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The Plains Art Museum lobby was full of sequin-clad revelers — and only one of them was a woman. This was destined to be a good party. On May 7, the Plains Art Museum Spring Gala traveled back in time to 1976 to celebrate the museum’s 40th anniversary.

A blur of partygoers dressed in leisure suits, platform shoes and flowing empire maxi dresses in aqua and peach sampled lavender infused craft beer, French wine and luscious desserts. There were sparkly, spangled glam rockers chatting by the stairs and bell bottomed beauties in the buffet line with folks dressed as Annie Hall and Tony Manero from “Saturday Night Fever.”

“Oh, the outfits are fantastic,” said Karen Kohoutek, who attended the gala for the first time. “It’s really great that people embrace the theme. Life is more beige than it needs to be.”

What makes Beans (extra) special?

» Fresh, homemade mini donuts on top of every hot beverage

» Homemade or fresh from bakery food items

» Free refills on brewed coffee in-store

» Kid’s area and drive thru

» Jazz music every day and Christian music Sundays

Now open at two locations

Open 6–8 Monday–Saturday, 8–6 Sunday 5675 26th Ave S, Fargo | 2550 S University Drive, Fargo

“If you’re gonna go, go all out,” agreed Plains Art Museum board member Cheri Schoenfish, who hosted the event with her husband, Errol. “And some people are wearing clothes that they wore in the 1970s, which is amazing that they still have them and they can still fit them! And it’s all for a good cause.”

The Spring Gala and its silent art auction are the museum’s largest fundraising endeavors. And the atmosphere in the silent auction gallery was just as colorful and charged as on the packed dance floor, where Heart and Soul got the crowd going with rock, funk and soul.

“It’s a party you can feel good about,” said Plains Art Museum director and CEO Andy Maus.