Shangri-La ART Reception

Artist Paula Ferreé had her first Ithaca exhibit reception on the evening of 23 January 2004. It was a wonderful success! Ferreé is nationally recognized for her captivatingly spirited oil-on-canvas botanical paintings. Her original oils and lithographs are represented in numerous private and public collections throughout the country, and may still be purchased through Shangri-La.

The reception was scheduled for 5 to 8 PM, but people starting coming by 4 PM and were still arriving at 9 PM. In all, we had well over 50 people in attendance on a bitter cold January night, including the new mayor of Ithaca, Carolyn Peterson, and her husband Dan.

However, there were moments when we feared that the guest of honor, Paula Ferreé, was not going to make it!

"Evelyn," I asked upon returning from picking up some party supplies, "has Paula been here or called?"

"No Shel, I'm the only starving artist here right now," she replied with a wink...

It was shortly after 5 PM when Paula made a great entrance.

"Paula Ferreé, where have you been?! The event is about to begin and there are about eight guests here already..." I exclaimed.

"Oh Shel! You know me... I just had to make a spectacular entrance!"

We had a wonderful time with live entertainment and great nibbles.

Paula Ferreé made certain that the reception became a party! Here are a few more candid shots of Evelyn Embry, You Min and Paula Ferreé. We always like to host an evening soiree of exciting performances, lively conversation, and engaging art.