When was the last time that you painted?

Recreating Gauguin photo127 This is what I asked when each brave guest took their turn and stepped up to the canvas last night to help create a collaborative painting, with my guidance. In celebration of the Post Impressionist Exhibition at the de Young Art Museum of the masterpieces on loan from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, First Republic hosted a spectacular and inspired celebration filled with a full range of fantastic hors d'oeuvres, French champagne, and roaming musicians. What you don’t see in this video clip is a trio of professional ballerinas performing just to the left.  Their tutus, hair bows, and performance were taken right out of the previous exhibition of Edgar Degas, “The Dancing Lesson.” My role was to invite guests into the creative process of recreated Gauguin’s “Arearea” that is currently on display.  I just noticed that the name contains my first initial and last name twice. Ha! Another synchronistic moment last night was when I noticed the spot light shining down on a beautiful cobalt blue and black ceramic vessel in the adjacent gallery.  It was “Jazz Bowel” created by my direct mentor Viktor Schreckengost, the "American da Vinci", for Eleanor Roosevelt. For three years Viktor Schreckengost inspired me.  And it was a pleasure and a privilege to inspire others last night; including, bankers, brokers, and investors.  Each guest took a moment from the frenzy of the festivities and reconnected with their creative selves. When was the last time you painted, sang, danced, or played an instrument? Next stop, next week:  Bouchon of Beverly Hills to paint with Chef Thomas Keller of The French Laundry.
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