Mennello Museum of American Art

Each year, the ArtEvents Council of The Friends of The Mennello Museum of American Art hosts an elegant gala to raise funds for the Museum’s collections, exhibitions, programs and the Honorable Marilyn Logsdon Mennello Fund. The 14th Annual “An Evening with Fabulous Friends Gala” will take place on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. celebrates the unique cultural treasure, the City-owned Mennello Museum of American Art, located in Orlando Loch Haven Cultural Park, and the passion of its founders, Michael and Marilyn Mennello.

Join co-chairs Sam Azar and Vanessa Ketcham, along with the Friends Board, in celebrating The Mennello Museum and honoring Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer for his leadership in advancing the arts. Buddy Dyer has served as Mayor since 2003, and from his first day in office, he has worked tirelessly to advance the community’s shared vision for Orlando as America’s 21st Century City. Mayor Dyer has defined Orlando as America’s new home for inclusiveness, opportunity and quality of life, with a strong focus on innovation, transportation, sustainability and government efficiency.

Michael A. Mennello, Founder and Friends of The Mennello Museum of American Art President, states: “Mayor Dyer is a mayor of the arts in Orlando. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for his vision of understanding what art brings to our community and to the people.”

Each year, the Gala committee selects a work of art by an American artist as inspiration for the gala. The signature artwork for the 2017 Gala is titled Wall Street. (Laurence Campbell, American (b. 1939), Wall Street, oil on canvas, courtesy Michael A. Mennello.)

In addition, all work in the inaugural Mennello Museum Invitational exhibition, on view at The Mennello Museum from February 14 through March 3, will also be featured and available for purchase at the Gala. Local artists include Victor Bokas, Shosh C, Mindy Colton, Nancy Jay, Richard Munster, Jackie Otto Miller, Victor Quino, Maria Ramos, Paul T. Scarborough and Katty Smith. All artists have generously donated 50% of their proceeds to benefit The Mennello Museum.  The Mennello Museum Invitational serves to support our local artists, provide visibility for their work, and introduce them to new collectors while providing our community an amazing opportunity to build their collection of art.

Dance the night away with with live music by Umoja, and take part in both our live and silent auction.

Tickets start at $375. For tickets call 407.246.4278 ext. 4860.

Room rates at The Four Seasons are $299/night and can be booked at www.foursesasons.com/orlando.