"Homage to Klimt" Design Series Exhibit Opening Party

EVANSTON, Ill. - Oct. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- Homage to Klimt opens on October 19th from 12pm to 6pm. The celebration will include refreshments and live music. All attendees can enter in raffle drawings for prizes including a party package, theater tickets, and original Eve Alfillé jewelry.

Enjoy live music performance by the Jerry Tiberi & Mike Maratea Jazz Duo, culinary treats by Out of the Pan Restaurant & Catering, specialty drinks and multiple raffles.

A Gilded Touch: Evanston Artist EJA Blends Art and Craft in 36^th Jewelry Art Series

Evanston, IL, October_ 2013— Eve Alfillé, artist and owner of the Eve J. Alfillé Gallery and Studio in Evanston, explores the blend of art and craft in ‘Homage to Klimt,’ the latest installment in her themed jewelry art gallery.

Fascinated with history since her childhood in France, Alfille's newest series draws from the rich history of art in the period of 1900-1910.  In particular, as she was drawn to the work of symbolist Gustav Klimt (1862 - 1918), his intricate paintings inspired and informed the gilded looks and rich colors of her new work.

Klimt shocked his contemporaries by incorporating precious metal into his paintings, inspired by ancient gold frescoes he saw in Italy as well as the goldsmith work of his own family. A Symbolist in his art, he strove to engage all the senses and showcase the tangible world in unusual ways.

“In this series, I've been thinking about the way he took reality and transformed it, creating his own forest of symbols,” Alfillé said.

In this way, Gustav Klimt's art went on from women's portraits to the evocation of love in a kiss to a still lake in the early light.

While Alfillé's work will not mimic specific details, her new jewelry series draws inspiration from the richness of life depicted in the paintings.  She was captivated by Klimt's beautification of objects. In Alfillé's new jewels, luminous cabochon rubies and moonstones, the passionate hue of carnelian, and the sensuous glow of pearls on a woman's skin speak to the fullness of life.

"Jewelry is one of the arts, and I consider myself an artist. But the art school convention is to distinguish between art and craft: the idea being that a piece of art does not have a useful purpose other than to inspire. A craft can be utilized.  So craft has been considered less exalted, secondary,"Alfillé explained.

"It's an artificial distinction, one that Klimt did not follow."

Homage to Klimt opens on October 19^th from 12pm to 6pm. The celebration will include refreshments and live music. All attendees can enter in raffle drawings for prizes including a party package, theater tickets, and original Eve Alfillé jewelry.