COOPERSTOWN, N.Y.  - Supporters of educational programming at the New York State Historical Association and The Farmers' Museum will gather Friday, July 15th at 6:30 p.m. for the annual benefit gala.  "The Gala is more than a premier event of the Cooperstown summer season-it provides critical support and helps the Museums offer hands-on and interactive activities that engage a child's creativity and imagination," says Gala committee co-chair, Joan Kegelman.

In addition, the public is welcome to cometo The Farmers' Museum to bid on auction items on Friday, July 15^th, regardless of whether or not they are attending the Gala. All proceeds from the auction support educational programming at the Museums.  Over 100 items have been assembled for the Gala's silent and live auctions.  This is a rare opportunity to find exclusive deals on great get-a-ways, works of art, gift certificates to local restaurants and shops, cocktail parties, and more.  Offerings include a table-top grill, Simon Pearce glass bowl, catered dinners for eight people, and a week stay in Marathon, Florida the week of November 12th.  Visit www.fenimoreartmuseum.org/gala to preview auction items.

Tickets for "Viva La Vida: Frida Fiesta" are still available for $175 each.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Jessica Kendrick at (607) 547-1433.  The evening's theme celebrates the Fenimore Art Museum's feature exhibition Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray.