Reflections of Glamour

If you’re even remotely into glamour, camp, or show-stopping fashion, the Reflections of Glamour: Bob Mackie presentation at the Palm Springs Art Museum is basically a must‑see.

It’s not a giant retrospective, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. It feels intimate, almost like you’ve slipped backstage into Mackie’s world for a moment.

I was lucky to have met Mackie on three separate occasions here in Palm Springs. I’m a huge fan of his work, obviously. He was very pleasant in person.

The museum has pulled together five original gowns and costumes, plus a curated selection of sketches spanning the 1970s through the 2000s. It’s a tight edit, but every piece hits.

You get that unmistakable Mackie blend of humor, theatricality, and pure sparkle – the kind of work that made Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Carol Burnett, Elton John, and so many others look larger than life.

One of the funniest skits I’ve yet to see was when Carol Burnett wore this for “Went With The Wind.” “*Just a little something I saw in the window.”*

One of the undeniable stars of the show is the “Scarlett O’Hara” gown from Carol Burnett’s legendary Went With the Wind parody – yes, the one with the actual curtain rod across the shoulders. Seeing the sketch next to the real gown is a delight, especially if you grew up watching that moment and laughing every single time. I did. I used to watch the show with my grandparents.

Because it’s housed in the Jorgensen Gallery on the ground floor, the whole thing feels focused and jewel-box-like – a little shrine to the art of making people gasp.

The presentation runs January 26 – March 30, 2026, and it was created to coincide with the museum’s annual Art Party gala, where Mackie himself was honored – with Carol Burnett presenting, naturally.

The Female Form

Over in the Female Form exhibition, the mood shifts from theatrical sparkle to something almost startlingly intimate. The sculptures are so hyper‑realistic you catch yourself slowing down, leaning in, trying to figure out where the artist’s hand ends and the illusion begins.

There’s a quiet power in seeing the body rendered with that much precision – every fold, freckle, and gesture captured with a kind of reverence that feels both modern and timeless. It’s one of those shows where you think you’re just popping in for a look, and suddenly you’re standing there longer than you meant to, completely absorbed.

Female Form: Tom Wesselmann & Mickalene Thomas from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

Reflections of Glamour: All works are courtesy of Bob Mackie. Special thanks to Joe McFate, Design Director for Bob Mackie. Exhibition support is provided by Revivals and DAP Health.

Photos: d. king

Art & Culture

AmDocs: Something to Entertain You

Where Art, Love and Magic Meet

What can I tell you about this artful documentary I just saw at the Palm Springs Cultural Centre? On the city’s largest screen, I attended the world premiere of Something to Entertain You, part of AmDocs – the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival, one of the largest and most respected documentary festivals in the country, featuring independent films and Academy Award-qualifying screenings.

The film celebrates the life and work of Karen and Tony Barone, two unforgettable creative forces here in the Coachella Valley. Their whimsical, larger‑than‑life sculptures are scattered along Hwy 111, on El Paseo (Palm Desert’s answer to Rodeo Drive), outside private homes, and even at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Even if you don’t know their names, you’ve seen their art. And once you meet them, you never forget them.

Filmmakers Jon and Mary Orlin spent years getting to know the Barones, and their documentary captures the couple’s world with so much heart. They reveal just enough of the mystery while still preserving the magic – a rare balance.

Mary & Jon Orlin outside the PS Cultural Center (used to be called The Camelot). I don’t know who took this pic.

I’ve been lucky to meet Karen and Tony several times over the years. I remember spotting them at Tropicale or at the Modernism Week Opening Party, long before I knew who they were. Karen, in particular, is impossible to ignore – a living work of art, effortlessly so.

The premiere exceeded every expectation. The theatre was packed with friends, fans, and familiar faces, and the film delivered more than a few surprises. I had no idea they once designed restaurants or created a one‑of‑a‑kind makeup line so unique that when Oprah walked into their SoHo store, she bought one of everything. Or that Andy Warhol invited them to lunch and couldn’t stop photographing Karen. To be honest, most people want to photograph her.

This was taken at the after-party at Il Corso – Palm Springs.

And then there’s Tony’s love for Karen – one of the most beautiful parts of the film. His admiration for her is deep, steady, and unwavering. He’s an extraordinary artist in his own right, yet he lets her shine without hesitation. It’s rare to witness a partnership like theirs.

Their life has been eclectic, bold, and endlessly creative…and it still is.

Something to Entertain You captures that spirit perfectly. The film just had a second screening here in the desert, and I can’t wait to see where it plays next. If you get the chance to watch it, don’t miss it. It’s absolutely worth seeing.

Here’s a previous Art + Fashion Blog Post I did on the Barone’s – it ties everything together:

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2023/03/06/monday-mood-art-fashion-with-the-barones/

Art & Culture

Artist Center Palm Desert

Last week, my friend Kathy and I attended a reception celebrating a dynamic collection of juried artworks presented by the Artists Council of Coachella Valley.

The event took place at The Galen – an elegant 8,400‑square‑foot, LEED‑certified art venue (recognized for its environmentally conscious design) in Palm Desert near El Paseo.

The stunning space set the perfect tone for an evening devoted to creativity.

Several of our friends had pieces on display (and for sale), selected from more than 700 submissions by Artists Council members. The range of work was impressive, and it was wonderful to see familiar names among the chosen artists.

Our friend Libby sold her piece that evening. She works with a unique form that revolves around using refined organic cotton material, which Libby then transforms into sculptured ethereal compositions. The only surviving record and reminder of it is via photograph. The original materials are recycled for other creations. One small piece may be used in many ways for different creations…signifying there is a place for everything. No waste.

The Artists Council is an independent non-profit dedicated to elevating artists throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond. Their mission comes to life through exhibitions, professional development opportunities, and meaningful community engagement. They offer a robust lineup of programs – everything from art and business‑of‑art classes to workshops, lectures, critiques, salons, and social gatherings.

Friend Mandy Main with her husband and son next to her art piece.

At the heart of their work is a belief in the transformative power of art – both in its creation and in the experience of viewing it.

It was a lovely evening filled with art, conversation, and hors d’oeuvres, and a reminder of how vibrant and supportive our local arts community truly is. Photos: d.king

https://www.artistscouncil.com/

They have a very nice gift shop too with books, gift cards and several very Palm Springs framed prints.

Film Reviews

TIFF: The Christophers

THE CHRISTOPHERS is what happens when you lock a dying art legend, a brilliant forger, and two ultra-greedy adult children in a dusty London townhouse and shake vigorously. It’s less a film and more a masterclass in verbal fencing.

Photo courtesy of **The Toronto International Film Festival** (TIFF)

This was the World Premiere of another brilliant Steven Soderbergh film. Soderbergh is best known for films like Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve, Erin Brockovich, and the drug thriller Traffic – for which he won an Academy Award.

His latest film is about the art world and unfinished business…namely; unfinished masterpieces. I loved this film. Especially the performances. The fabulous Ian McKellen (he should win an Oscar for this role – truly!) plays Julian Sklar, a famous, gloriously decrepit art world relic who is equal parts genius and monster. He’s absolutely brilliant!

He’s the kind of character who’d sell his soul for a good review, then demand royalties. Not having painted for years, the once-revered British painter’s reputation took a nosedive after a scandal involving a reality TV program he was involved with. Now he’s a bit of a recluse.

One of the most intriguing characters in THE CHRISTOPHERS is played by Michaela Coel, who brings a layered complexity to the character of Lori Butler, an ex art-student who is hired by the artists’ materialistic kids to secretly forge their father’s unfinished paintings. But Lori’s motivations go beyond money. Coel is captivating in both looks and demeanour as the forger with a vendetta.

Their scenes crackle with tension, wit, and a kind of layered resentment.

The two estranged kids; Barnaby Sklar (flamboyantly played by James Corden) and Sallie Sklar (played by sharp-tongued Jessica Gunning who was last seen in Baby Reindeer – interesting casting), form a hilariously dysfunctional duo whose greed fuels the film’s central plot.

It will be interesting to see how this film fares when it’s released to theatres. No matter what anyone has to say about this film, the acting is superb on all levels.

Tiff 50 (TIFFTY) has now come to a close. It was a stimulating and entertaining mix of movie watching and get-togethers. I’ll leave you with a few pictures while I sort out my next reviews for you.

On the **TIFF Lightbox Rooftop** after the People’s Choice Awards. **Cheers to another 50!**

The lovely and talented **Sarah MacLaghlan** at the Premiere of “**Lilith Fair – Building a Mystery** – the untold story.” Photo: d. king

Producer of “Lilith Fair” – **Dan Levy.** I love this guy. Photo: d. king

Executive Producer – Boss Lady **Diane Sawyer** (ABC News – btw, *how amazing does she look?)* with **Mike Kelley**, head of ABC News Studios. Photo: d. king

A little *behind the scenes.* **Who is this man?** I know I’ve seen him before. Photo: d. king

Art & Culture

ART Vancouver 2025

Last Thursday night I attended the eclectic opening night of ART VANCOUVER with my friend Rosa – a contemporary art fair now approaching its 9^th edition. It’s happening all weekend long at the Vancouver Convention Centre – link below.

Since Art, for the most part, is open for individual interpretation, I guess you can say that there’s something to appeal to everyone’s taste here – or almost everyone.

Eagle by **Stefan Rogenmoser** – http://www.simplyartist.com

Sculpture by **Jai Sallay-Carrington** http://www.jscreatures.com

There was a lot to take in while walking around the large space. I especially enjoyed the unique and interesting sculptures represented. I respect the artistry, even though most were not something I would be interested in purchasing for myself. You’ve got to admire the workmanship that goes into these astounding pieces. Plus, there’s always a story behind them.

One of my favourite exhibits turned out to be the Bryan Adams & Ape Art from “Save the Chimps Sanctuary” – a 150 acre sanctuary in Florida which offers life-long care for hundreds of chimpanzees rescued from labs, the pet trade, and the entertainment industry. I thought it was both brilliant and philanthropic. Plus, they’re pretty good artists ~~and better than some others I’ve seen~~.

ART VANCOUVER stands as a testament to the beauty and wonder of contemporary art. Beyond thought-provoking exhibitions and stimulating conversations, the fair fosters an inclusive environment where cultural exchange thrives, strengthening Vancouver’s place as a global hub for contemporary art.

Art photos/video: d. king

See any that grab you?

The Convention Centre is located at Canada Place. Some pics from the outside:

We live in a beautiful city.

Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: @artvancouver, Facebook: @artvancouverofficial, and X: @Art_Vancouver

Art & Culture

ART VANCOUVER

ART LOVERS UNITE

Art Vancouver, Western Canada’s premier contemporary art fair, is returning for its 9th edition from April 24 -27, 2025, at the iconic Canada Place sails (Vancouver Convention Centre East – Hall B). After a successful 8th edition, the 2025 event is set to bring together art lovers, collectors, curators, and creators from around the world to celebrate contemporary art.

Offering a curated selection of art from the West Coast and around the globe, Art Vancouver 2025 will continue its tradition of featuring a diverse selection of art, showcasing the talents of local and international exhibitors. The fair offers attendees the unique opportunity to experience innovative works that capture the spirit of the West Coast and International art.

More than an art exhibition, Art Vancouver brings people together. The event provides a space for attendees to discover fresh ideas, engage with gallery owners and artists, and experience the latest trends in contemporary art. With each year gaining more attention and participation, the 2025 edition is set to feature expanded programming, ensuring something exciting for everyone, from art professionals to art lovers.

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time – Thomas Merton

Dates: April 24 – 27, 2025

Visitor Information: http://www.artvancouver.net/visitors-information

Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: @artvancouver, Facebook: @artvancouverofficial, and X: @Art_Vancouver

Art & Culture

Schindler Space Architect

Part of the 36^th Palm Springs International Film Festival – 2025.

“The sense for the perception of architecture is not the eyes – but living. Our life is its image” – Rudolph Schindler

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs International Film Festival.

If you love art and architecture, then you need to see this important and informative documentary about great modernist architect Rudolph Schindler. Schindler’s body of work which he referred to as “Space Architecture” was focused primarily on the design of interior space. And it is impressive. Each living space is a work of art.

With so much richness and history here, it occurred to me how difficult it must be to put a documentary together with an over abundance of information on one person with such a wide body of work. Valentina Ganeva manages to give us an educational and stylish film which is sure to inspire. Narrated by Meryl Streep and Udo Kier.

Schindler, for those not familiar, was the first architect to introduce the indoor/outdoor living concept in California. That especially, I can relate to and appreciate. He combined multi-functional space with an abundance of natural light through strategically placed windows, skylights and doors. Light and space play crucial roles in creating a harmonious and inviting environment.

The late Austrian-born, American architect had a unique perspective by creating simple but functional and luxurious designs incorporating an expression of his specific ideas, almost entirely in Southern California in the early to mid 20^th century.

He was famous for his style of meeting the needs of each client and site, often designing on the challenging hillside lots that his clients could afford. He worked within the budget of each client. One of his most beloved residential designs is the Tischler House (Westwood, 1949).

Schindler developed a style at once distinctly modern and uniquely adaptive to local culture and climatic conditions. A true blend of artist and engineer, Schindler constantly experimented with materials, construction techniques, and the composition of space.

Schindler was a pioneer who broke from the International Style of the moment to do things “his way.” Richard Neutra was his bitter rival; Frank Lloyd Wright a difficult mentor. Both of these architects took some ideas from Schindler but did not offer credit.

This doc is also a study on human character – it’s good side and it’s disappointments. It would be nice if people gave credit where credit is due, but we find out that this is not the case when both Neutra and Wright purposely keep Schindler out of some very significant acknowledgments. What I like about Schindler is that he stuck to his original ideas without becoming conformist to what other architects deemed were the unwritten rules of the times.

We also find out that both Neutra and Wright decide to make amends at the end of their life but instead of pointing a finger, Schindler decides to gracefully accept their apologies. Bittersweet moments.

At the Q&A at the end of the film, an audience member asked how Ganeva was able to get Streep to agree to narrate the film. Someone she knows is a friend of a relative of Streep’s and as it so happens, the actress knows a few people who live in Schindler designed homes and was more than happy to lend her voice. Udo Kier is a German born character actor who lives in Palm Springs. Both Valentina and Udo were here in person. This is Valentina’s first documentary. Funnily enough, she used to be a movie critic in Bulgaria.

This documentary will also be featured as part of Modernism Week here in Palm Springs.

Bravo for a work well done!

Palm Springs International Film Festival Tickets. On until January 13^th:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/

For more indepth information on Schindler I found this:

https://www.laconservancy.org/learn/architect-biographies/r-m-schindler/

FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.

Art & Culture

David Hockney: Perspective Should be Reversed.

Do you see what I see?

Perspective is the way we look at something, and since we’re all unique, we all view things differently. So I’m not sure that you see what I see or if it’s even reasonable to think that you should. What does the artist intend for us to see is the question. I love the beauty, the simplicity and the complexity of each and every Hockney work of art. His work often explores themes of light, space, and the everyday moments of life.

David Hockney is a renowned English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer, and photographer. Born on July 9, 1937, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, he is considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. He is also known for his contributions to the pop art movement of the 1960s and his innovative use of color and perspective.

The exhibition highlights Hockney’s lifelong experiments with non-traditional perspectives for depicting the world and foregrounds his early interest in expressing his identity as a gay man.

David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed presents a wide body of works produced during a six-decade-long career. It features nearly 200 of the artist’s works in a variety of media, including prints, collages, photographs, iPhone as well as iPad drawings.

He changed my perspective on how I see art. I would not have previously considered creating art with a simple iPhone or iPad as Art. Quite amazing actually. It’s just a different medium and not so simple for just anyone.

Photos: d. king

On until March 31, 2025

https://www.psmuseum.org/art/exhibitions/david-hockney

This is one of the most beautiful Art Museums I’ve ever been to.

Art & Culture

ART: Refined & Recycled

The Power and Impact of Art

**Playful Pinks on Orange** – Libby Walsh

The beauty of abstract art, both for the viewer and artist, is that any person can interpret any art they see in whichever way they choose.

Libby Walsh is an artist friend I met in Palm Springs through a mutual friend (we call her Candy the connector) a couple years ago. We met when a group of us went to a fashion luncheon at Wally’s Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage. Since then, we’ve seen each other a number of times on other occasions, including another Wally’s fashion lunch because we enjoyed it so much the first time.

Aside from being an artist with a twist (literally), Libby’s a true tennis fanatic enthusiast who can talk everything tennis related. She’s a regular spectator at the annual BNP Paribas Tennis Open in Indian Wells, featuring the best players in the world.

A former photo and food stylist for 25 years, Libby received a BFA degree with an emphasis on photography and sculpture.

Her broad range of creative endeavours have influenced her passion for design, composition, color, and the love of abstract expressionism.

Her art is a unique form. It revolves around using refined organic cotton material, which she transforms into sculptured ethereal compositions. The only surviving record and reminder of it is via photograph. The original materials are recycled for other creations. One small piece may be used in many ways for different creations…there is a place for everything. No waste. She calls it LibArt..photographed, organic compositions. Like this:

**Swirling White on Black** – Libby Walsh

She recently gifted our friend Mini an art piece for her birthday.

Mini with her *smaller version of a* **White on Black** art piece (there is a larger version) – Tonga Hut in Palm Springs.

Libby’s Photo Art is a visual endeavour, creating energy in a limited space. The composition of flowing lines that balance the positive and negative space, gives the viewer an invitation to Stop, Reflect and Enjoy the limited, but not limiting motion of design.

Some of her works are scheduled to be on display in a gallery at the Perez Art District in Cathedral City. More details to follow.

For exhibit opportunities or purchasing please contact Libby at: libbywalsh(at)att.net (this is so AI cannot pick up the “@” character).

“FUN + GAMES” SHOW & SALE

The Artists Center

Come see our last show of the season before we close for our summer hiatus during July and August. View the 117 artworks in person at the Artists Center at the Galen (open Wed through Sun from 10 am to 4 pm from now through June 30th)…or browse (and shop!) See link below.

**At Artists Center Reception** with friends Candy & Valerie.

Stop, Reflect and Enjoy!

For more info on Artists Center Current Exhibitions and Shows:

https://acstore.artistscouncil.com/

With our friend Candy outside a gallery at **Perez Art District** in Cathedral City, Ca.

The Artists Council is committed to a fulfilling creative life for all and recognizes the powerful impact art can have on our world, both in the making of art and exposure to it. Our concept of inclusion embraces all races, genders, ages, religions, identities, personal experiences and lifestyles. Cultural inclusion is one of our guiding principles.

Subscribe to our newsletter and e-blast announcements – SUBSCRIBE

Art & Culture

Modernist Masterpiece

I had the pleasure of visiting this intriguing Donald Wexler designed house of steel with my friend Megan recently. This home has an interesting history of who designed it, who owns it and the exhibit now showing – BLAKEHAUS @ WEXLER.

Donald Allen Wexler (1926-2015) was an influential Mid-Century modern architect whose work is predominantly here in Palm Springs. He is known for having pioneered the use of steel in residential design. Some of the buildings he’s designed include the Palm Springs International Airport, Merrill Lynch Building, The Dinah Shore Residence and more.

In the desert, light is everything, and Wexler knew how to harness it.

“Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation.” —James Turrell

Whether inside or outside, you can see why this home was used as the backdrop for countless editorial and fashion shoots; it is owned by Jim Moore, former GQ creative director-at-large.

Palm Springs Life Magazine did a story on him. This next paragraph was taken from the magazine:

Ryan Reynolds, Kanye West, Tom Cruise, President Barrack Obama, and a big posse of other well-known fellas all took heed to Jim Moore’s impeccable fashion consult over the years. By all accounts, these famous gents all came out looking pretty dashing on the cover of GQ, the titanic men’s magazine where Moore has enjoyed a fabulous tenure as creative director for four decades.

Some gossipy history: Reading about the house in Architectural Digest, it was said that Moore had heard that the house once belonged to Billy Wilder. One day, an older neighbor getting her mail told him the truth: Wilder had lived there for only six months or so, and came seldom, but she’d once seen him in the driveway talking with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The magazine went on to say “At Moore’s house, even the ghosts have pedigree.”

“I’ve never really looked at Palm Springs as being anything but stylish. There’s something glamorous about Palm Springs. It’s the little town that has the style of the big city.’” — Jim Moore

The home is now temporarily occupied by Peter Blake and his wife Stephanie. They reside in Laguna Beach and own The PETER BLAKE GALLERY; also in Laguna Beach.

All the furniture and artwork you see here is from the gallery. Moore’s own furniture was moved out for this special exhibit.

Blake’s wife Stephanie is an artist and floral designer. This is her gorgeous flower arrangement.

The gallery’s program effectively merges the disciplines of Art, Architecture and Design.

This special exhibit of artwork and furniture collection from the gallery places an emphasis on important design from the 20^th century. The curated display traverses the decades from Bauhaus to Modern – as shown in these photos.

From the Gallery Website:

FOUNDED IN 1993, THE PETER BLAKE GALLERY IS THE LEADING EXHIBITOR OF WEST COAST MINIMALISM, WITH A FOCUS ON CALIFORNIA LIGHT AND SPACE AND HARD-EDGE PAINTING. KNOWN FOR ITS RIGOROUSLY CURATED SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS, THE GALLERY HAS EXHIBITED AND PLACED IMPORTANT WORKS BY ESTABLISHED AND MID-CAREER ARTISTS INCLUDING PETER ALEXANDER, LITA ALBUQUERQUE, LARRY BELL, MARY CORSE, RON COOPER, TONY DELAP, FRED EVERSLEY, JOE GOODE, MARCIA HAFIF, JAMES HAYWARD, SCOT HEYWOOD, JOHN MCCRACKEN, JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, JOHN M. MILLER, HELEN PASHGIAN, JAMES TURRELL AND DE WAIN VALENTINE.

Photos: d. king (photos of me taken by Megan Abbott).

If you go to this page you’ll see a more in-depth video of the home under “Current Exhibitions” and the gallery at large:

https://www.peterblakegallery.com