pARTy

As I stepped into the steamy steaminess that is October 30th, I was reminded that I hadn't posted pictures from another night of high humidity. Back in September, I had an art party that included the work of Los Angeles artist Tyler Ramsey. We cranked down the a/c and cranked up the music by DJ Minor Strachan and had one really sweaty fun night. I'm quite certain there was even perspiration on the windows as well as each partygoer. The photographs are compliments of Patrick Christovich.

CB2 to the RESCUE!

I have been dying to have an official desk for the back room of my studio for some time now. Finally, I decided on something from CB2. I ordered two of the Fresca consoles and put them together to form one almost five foot long desk. Because I ordered the Trig rolling filing cabinets from there too, I was certain that they would fit underneath. There are even hidden casters on the consoles themselves too. I really loved the option of using them as one desk or two tables later for a party or whatever. I am so happy sitting here typing away at my very new sleek desk. Some filing might actually get done too!

1022 GALLERY OPENING and PHOTOS by PATRICK CHRISTOVICH

Two Saturday nights ago, my good friends Hannah and Chris had their first opening at their new frame shop and gallery. My work, and the works of Tim Trapolin and Robert Moreland were all featured. It was a packed house! Each body of work was given a separate room and the space worked great for the flow of the crowd.

Here is the photographer/semi-professional golfer/realtor/and good friend Patrick Christovich. Patrick is readily available to photograph any parties you would like documented. I can't tell you how happy I have been to have his thoughtful and excellent photographs after many events. Usually, as a host, you are too busy to take pictures and you can't rely on your guest to do it either. Patrick is so nice to have a around and the best part is you have great party pictures to keep forever. I can't believe all of the art openings that from which I had no photos. Really, he would love to come photograph your party!

A fun picture with Hannah, Jessica, Chris, Saliha Staib, and me in front of my eight foot diptych.

And saving the best for last, the always supportive and beautiful Bayou Contessa! The show will be up for another two weeks so stop by and see everyone's work. The gallery is at 1022 Lowerline.

LOUISIANA ARTWORKS

PRINT LAB

Meet MEG TURNER printmatrix extraodinaire!

Meg just relocated from Providence, RI on her own to move to the city that stole her heart. She is running the Louisiana Artworks printing press. Have you ever seen such a beautiful perch to make prints?

I took so many printing classes that I came close to a double degree but I think I forgot everything! I'm going to take classes and refresh. Meg is going to post a class schedule soon on the Lousiana Artworks website and you will also be able to rent studio time.

I went down to the Artworks building to register for an workshop they are having this weekend and I felt so out of touch. First of all, the building is 93,000 square feet of artists studios, ceramics laboratory, glassblowing lab, printmaking studio, and metalsmithing studio. Whoa! It's all for artists and for anyone wanting to take a class. Their class schedules are just getting going but I will be posting some of their future events to get more of you involved.

Sign up to take the next instructional print workshop here led by artist Francis X Pavy

NEWMAN'S REYNOLDS GALLERY

I am really excited about a show that I have hanging at Isidore Newman School's Reynolds Gallery for the month of October. My work is sharing space with the work of ceramic sculptor Bradley Sabin. I was very excited to see our work together and the show totally surpassed my expectations. It looks amazing! I can thank Katheryn Scurlock for her amazing work in organizing both the Newman Exhibition and the show in Alys Beach. Stop in and view the show this month, it's also a beautiful gallery space.

NEILL and O'BRIEN

Lighting Designer Julie Neill and Interior Designer Shawn O'Brien had the brilliant idea to join forces and create an amazing line of furnishings. They have imagined fixtures, sconces, tables, chairs, curtains, and much more into a gorgeous reality. I have the pleasure of knowing both Shawn and Julie personally, and I love the way their new pieces reflect both their sense of fun and modernity.

The new shop Neill and O'Brien is located on Magazine Street. You really should stop in and see some of the details of the new pieces in person. I love their use of white!

The sconces are all jeweled and unbelievably beautiful. It's pretty hard to decide if you want to wear them or hang them on your wall...

Look at this beautiful jeweled detail on a silk slipcovered table. So innovative!

This is one of Julie's shadowboxes. Every single thing she puts into her boxes is purposeful and contributes to it's overall meaning. They are so fragile and beautiful.

I was lucky enough to receive one of Julie's special shadowboxes for my birthday this year and I get to see it everyday on my dresser. She showed me why she put each item into my box and why it was relevant to my life.

These are just a few of their awesome creations. You really must see them in person!

Do they look ready or what..? I can't wait to see what they are coming up with next!

Click on this link to see their most recent press in Food and Wine Magazine!

DRESSed FOR SUCCESS

Last night I attended an event at the home of Francine Ballard. The donations from the partygoers went to the Dress for Success organization. They aid in preparing women to enter the workforce through counseling and obtaining proper workplace attire.

Here is Francine modeling a fabulous Prada bag. Francine started her own handbag and accessory site called Designer Social that offers new and vintage bags. I recently bought this silver metal Calvin Klein box clutch from Francine and love it! Her site is so fun and who doesn't like buying designer discount!

A classic vintage Chanel bag anyone?

Angelique Short brought clothing from her boutique Angelique and fabric started flying! All of the pieces she offered were under $200. My favorite were the AG jeans that act like leggings--she said they just can't keep them in stock.

Below is another vintage Chanel bag from Designer Social. I think Francine may have trouble letting go of this one!

Designer Social also has accessories such as Ted Rossi python cuffs, Alexis Bittar bracelets and earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, and lots more beautiful baubles.

REBECCA THOMASON

New New Orleanian

I recently had the pleasure of meeting the amazing Rebecca Thomason. I knew right away that she was a genius, that is because she decided to make New Orleans her new home! Rebecca just moved from Chicago where she worked for the auction house Leslie Hindman. And when I got a chance to look at some of the amazing catalogs that she put together for Leslie, I got even more excited. I asked her to help me put together an invitation for a show I am having in Houston at the home of Courtney Elias. She did an amazing job! Now that we know that Rebecca is both beautiful, talented, and brilliant, let's see if we can find her some more work. We want her to stay!

ALYS BEACH

Last weekend I visited Alys Beach near Seaside, Florida for an art event. My friend Katherine Scurlock organized to bring the work of four female New Orleans artists to Alys. Raine Bedsole, Karen LaBorde, Nicole Charbonnet, and my paintings were all featured. The amazing architecture and natural setting creates a magnificent backdrop to present modern art.

Above is one of Raine Bedsole's beautiful vessels

Each home is built using green construction techniques with environmental sustainability in mind. The use of walled courtyards are not only beautiful and private but also storm resistant.

Rainwater travels down these chains and falls into this natural water receptacle

I just love the shape of this small screened porch

It is so relaxing and beautiful just to be on a walking tour of the property

My friend Susannah Rice, who was on a 15 mile bike ride to Santa Rosa Beach, stopped by to take a picture with me.

Above is one of Nicole Charbonnet's multi-layered paintings. I love the punch of color in this alcove

One of the homes was filled with furniture from SOM (South of Market). I loved the minimalistic feeling and the industrial flair of the interior they create.

This is the entrance to the community pool. Isn't it amazing?

Most of the homes have a courtyard and a rooftop living area. It just makes sense to use all of your space, including the roof, for entertaining and for utilizing the unbelievable vistas.

This living room is separated from the rest of the house by a courtyard. I really liked that idea for guests. They could be in this fabulous living room with a fire and cocktails without disturbing anyone in the main house.

a sitting room on the second floor

A snapshot with artist Karen LaBorde in front of her work.

This is one of my paintings hanging in the courtyard of one of the homes. It's a small outdoor area but it shows you that small spaces can be so much more functional than wide expanses.

Wouldn't you love to come out to this porch off of your bedroom in the morning?

I would just love to just move in........If you are in the area, the show will be up for the entire month of October.