The Phoenix Art Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a lavish celebration and a variety of other events.
The 50th Anniversary festivities begin on Saturday, Nov. 7 with the pARTy 2009. The annual black-tie gala is regarded as one of the Valley’s premier social events, attracting more than 750 of the Museum’s friends and members. Guests sip cocktails in the Jacquie and Bennett Dorrance Sculpture Garden and enjoy a gourmet dinner in the Ellen and Howard C. Katz Wing for Modern Art. The world-renowned Peter Duchin Group will keep party goers entertained through the night. The proceeds from pARTy 2009 directly benefit the Museum and last year, more than $1.6 million was raised to for the Phoenix Art Museum and its many programs. Individual tickets range from $250 to $5000. Tickets can be purchased by calling 602.257.2101.
The Phoenix Art Museum Members Party will be held exactly 50 years to the date of the Museum’s official opening on Nov. 21, 1959. The more than 15,000 members are invited to commemorate the historical day with a spectacular celebration for the entire family. For more information about becoming a member, contact the Membership Office at 602.257.2124.
The entire Phoenix community is invited to celebrate the Museum’s achievements over the past 50 years at the First Friday Anniversary Celebration on Dec. 4. This event is open to the public and includes music, performances, food, drinks and other surprises. No tickets are required.
On Dec. 4, the Museum will reveal its “50/50: Fifty Gifts Celebrating Fifty Years” exhibit. For the past year, the museum has been collecting 50 new pieces of art in celebration and preparation of the Museum’s milestone anniversary. This significant addition will have an impact and add to each of the seven different collections.
The Museum has experienced tremendous growth and expansion over the last 50 years. It is now regarded as the most significant visual arts institutions in the Southwest. Works by Rembrandt, Annie Leibowitz and Monet are a few of the Museum’s most popular visual arts exhibits. The Phoenix Art Museum’s vast collection includes more than 18,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American modern and contemporary art as well as fashion design. In 2006, the Museum and the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson collaborated to bring some of the world’s best photography to the Valley. The Phoenix Art Museum also presents festivals, live performances, independent art films and educational programs that are designed to entertain and enlighten the public.
For more information on the celebrations and for additional ticket information, visit www.phxart.org.
