Now in its 30th year, Ringling College of Art and Design’s annual fundraising gala Avant-Garde returned this year for an unforgettable evening—one that broke records with over $1.5M raised for scholarship support and that honored the couple who have been at the heart of the Ringling community for nearly three decades.
The theme, Dancing Through the Decades, was a fitting tribute to Dr. Larry R. Thompson and his wife Pat, celebrating movement, momentum, and the timeless power of the arts to inspire, unite, and uplift. With Dr. Thompson set to retire at the end of the school year, this year’s gala carried an extra layer of meaning, as guests, donors, faculty, staff, students, and members of Sarasota’s arts community gathered to honor the couple’s indelible mark on Ringling College and student scholarships.
Since the gala’s founding in 1995 under then-President Dr. Arland Christ-Janer, Avant-Garde has grown from an intimate 200-person event at Michael’s On East into one of Sarasota’s most anticipated celebrations of creativity and community. For 25 of those years, the Thompsons have opened each gala with an iconic grand entrance, embodying elaborate personas ranging from Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to Glinda the Good Witch and the Wizard of Oz.
The funds raised each year go directly toward student scholarships, helping to bridge the gap between the cost of a Ringling College education and the resources students need to pursue their creative futures. This year’s record-breaking total will make a meaningful difference for students across the college’s many programs.
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