PRESS RELEASE
FASHION AS ART
JRB ART AT THE ELMS
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma—Francis Bacon, the British author, statesman, and philosopher once commented that “Fashion is the attempt to realize art in living form.” During the month of February, JRB Art at The Elms Art Gallery will indeed prove that Bacon was right in believing that fashion is art. The gallery’s “Fashion as Art” exhibit will feature the drawings of fashion illustrator, Rosemary Burke; contemporary portraits of stylish women painted by Behnaz Sohrabian; a Pop Up Millinery Shop curated by Marla Cook; as well as a display of high fashion clothing and accessories from Balliets. The exhibit opens from 6:00 to 10:00 pm on February 1st during The Paseo’s First Friday Gallery walk and runs through February February 24th, 2013.
ROSEMARY BURKE
Professional artist and illustrator Rosemary Burke, who for 40 years actively worked as a fashion illustrator for prominent department stores and ladies boutiques, including Balliets, will be exhibiting her signature drawings and illustrations that not only present the latest in fashion, but also chronicle the evolving roles of stylish women. Her illustrations are timeless in content and composition. Rosemary, who has free lanced as a graphic designer for the past several years was commissioned in 2011 to create portraits of all of the University of Oklahoma’s Heisman Trophy Winners.
BEHNAZ SOHRABIAN
Born and educated in Tehran, Iran, Behnaz Sohrabian received a BS in Applied Chemistry, a BA in Painting and a Master of Arts in Art Studies. After receiving her master’s degree Behnaz immigrated to America and to Oklahoma to be near her sister. In speaking about her work Behnaz commented that “My work is about me, my life, being a woman.” She believes that historically men have depicted women as possessions, either as mothers or lovers.” Behnaz says “I paint women as people: strong people with depth and power. I paint them as delicate and sensitive, but not weak.” Five of Behnaz’ large canvasses are included in the February exhibit at JRB Art at The Elms.
MARLA DEANN COOK
For the last 8 years, Marla Deann Cook has worked in the fashion and retail industry in New York City before recently returning to her home state of Oklahoma. For the February “Fashion As Art” exhibit at JRB Art at The Elms, Marla will curate and present a Pop Up Shop, “The Millinery Shop,” at the gallery. The Millinery Shop will combine the best attributes of high end retail department and a milliner’s atelier. The hats on display have been created by some of the top milliners in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Customers will be able to buy hats off-the-rack or may custom order a hat. The selection of hats will include styles that are avant-garde as well as traditional. In addition to hats and fashionable accessories for women, the shop will also present several styles of hats for men.
###
JRB Art at The Elms presents a diverse roster of emerging, established, and internationally exhibited artists who create in a wide range of media including: paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, fine crafts, functional objects, fiber art and photographs. This 8,000 square foot award-winning gallery in Oklahoma City’s Paseo Arts District changes its exhibits monthly in a gracious environment that fosters a dialogue between the arts and the larger community while providing quality art for first time buyers as well as individual, corporate and museum collections.
JRB Art at The Elms, the former home of Nan Sheets which was built in 1920, is located at 2810 North Walker and is open Monday through Saturday, 10-6, and Sunday 1-5.
Phone: (405) 528-6336 Website: www.jrbartgallery.com
Email: info@jrbartgallery.com