Case Study: Toga Party! Saturnalia Gala at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Atlanta, Ga. and Jacksonville, Fla. (February 21, 2008) – Ancient Roman traditions took on new meaning in December when The Robin Shepherd Group directed and set the stage for The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens’ Saturnalia gala.
Saturnalia is an ancient Roman holiday celebrating the dedication of the temple of the god of Saturn. The festival was originally celebrated for only one day, but its popularity led to a weeklong event, with attendees donning pileus hats and togas as they exchanged gifts, ate, drank and made an extra effort to be merry.
Art director Kendrick Kidd created a custom illustration reminiscent of ancient figure-decorated pottery that was used in the printed materials to promote the event including invitations, posters and banner ads. The illustration was also brought to life in a television commercial by TRSG’s art director, new media development Levi Ratliff.
Museum Director Maarten van de Guchte said of the celebration, “Food was abundant, drinks aplenty, a large number of fabulous togas and related gowns-some more Roman than others-Etruscan dance, poetry, a great mix of people and experiences. The atmosphere was great with compliments galore and several guests asked for a repeat next year. We will have to think about that one!”
The event, a resounding success with more than 225 people in attendance, drove traffic to the museum’s current exhibition, Art from the Ashes: In Stabiano, Exploring the Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite, which features art objects and archaeological artifacts found in five ancient Roman villas buried in ash by the same eruption that destroyed Pompeii.
The Robin Shepherd Group is a full-service marketing, public relations and new media agency with offices in Jacksonville, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. The 60-person agency counts Merial Pharmaceuticals, CSX Transportation, Centex Homes, PGA TOUR, World Golf Hall of Fame, Ameris Bank, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and the Florida Times-Union among its clients.