LIVE MAGAZINE VOL 8, Issue #206 April 3rd THRU April 17th, 2015

14
Fashionista & The Agnes Pelton Society –
Life reflected in Art
Photo Courtesy of Palladino/Den Photography
By Angela Romeo
aren and Tony Barone use their art
foster joy, hope and appreciation
r art in public places. It came as
o surprise that this generous artist
ouple would donate “Fashionista”
the Agnes Pelton Sculpture Garden. The piece was dedicated on
arch 29, 2015.
ashionista” is from the Barones’ Fashion Week El Paseo 2014 colction.
Standing six feet tall “ Fashionista “is a fashion rebel.” It is a
ower female response to our ‘MODERN©MAN’, sculpture who is
ndrogynous and represents mankind. ‘Fashionista’’s silhouette is a
mplified version of Karen’s visual-presence - very short skirt and
per-hero pointed shoulders”, stated Tony. “The sculpture is in keepg
with the spirit of strong women such as Agnes and Karen.”
he Agnes Pelton Society, a non-profit dedicated to promote the
e, art, and legacy of American Artist Agnes Pelton (1881-1961), was
unded by artists Peter Palladino, Simeon Den, and Nancy Strow
heley. “When Peter and I purchased our home we discovered
e lived in the world of a wonderful rebel. Agnes was a modernist
ainter. Her inclusion in the iconic 1913 The Armory Show New York
ity is significant as she was one of the few women included. She
ttled in Cathedral City in 1932, and resided there until her death
1961. Although her work is many public collections, the legacy of
gnes Pelton was not as well known. We decided to change that, “
id Simeon Den. “In addition to bringing Pelton’s life and work to the
ublic, we saw an opportunity to use this home and Pelton’s legacy
promote and support arts-related events in Cathedral City. The
reation of the sculpture garden is another step to realizing this goal
nd to the establishment of an Agnes Pelton Museum. The Barones’
ulpture raises the profile of the society as well as continues with
ur advocacy of bringing the arts to all people of Coachella Valley.”
hy did the Barones decide to gift “Fashionista”? “Agnes Pelton was
strong independent woman who paved her own way through her
reative work and lifestyle -a forward thinking powerful early day
ashionista. To gift ‘Fashionista’ to the Society is apropos. Peter Paldino
and Simeon Den have worked tirelessly to bring attention to
gnes Pelton. They are also creating an amazing cultural community.
e see Peter and Simeon as art-heroes, “noted Karen Barone.
e keep uncovering forgotten history of the village of ‘Cathedral’ as
retreat for painters, writers, composers, and intellectuals. Also ‘forotten’
was the unspoken narrative of the lesbians who were drawn
Board of Directors of Agnes Pelton Society--
left to right-- Shelley Kaplan, Karen Barone,
Tony Barone, Simeon Den, Alan Carvalho,
Sandra Kelemen, Peter Palladino
to this area. We continue to find photos of this gathering place for
spinsters, ‘handsome’ pioneer women, some ‘out’ but mostly closeted
...appropriate for the time and class. Interesting, right? ‘Fashionista’ we
hope will encourage others to support this culturally significant project,”
stated Simeon.
The Agnes Pelton Society (www.agenspeltonsociety.com) and Sculpture
Garden is located at, 68680 F Street, Cathedral City, CA 92234.
The work of Karen and Tony Barone may be seen at www.baroneart.
com.
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gela Romeo is the producer /host of COLLIDING WORLDS TV and COLLIDING WORLDS RADIO.
r more information visit: www.collidingworldstvandart.com
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