Ringling College's Avant-Garde dances through the decades

While the phrase "avant-garde" is defined as introducing ideas that are unusual or experimental, here in Sarasota it is thought of as an epic annual event that thousands of people have attended over its 30 years in existence.

As avant-garde as they come, Larry Thompson, Ringling College of Art and Design's president for the past 27 years, strolled unassuming into the event with his radiant co-host and wife, Pat, on his arm. The couple hosted their last Avant-Garde together on Feb. 28 with 520 guests in attendance. Donning matching spiffy saddle shoes and smiles that never faded, the couple enjoyed every minute of the evening with their guests.

To kick off the festivities, guests enjoyed a cocktail and creativity reception while participating in hands-on experiences in various genres of art.

Held on the Visual Arts Plaza, attendees decked out in clever costumes displaying the "Dancing Through the Decades" theme were treated to demonstrations of printmaking, glassblowing and drawing.

A conga line led by the Thompsons and co-chairs Michele Hooper, Jenne Britell and Julie Harris began as the crowd of nearly 600 crossed the street to dinner and dancing.

Thompson, who is retiring at the end of the school year, joked that he has big plans ahead.

"The first thing I am going to do is go to bed early, and the second thing I am going to do is sleep in," said Thompson. "And after I do that for awhile, well, then, we'll see."

All proceeds from Avant-Garde support Ringling College's student scholarship program.