to pull magic out of the hat to raise money for students. The scholarship fund is called “Crossing the Finish Line” and supports Ringling juniors and seniors who have an unfortunate and unforeseen circumstance that negatively affects their funding. Approximately 15 students per year benefit from this scholarship.
The magic continued after dinner and dessert with live music and dancing to the Blonde Ambition Band.
Co-Chairs Marci and Michael Klein
Pat and President Larry Thompson
Kat Barbieri and Gaby Thaulfair
Diane and Joel Schleicher
Ringling student Louis Cho scared guests with his costume.
Robin Strauss and Judi Sterne
Morgan Gerhart, Michelle Brault and Lisa Intagliata
Courtney Jones with Dan and Sarah Hoffe
Mark Walker, Ariane Dart, Jaclyn Brunckhorst and Matthew Biskey
Glenna and Amy Walton with Suhn Chung
Patsy Steffy and Kristen McGuigan
Natalie and Andrew Tanner
President Larry Thompson appeared on the wall of the Roskamp Exhibition Hall using Motion Design.
Pat Thompson appeared on the wall of the Roskamp Exhibition Hall using Motion Design.
President Larry and Pat Thompson wave to the crowd after making their grand entrance.
President Larry and Pat Thompson wave to the crowd after making their grand entrance.
Kristy Meadows, Christy Sackett, Stephanie CZ and Stephanie Chen
Lisa Rooks Morris and Cheryl Loeffler
The Harry Potter group brought their own table decor.
Tables were set up under a tent outside.
The theme was A Magical Evening.
Greenery centered the tables.
Guests took home a magic 8 ball.
Magical props were set up around the campus.
Ringling student Rachel Bivens draws a figure enhancement sketch.
Frank and Katherine Martucci
Brian Mariash and Frank Martucci
Guests could take home a photo of them in front of the green screen.
Mitzie and Kenny Henson
Terri and Michael Klauber with Sherry and Tom Koski
Jessica Dirkes gets her portrait drawn.
Ringling students Kelsey Morris and Gretchen Leffler made wire sculptures throughout the evening for guests to purchase.
Kelsey Morris made herself a ring.
Joan Engelbach and Martha Huie
Kevin Friedman
Matt Myers
Candice Johnson and Kristin Dunham Doyle
Dan and Amanda Tullidge
President Larry Thompson thanks sponsors.
Luz Stella and Hunter Thompson won best representation of the theme.
Co-Chair Marci Klein jumps up as her group wins best group.
