Lovers of the arts, mingling and community will gather May 19 at the Tampa Museum of Art to kick off St. Pete Pride month during what organizers say will be a sold-out event.
That means an estimated 800 people will provide support for educational programs at the museum as well as last year's retrospective of New York-based artist Janet Biggs' video exploration of gender identity.
â┚¬Å”It's becoming the premier event during the year for the LGBT community,â┚¬Â said Pride & Passion chair Robin Sharp. â┚¬Å”Last year we had nearly 640 in attendance and this year we're anticipating selling out,â┚¬Â she said.
In its seventh year, newcomers to â┚¬Å”Pride & Passionâ┚¬Â and the museum at night will find it an aesthetic experience on par with the five collections within.
New to gallery is the furniture design exhibition â┚¬Å”A Hundred Years â┚¬â€ a Hundred Chairsâ┚¬Â from the Vitra Design Museum. Gorgeous examples from the past century will appeal to the discerning eye for design.
In the evenings, the museum provides a perfect spot for such a large gathering of the LGBT community.
â┚¬Å”Last time just as many people were outside as inside,â┚¬Â said steering committee volunteer Mariruth Kennedy.
The fundraising arm of the Tampa Museum of Art prides itself on its year-over-year success and the way the event leadership is refreshed every three years, ensuring new ideas and fresh vitality, said Sharp.
Tickets for the event are $75 for individuals and $150 for two. That price includes a one-year museum membership as well as food by Timpano Italian Chophouse; wine, beer, and specialty cocktails; music by DJ Michael Terrance and a performance from the New Century Dance Company.
â┚¬Å”It's the second-largest fundraiser for the museum,â┚¬Â said Sharpe of the museum, which is under the leadership of Todd Smith.
The importance of art comes through the ways people identify through it, she said.
â┚¬Å”And not just the LGBT community,â┚¬Â she added. â┚¬Å”We want this event to attract a lot of different types of people. All great cities have a great museum.â┚¬ÂÂ
Pride & Passion is produced by a volunteer steering committee including vice-chair Ty Maxey, Jose Garboza, Rob Iles, Melissa â┚¬Å”Madgeâ┚¬Â Judge, Kelley Juneau, Kennedy, Don Kiceina Jr., Nick Kouris, Tony LaColla, Scott Moore and Marc Retzlaff.
The host committee includes Maria Bates, Jocelyn Brenner, Stacy Carroll, Phil Dinkins, Ed Lally, Cheryl and Max D’La Rotta, Mike Hammonds, Thatcher Iverson, Mark Nash, Lana Nester and Ray Wong, Jose Renteria, Julie Roody, Michael and Nancy Summers, Jenn Veryzer, Carrie Connolly and Tammy Young.
