ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown Art Museum buzzed with energy Saturday night, from the ground floor to the upper galleries, as DJs spun music and the spaces filled with fine art, jewelry and lively conversation.
Indeed, it was a night for art aficionados and creatives to come together at this year's “Cocktails & Collecting,”the museum’s annual fall fundraiser, now in its 20th year.
The two-day event features a vibrant blend of local and regional talent — 31 artists in all — ranging from first-time exhibitors to longtime favorites, each bringing his or her own style.
While Saturday's soiree was a ticketed affair, with drinks and catered small bites, the celebration will conclude from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Sunday, Nov. 9, with a free art fair where attendees can meet the artists and shop for a new piece.
Those include prints, high-end paintings, photographs, sculptures, and jewelry such as earrings and necklaces.
Also Sunday, Stevie Nicks Acoustic Duo will perform on the second floor, and guitarist Nahum Pradhan will play in the museum's ground-floor Community Gallery.
A look at dimensions
For Easton's Kevin Lynn, this year marked his first appearance at the event.
Lynn, an abstract artist/ photographer, displayed a series of layered, multidimensional works that drew viewers in with movement and texture.
His centerpiece, which Lynn said is "dear to his heart," is “Gateway” and was inspired by the third dimension, beginning with a photograph he took during the rush-hour rhythms of the Hoboken, New Jersey, train station.
“I like to create something I haven’t seen,” Lynn said.
“If I haven’t seen it before, that’s what inspires me to make it.”
Lynn is offering a range of works at different price points, including smaller prints, to make his art accessible to both new and seasoned collectors
"Rather than something pretentious, I want to make work that feels real—something that connects,” he said.
A Decade of Dedication
At the other end of the spectrum, Bethlehem artist Sandra Corpora returned for her 10th year exhibiting at the museum's fundraiser.
“It’s just such a great event,” Corpora said.
"The diversity of art here is wonderful—it’s such a beautifully curated collection of artists.”Artist Sandra Corpora
“It’s been going on about 20 years now, and it’s really an honor to be asked to be part of this group. The diversity of art here is wonderful — it’s such a beautifully curated collection of artists.”
Known for her luminous oil paintings and portraits, Corpora that displayed work captures both natural beauty and vivid details from her travels, both in Europe and in her own backyard.
One standout piece is a portrait of a Liberty High School track star who lived near Corpora and whom the artist watched grow up.
Corpora, who often paints on location in Italy, continues to study with internationally celebrated artists such as Arthur Gain and Nick Alm, blending classical technique with contemporary looks.
“You never stop learning," she said. "Watching others paint, being around that creative energy — it keeps you growing.”
As in years past, artists donate one piece to the museum for its upcoming spring gala and dinner auction.
For the 2026 gala, Corpora donated a flower painting inspired by Bethlehem Rose Garden.
“The roses are gold and then they turn pink — it’s called [Joseph's] Coat,” Corpora said of the piece.
“I love the transformation.”
Touching art
As Easton-based DJ Brad Scott spun a mix of chill house, Michael Freeman greeted guests on the second floor with an interactive perspective.
“I love this group every year,” Freeman said of his fourth "Cocktails and Collecting" appearance.
“It’s fun to see everybody coming together — artists, collectors, the DJ, the crowd. No matter what kind of art you like or don’t like, it’s just great artists supporting each other.”
A legally blind artist who works with disabled and neurodivergent creators, he invites people to touch his artwork— challenging a taboo often found in art spaces.
“That’s part of the sensory experience," he said. "I make my art for everybody — but especially for those who have vision impairments or other disabilities.
"I want them to be able to experience art fully.”
Freeman's work — known for its bright colors, varied textures, and even glow-in-the-dark elements — encourages connection through touch and feeling.
“Art should be touched. That’s how people connect with the story behind it.”Easton-based artist Michael Freeman
This year, Freeman was honored with a Tribute to the Arts award by Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission.
“I want to change the mindset that art cannot be touched,” he said. “Art should be touched. That’s how people connect with the story behind it.”
As a local mental health advocate and art therapy educator, Freeman uses his platform to promote inclusion and creativity.
“Each painting has a meaning, a story," he said. "It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but they can see it, they can experience it, and they can make their own interpretation.”
Along with Lynn, Corpora and Freeman, other artists participating in this year's "Cocktails & Collecting" and art fair are:
Khalil Allaik, MCleo Álvarez, Laura Brady, Lisa Caruso, Ronald DeLong, Roey Ebert, Kelly Forté, Marie Jeanne Haba, Ana Hamilton, Svetlana Howells, Femi J. Johnson, Clara Kewley, and Ann A. Lalik.
Also, Graham Lucks, Christine McHugh, Alex Merriman, Jacqueline Meyerson, Michelle Neifert, Ramon Peralta, Rigo Peralta, Melissa Perhamus, Kyle Ramseur, Adrienne Romano, Abbey Rosko, Gerald Simcoe, Anthony Smith, Loretta Tryon, and Chris Vilardi.
Allentown Art Museum is at 31 N. Fifth St.
Admission is free. For info, visit the museum's website.
