Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A Spooky Night at the Legion

Hors d'oeuvres in Gallery 12



Frida Kahlo, Dennis Eckersley, and Roxie Hart



Guests dancing to DJ Shissla

Last Friday, ArtPoint hosted a ghoulish costume gala at the Legion of Honor. Hundreds of art enthusiasts braved the Richmond fog to dance the night away in tribute to Halloween and the opening of Very Postmortem: Mummies and Medicine. The exterior columns of the Legion looked spooktacular with purple and blue lighting. As guests made their way to the entrance, creepy music played from the dark corners of the Court of Honor.

The doors opened at 8 pm. Upon entry, waiters greeted partygoers with signature cocktails including the Pernod Absinthe Sour, Poison Appletini, Embalming Fluid and Zombie Killer. Hors d'oeuvres were served in the front galleries while black-and-white horror films were projected on the walls and the pipe organ howled Halloween classics. Guests snacked on dessert as they had their palms read by witches.

Around 10 pm, DJ Shissla mixed sets that had the crowd moving in the Rodin Gallery. Pop Rocks performed live in the café complete with mummy go-go dancers. I was amazed by how creative the costumes were. At one point, I noticed Cleopatra, Tiger Woods, and Audrey Hepburn enjoying a drink together on the terrace. ArtPoint would like to thank the attendees for making this event a big hit!

Posted by: Cheryl McCain | November 3 at 4:49:55 PM
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Listed under: General News

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Yua, Spirit of the Arctic at the de Young

Thomas Fowler's travel journal, on view in the galleries

Now is your chance to experience art from the far north first hand. The de Young recently opened a permanent installation in the Art of the Americas galleries titled Yua, Spirit of the Arctic: Eskimo and Inuit Art from the Collection of Thomas G. Fowler. The collection is an excellent addition to the de Young’s West Coast Native American holdings.

Yua, Spirit of the Arctic showcases eighty masterworks, ranging in date from ancient to contemporary periods. On view are carvings, masks, sculptures, and containers made from materials including whale bone, walrus tusk, driftwood and soapstone.  

The collection was a gift to the museum from the estate of the late Thomas G. Fowler, a multitalented artist, designer, collector, and businessman. A special piece in the collection is Mr. Fowler’s red leather-bound travel journal. The pages are filled with his neat penmanship and delicate sketches. His journal adds a personal touch to the collection; I was able to get a better understanding for his passion after seeing how meticulously he documented his findings. The book is displayed opened to an entry from February 6, 1999; it describes a Box Decoration with Seals ca. 1880. On the opposite page, Fowler sketched the piece in actual size and it is included in the installation.

My personal favorites are the collection of snow goggles from 19th century Alaska. I think that the goggles have a modern look to them. They are made of wood, pigment and string varying slightly by design while holding true to the small size and slits for eyes... [more]

Posted by: Cheryl McCain | September 9 at 12:18:06 PM
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Listed under: General News

Friday, May 8, 2009

Celebrate Mother’s Day For Free

Looking for something that won’t break the bank on Mother’s Day? Look no further, the Legion of Honor and de Young host Koret Museum Days on May 10, a tribute to the Koret Foundation’s 30th Anniversary with free general admission. View the permanent collection and enjoy complimentary public programs. For more information, please go to www.koretmuseumdays.org.

Legion of Honor
1–3 pm
Live Music by The Frisky Frolics
Hands on art-making of flower accessories
4–5 pm
Skinner organ concert of early 20th century American music

de Young
12:30–1:30 pm
Special Mother’s Day docent tour

Posted by: Cheryl McCain | May 8 at 3:58:28 PM
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Listed under: de Young News | Legion of Honor News

Friday, May 8, 2009

The Story of Julia Warhola

Who was the woman behind the artist? In Andy Warhol’s case, it was his mother, Julia Warhola. As adults, the two lived together for 20 years in a New York City apartment. They shared a close bond, as well as an interest in the arts.

Julia and her husband, Andrej Warhola, were immigrants from Miková, Slovakia. They settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania just after the turn of the 20th century. In 1942, Andrej died and she was left to tend to their three children.

Julia was fond of drawing and craft making. She noticed that her youngest child, Andy, was a talented artist at an early age. She encouraged him to explore his creativity and pursue an education in the arts.

In 1951, Julia moved to New York City to be close to Andy. They lived together in an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. She enjoyed taking care of him and organizing his work.

Andy would often use her decorative handwriting in his illustrations, including the album cover The Story of Moondog (1957). The album is on view in Warhol Live at the de Young.

Celebrate motherhood this Sunday with a visit to Warhol Live. Closing May 17, this is the last week to experience the thrill of this infamous pop artist. Click here for more information.

Posted by: Cheryl McCain | May 8 at 3:57:07 PM
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Listed under: de Young News | Exhibitions

Friday, May 1, 2009

ARTWEAR at the de Young

Announcing spectacular savings for Bay Area art enthusiasts! On May 1 and 2, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco host two shopping events: ARTWEAR at the de Young and the Member’s Only 20% Off Sale at the de Young and Legion of Honor Museum Stores.
 
The first annual ARTWEAR event is currently taking place in the Piazzoni Murals Room and the de Young. Meet the artists and shop the best of Bay Area wearable. Members receive a 10% discount on all ARTWEAR purchases. Admission is free for the public. Shop works from the following artists:
 
Textiles:                                                            
Ana Lisa Hedstrom                                              
Angelina DeAtonis                                    &nb.. [more]

Posted by: Cheryl McCain | May 1 at 3:18:39 PM
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Listed under: de Young News