Who Framed Thomas Cole?

Once again this year Geoff was asked to create the look and decor of the benefit for Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Referencing a famous Thomas Cole Painting hanging now in the Brooklyn Museum called "The Picnic" Geoff used his signature brush strokes to create the painting's central  figure (believed to be a self-portrait of Thomas Cole) as well a collection of seemingly period frames for party-goers to use as props for photo ops.

Held on a beautiful private estate on the Hudson river, the event is always on or near July 4th, thus the patriotic theme throughout.

The interior of the tent continues the theme in red and whites stripes on the table and a big dramatic bunting across the expanse of the tent.

The evening's finale was marked by a spectacular display of fireworks!

Thomas Cole Historic Site Benefit 2011

The third in a series of Thomas Cole fundraisers, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Thomas Cole Museum. This year's photo-op backdrop consisted of two 8-foot numbers surrounded by mylar stars, modeled here by two local 10's (Brett and Justin) who generously helped for 3 days with the event.

The design focused on the birthday theme, hinted at by the invitation which included a single balloon tied to Thomas Cole's easel.

On the back on all 330 chairs was tied a single red or fuchsia balloon on a red string in various lengths conforming to the height of the tent. The coolest effect of this design is that not until you physically enter the tent do you see the 300+ balloons, making for a great (birthday) surprise! The color scheme continued with red and fuchsia tablecloth and contrasting napkins. Locally grown and donated centerpieces ( by Story's Farm in Palenville) with geraniums and other flowers in a 4th of July color scheme finished off the design.

As you can see, the event was held at an estate with a breath-taking view of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and Hudson River ( and two of Geoff's helpers, Will and Brian)

Special holographic laser lighting by Hudson Talbot.

A spectacular fireworks display, set off down the hill from the main tent, capped off the evening's festivities with  BANG and some OOOHS and AAAHHS

 Thomas Cole National Historic Site (where American art was born)