Viewpoint I – Helen Frankenthaler, 1974
℅ Helen Frankenthaler Foundation
The American abstract painter Helen Frankenthaler experimented tirelessly throughout her six-decade career and became one of the pioneers of Colour Field painting during the 1960s. This exhibition at the Museum Folkwang in Essen (2 December–5 March 2023) marks the first showing of the artist’s works in Germany for more than 20 years. Alongside her vividly coloured soak-stain canvases, the show includes a collection of some 75 works on paper created between 1949 and 2002, demonstrating how Frankenthaler consistently challenged painterly conventions. Large-scale works such as Viewpoint I (1974) provide examples of Frankenthaler’s abstract explorations of landscape, while later works such as Untitled (2002) reveal her innovative approach to colour. (Source: Apollo)
The dog days of Summer are refreshing our souls like an ice cold lemonade after a day in the sun. We have harnessed the playful energy of the season with open curiosity, humoring the inner child that fearlessly entertains the excitement of uncharted territory. Our collaborations have flourished with a mutual passion for creativity and partnerships that beautifully complement each other as we continue to succeed together. Now is the time to behold the flourishing success of our gardens that we have worked so diligently to cultivate throughout the year. When the harvest arrives, may the fruits of our labor prove as sweet as the love with which we have nourished them! And may we, as creative women, always praise our own diligence, grace, and time well spent in our literal and metaphorical gardens of creativity.
We want to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to everyone who entered our VS Birthday Giveaway in partnership with Event Cosmetics. We were so excited to celebrate our first year of Virtuosa Society and offer an incredible haul of products from this woman-owned company, all beautifully packed in our VS branded cosmetics bag.
This is just a glimpse of our collaboration with Katherine Sealy at Event Cosmetics. It’s hard to keep this one behind the scenes, gals! Rest assured we will make a special announcement as soon as we can. In the meantime, check out their selection of ethically-sourced beauty and skincare products from Event Cosmetics here on their website, and at their store in Portland, OR.
In Katie’s beautiful words, “I trust and revere Katherine. I love how expertly she knows how to bring out my uniqueness as well as everyone lucky enough to be in her hands with an egalitarianism that excludes peace and power. I am in awe of her vision and execution of Event Cosmetics, and I am tremendously grateful for all that we have planned for the future.”
Speaking of current collaborations, the Alleyway Activation Project is well underway!
Artist Ka’ila Farrell-Smith submitted an enchanting application to paint the portrait of Marie Norris, a Native American activist, storyteller, and historian. Marie, also known in this project as The Activist, dedicated her life of active service to the Klamath Falls community until her death in 1981 and was one of the last people who knew how to speak the Klamath language.
Ka’ila’s inspiration to breathe life into an artistic interpretation of Marie’s portrait is beautifully encapsulated in her own words and lived experience:
“My name is Ka’ila Farrell-Smith (b.1982) and I’m an enrolled member of the Klamath Tribes and reside and work at my studio in Modoc Point, Oregon.
I’m the daughter of the late Alfred Leo Smith (1919-2014), a Klamath and Modoc man who was born and lived in Modoc Point until he was taken away from his mother and grandparents when he was a child put into Indian boarding schools. He lived a long life and eventually fought a famous Supreme Court Case, Smith vs. Oregon, about Native American Freedom of Religion in the 1990’s.
His life and experiences with colonization in the state of Oregon are big influences on my research and artistic practice. Reading the description of “The Activist,” Marie Norris, reminds me a lot of my father’s experience, and my own journey living and working in Modoc Point. It would be an honor to portray her portrait for the Women of Klamath Alleyway Activiation Project.”
It is no wonder that she is an excellent fit to paint a portrait of Marie Norris, who inspired an entire course on Native American Literature at Oregon State University. Ka’ila’s own advocacy for free speech and conservation of Southern Oregon is the perfect complement to Marie’s lifelong work sharing and preserving Native history in the Klamath region.
The official unveiling of the Alleyway Activation Project portraits will be held on Saturday, October 5th.
We will share more details soon about this exciting event, and we cannot wait to see Ka’ila’s work honor that of Marie Norris.
Keep an eye out for more artist spotlights this month!
Those who have followed Virtuosa Society before the grand website update of July 2024 will surely remember our Elevation Conversations. These weekly chats picked the beautiful brains of creative women across industries, from communications, to event paintings, motivational speaking, authors, actors, musicians, and more.
These conversations, along with new ones including Katie’s recent chat with Better than Booze founder Drea Groeschel, will now be released as episodes in our Between the Bio Podcast!
Shout-out to Will Cowser, our incredible podcast editor, for working his magic to make these conversations accessible to our audience. You can tune in on your podcast platform of choice, and be sure you catch up on past episodes asap because a new one will be released every week! This is a great way to take some “me” time and soak up all of the wisdom and inspiration that these women have to offer.
If you would like to share your story for the Between the Bio podcast, click here and let’s get in touch! We would love to hear your story.
As we embrace transition into a new season, Virtuosa Society is eagerly awaiting our next Maestra Masterclass with acclaimed speaker and talk radio show host, Georgene Rice. Sharing a wealth of wisdom and experience, Georgene will be addressing The Art of Conversation in beautifully prepared masterclass sessions, providing practical guidance and invaluable takeaways to apply in all areas of your life.
Join us in Klamath Falls, Oregon on Saturday, October 12th at the gorgeous private event barn of dynamic mother-daughter duo Karen & Jordan Wendt – owners of Poppy on Main, our headlining event partners – for a half day retreat including catered lunch by A Leap of Taste, tea service by Nana’s Tea Room, and a specialty dessert created just for the event by our affiliate partners CocoGlow & Bonnie Nork’s Treats.
Open to ALL!
Registration opens on September 12th
Georgene wants you to know…
“The art and beauty of conversation is miraculous. The fruit of meaningful connection allows unique individuals to experience the joy of relationships. Sadly, we can miss the opportunity to be known and to know others out of fear, self-doubt, or because we underestimate our true value and the value of others. So, how can we avoid awkward self-doubt? How might we see in others their true beauty? We’ll consider the fine art of listening and developing an open heart that makes meaningful connection possible. We’ll explore how to handle and resolve conflict and how to love others well. You are a gifted woman and the world awaits the sound of your unique and incredible voice. So, join us as we work toward your perfect pitch in the art and beauty of conversation.”
More about Georgene:
Georgene Rice is a radio talk show host in Portland whose career has spanned 35 years and whose goal is to generate light rather than heat. She has traveled internationally as a station correspondent, as a musician, and to serve the poor. She has lectured on university campuses and is a frequent speaker and worship leader at Christian conferences and retreats. Georgene serves on several boards and regularly volunteers for charitable organizations. A musician, Georgene is a featured vocalist in the Portland Singing Christmas Tree and along with her husband Dan has traveled internationally teaching and performing Gospel music. The Rice’s have produced two projects, ‘A Servant’s Prayer’, and ‘Christmas Light’. And in collaboration with longtime friends, partnered in producing ‘Undaunted: the Daring Journey of Faith’. A full time caregiver for her 93-year-old mother, Georgene loves serving and connecting with others in conversation and through music.
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