30 Oct “Celebrating Life, Health & Creativity” with Artist Roi James & More!

Artist Roi James in front of one of his paintings at Live Strong Foundation, 2014. 

This seems to be the week of events and it’s not even the holidays yet!  Okay, I admit it…it is essentially the “beginning” of the holiday season, so let the festivities begin!

I am very blessed to not only have family members involved in the arts, but wonderful, kind, and loving friends who also happen to be super talented in the arts, fashion and design.

As an artist myself, it is important for me to travel and see/hear art, design, architecture, music, you name it, to get inspired. But truth be told, I NEED to see other people’s work to feed my soul! 

I’m very excited to be attending three unique shows this weekend by three very special friends and artists. In their own unique way, each of these shows celebrates life, health, and that essential human connection and creativity, that we all need to feed our souls. So, if you live in Austin, please join me and attend these fabulous events THIS weekend! I really hope to see you there.  Till next week, when we pick up where we left off in Venice, please enjoy learning about these three Austin creatives! XOPG

Photoraphy by, and with permission from, Brenda Ladd Photography.

FIRST EVENT – 10.30.15. is by a very talented friend, singer, and founder of non-profit, Symphony of Soul, Leslie Hyland Rogers. I was fortunate to befriend this delightful woman at Copeland Jewelers‘ holiday event last year, The Giving Calendar. Friend Lance Avery Morgan invited me (since he was Mr. December!) and it was THE most fun holiday party ever. You may recall this post on it: Diamonds, Emeralds & Rubies – Oh My!  I’ve gotten to know Leslie just a little bit and I marvel at her talent and zest for pouring her heart and soul into her charity work and singing. Please be sure to check out Symphony of Soul. It’s mission is simple: To provide “musical medicine” to people confined in care centers. I’m excited to hear Leslie live on stage!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH:  Leslie Hyland Rogers in “Once Upon A Time’, A Musical Show Starring Leslie and Featuring Her Band, The Hylanders.

Painting and photograhpy by, and with permission from, Roi James.

SECOND EVENT: 11.01.15. is by local artist and dear friend, Roi James. I met Roi many, many years ago, with my mother in fact, at one of Roi’s very first art shows downtown.  It’s a long story, but let’s just say Roi, and his paintings, greatly impacted my mother’s life and, in turn, have significantly impacted, and continue to, my life and my husband’s.

Roi is a very special artist and friend.  I’ve personally seen him grow (as many have) and develop as an artist and a human being.  He’s kind, generous, and thoughtful and his art work reflects all the beauty and wisdom in his life.

I’m partial to the photo below of Roi, because I took that photo last year at his show, when he was still recovering from cancer.  I love how Roi’s painting creates this aura of light above his head.  To me, it personifies Roi and his breadth of incredible work. Please see details about his Open Studio below and here.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST: Roi James Annual Open Studio

Artist, Roi James talking about his paintings, last fall at a small show at the headquarters of Live Strong Foundation in Austin, Texas. You can read about that show here, and view more of Roi’s work on his website.  Below are just a few more pics of Roi’s current and upcoming work.

Photos I took of one of Roi James’ constructs above and painting below at Live Strong.

What I love about the specific Roi James’ paintings I selected below, is that:

Roi James’ paintings flow – like folds of fabric, like pleated textiles, like silky ribbon, like sheer curtains. There’s so much emotional movement, depth of color and texture in each painting….and this is what I love most about Roi’s contemporary work!

To see the names of each painting and more details, please visit Roi’s website.

Photography by, and with permission from, Jason Thompson.

THIRD EVENT: 11.01.15. And last, but not least, is one of Austin’s founding fashion designers, and friend, Gail Chovan.  I first met Gail in person years ago at Art Bra Austin event for breast cancer awareness. A breast cancer survivor herself, Gail has done a lot in the community to raise awareness. As most of her friends do in Austin, and really around the world, I adore Gail and everything she stands for!

Gail is truly remarkable and creates seasonal one-of-a-kind pieces that characterize her values in fashion and life – a genuine appreciation for fine craftsmanship and the beauty of imperfection.

And aren’t we all “imperfect”?  That’s what I love about Gail and why you should join me in seeing her once a year fashion show.  It’s always a unique show to remember, as there is no one like Gail Chovan.  Check out Gail’s Atelier HERE. To learn more about the life of Austin’s “trend-buster” & “rule-breaker” Gail Chovan, check out this cool documentary, by Arts In Context, HERE.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST: Gail Chovan’s fashion show – Scar No. 18

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All images and views are my own unless noted. Roi James painting photography is by, and with permission from, Roi James.  Graphics by, and with permission from, Roi James and Gail Chovan.