How a casual conversation between two friends over drinks turned into a really fun art show idea.
A few months ago I was having a drink (or two) with my friend Cathy to decompress after both of us having stressful weeks. We were talking about our respective needs for creative expression and what we would do if we had no limits on our creativity. Cathy is an extremely talented pastry chef and has worked for the former Governor of Maryland. She has a knack for making the most beautiful (and yummy) desserts.
My first piece for the show- what should I name it?
As the conversation went along my mind began to wander and suddenly I burst out, “I have an idea!” So I explained my half baked concept (pun intended) to have an art show based on the art of confections. I told her about my love of the works of Wayne Thiebauld and Will Cotton. Both deal with the subject matter of gratification, decadence, and pleasure- each in their own way. I’ve always admired Thiebauld’s palette; his paintings seem to vibrate off the canvas. I was able to see an exhibition of his work in DC back in 2001 at the Phillips Collection. I came across Cotton’s work in an interview segment on tv. You may recognize his work through Katy Perry.
“Honey Dripped I” - Bronwyn Haymes
As we talked more about it, details emerged like where we would host it, how we would structure it, and we decided that Pure Wine Cafe would be the perfect venue. We would have a series of desserts made by Cathy and cocktail pairings to go with each created by owner, PJ Strain. We met with PJ and he was immediately on board and before we knew it we had it on the calendar.
“Fantasy Flower” - Mary Landavere
I just love it when you get creative entrepreneurial people together and an idea comes to fruition. I have invited three other visual artist friends - Mary Landavere, Leah Sarah Bassett, and my lovely assistant Bronwyn Haymes to create pieces in the theme of the show and each will have their own take on what it means to “Indulge.”
Mouth Series - Leah Sarah Bassett
I hope that you will join us on the 10th of February from 4-7 to indulge your senses in this unique art show by tasting sweet desserts paired with cocktails while viewing art created in the theme of pleasure and decadence. It will be a great event!