Perception Through Expression: A Gallery Show

My semester at Parsons is over and I've begun work, but I can't seem to forget the end of the year festivities that took place.

  

My Perception Drawing class, taught by Kate Teale, put together our very own gallery show in her Long Island City gallery.  Each of my peers applied for a position to contribute to the show; from catalog designers, to event organizers, to PR people every detail was covered.  I curated the show with another student and and helped install the show.  Two of my classmates and I enjoyed the challenge of hanging the show; before hanging an opening myself I had never really appreciated the art of hanging a gallery show.  It was a wonderful experience and a great night!  

Two of my acrylic portraits made it in, Ilona and Marilyn, a in-class model.   Hope you enjoy a peek into our pop up gallery show "Perception Through Expression" below!

Margo Isadora

The Invite!

Kurt Hanging

Emily Organizing

Cool hallway to the gallery!

Ilona, see post about the process here!
(Acrylic on Canvas)

Marilyn
(Acrylic on Wood)

Window Vignette

A Creative Corner

Learn about the each piece and artist, in the catalog, HERE!

The opening has begun!

Portraits through Skin!
Destin by Samantha Figueredo
Hands by Kurt Stives

A favorite corner!
Cityscape, by Laura Maynard
Hands and Rest in Peace, Happy Birthday (fish), by Shine Fu
Feet, by Miranda Benjamin
Divia (Portrait), by Yingying Yang

Breaking out of the Box, by Juwon Bahn

Breaking out of the Box
Pastel on Cardboard
Self Portrait by Juwon Bahn

Breaking out of the Box
Pastel on Cardboard
Self Portrait by Juwon Bahn

In conversation...
Yves & Marilyn
In-class portraits.

Marilyn in Progress.
From sketch to finish!

Marilyn Up Close

Don't MIS the art around you! 
Visiting galleries, and seeing how others express themselves always provides me with a new perspective!

Ilona Royce Smithkin: Portraits and Parsons!

Captured by Xenia Veryano

What a treat it was to have the spirited, fabulous, and inspiring 93 year old Ilona Royce Smithkin visit my portrait drawing class critique at Parsons! 

My relationship with Ilona began with these blind contour portraits, so when Kate Teale gave the portrait assignment in our Perception Drawing class this semester, I felt that choosing Ilona was only a proper progression.  

Captured by Xenia Veryano

However, I did not think that just one traditional portrait would adequately describe my colorful, lively, and wonderful friend. So, I sketched many different compositions, trying to get across her expressive nature.

Soon after I began my first painting of her...   

Her first finished portrait! 

The day of the crit finally came!  I walked with Ilona to Parsons.  Here she told me that she calls Pansies 'Mother-in-laws' because they each have different faces/expressions! 

I have to agree :) 

We arrived at the crit!

Some of the class' work...

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Below is Ilona in acrylic paint on the top and left, colored pencil on the right and in black thread and glue on the bottom.

Crit discussion...

My lovely teacher Kate Teale and Ilona!

See their linked names to view their stunning art.

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Preforming :) 

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Thank you for coming Ilona Royce Smithkin!
Captured by Xenia Veryano

Ilona enjoyed her visit immensely, and the class loved meeting her :) what a fun crit it was!

Enjoy the inspiring individuals in your life, 

Margo Isadora

See past posts with Ilona here, here, & here!

Ilona Royce Smithkin: Cabaret Queen

Ilona and I after the show!

What a treat it was to be transported to the Roaring 20’s with Zoe Lewis and the Bootleggers performance at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in Times Square.  I went to see my good friend, Ilona Royce Smithkin, sing in this hit Cabaret show from Provincetown. Boy, was I in for a treat!  Talented performers of all ages graced the stage, from 93 year old Ilona to a middle school girl.  The host of the evening, Zoe Lewis, gave an excellent performance and introduction to each one of these flappers and handsome gents. 

Join this golden night of the flapper with the images and videos below!

Enjoy,

Margo Isadora

There were flapper women...

20's pairs...

dapper gents...

cute young flappers...

and even shirtless devils with bear pants!

See video of the devilish bear above! 

ILONA ROYCE SMITHKIN takes the stage!

See video of this 93 year old star here!

Love that telltale 3" long eyelash you can see!

The closing number to a memorable show.

Joyce Carpati and Ilona both ladies of Advanced Style
talking after the show!
These wonderful women were in the NY post earlier that day!

Ilona singing the night away...

The talented Ilona!

Karen Walker Fall 2013 Runway and Sunglass Cover Girl!

Ilona Royce Smithkin in Karen Walker Forever Campaign
Shot by Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of accompanying 92 year old cover girl, Ilona Royce Smithkin, to Karen Walker's Fall 2013 New York Fashion Week show at Pier 59! Karen Walker's collection 'New Rose' was accessorized by her stunning collection of eye wear. The Karen Walker eye wear campaign, Karen Walker Forever, was shot by Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style.  He photographed four of his favorite subjects for the campaign, Ilona Royce Smithkin and Linda Rodin sat front and center at Monday's runway show!  

Ilona completely surprised!

Once you arrived at the runway you quickly realized that Ilona was the star of the show, as she was on the cover of every large look book that was placed on each seat.  

Karen Walker Showing Ilona the look book for the first time!

 It was a treat to meet the talented and stunning designer, Karen Walker, from New Zealand!

Ilona and Karen Walker

See more of the fabulous Karen Walker Forever Campaign here!
Her eye wear is absolutely fantastic.

The bell of the ball, Ilona, being interviewed!

Runway about to begin!

See more of the gorgeous collection here. 

Ilona's Interview with Isacc Hindin-Miller from New Zealand

* Notice the Fabulous Karen Walker Sunglasses, Hat, and Feathered Glove! They were all part of costume changes that I helped her with.  Love you Ilona!

It was a wonderful whirlwind, that never would have happened if I didn't go to that first Strand book signing.  Continue to go places and meet people, as you never know what incredible people you will find!

Enjoy, 

Margo Isadora