Avant-Garde 2023 brings the '70s to Ringling College

Ringling College of Art and Design brought back 1970s styles in a major way during its annual Avant-Garde fundraiser on March 18. 

Guests arrived in groovy, flower power attire for the event benefiting the school's student's scholarships. Some groups embraced the copacetic look with wild wigs and floral patterns while others adopted looks from "M*A*S*H," "Saturday Night Live" and other TV shows.

The afternoon's social hour ended with the raucous debut of President Larry Thompson and Pat Thompson both dressed as Elton John. The couple sang along to several of the pop legend's songs to the cheers of the crowd. 

The night continued with remarks from Thompson during the program followed by a paddle raise and finally music from the Blonde Ambition Band.