Local Artists Model Winter Fashions
Art: it encourages us, it provokes us, and it reminds us who we are and where we’ve come from. What follows are seven prominent local artists modeling the latest winter fashions and sharing their convictions about what it means to be an artist. These women are the embodiment of what painter Salvador Dalí meant when he said that “a true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.”
Photography by Med Dement
Carylon Killebrew
Chattanooga Oil Painter and Illustrator
Carylon’s outfit provided by Embellish is perfect for a glittering night of holiday festivities. Her “Jewel” jacket and “Starstruck” triple-strand belt are from the Carlisle Collection, while her “Caldron” pants and platinum “Luminous” silk blouse are from the Per Se Collection. In a finishing touch, her black “Fredrique” patent-leather platform pumps by B Brian Atwood give her the perfect amount of height for that night out.
“My desire is for my work to be a reflection of God’s goodness in my life. Typically, my work is single images of simple everyday images that invite thankfulness.”
Eleanor Angel & Rebekah
Angel Chart-Topping Singer-Songwriter Duo
Ten Bartram The dynamic duo sports a touch of shimmer for their holiday outing. Eleanor’s black Julie Brown chiffon dress has a sequin band, while Rebekah’s Erin Fetherston red ponte dress has sequin embellishment at the cap sleeve. The girls’ dresses and Eleanor’s black onyx earrings by Kendra Scott are provided by Alice Blue Boutique. Eleanor’s “Brandy” satin and patent-leather sandals by Tory Burch and Rebekah’s “Ghita” pantent-leather pumps by KORS are provided by Embellish.
“We hope to create something that relates to people, that moves them and encourages them in some way. We hope to provoke thought and uplift people through our music.”
Christy Gallo
Actor and PR Director for Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga
Christy’s vintage-inspired look is provided by Orange Blossom Boutique. Her vivid purple dress from the Bigio Collection is paired with cherry-colored accessories including a bubble necklace and matching earrings by Fashion Beyond and a “Huntington Beach” pursette by Brighton. And with her strappy Poetic License suede pumps, she’s got that perfect retro vibe for her holiday party.
“I tend to be a very progressive and forward thinker when it comes to performing arts. I like to be challenged in a new way by every project I’m involved with and I like to share that process with our audience as much as possible.”
Brittany Johnson-Mills
Dancer and Faculty Member with Ballet Tennessee
Brittany’s chic “night out” look is provided by Boutique Couture. Her navy beaded cowl back dress by Aidan Mattox is ready to dazzle any party crowd, while her Mariell crystal-drop earrings add the right amount of glitz . Completing the look are her burgundy “Swishes” platform pumps by Stuart Weitzman, available at Embellish.
“One of my strongest desires is to build my students’ confidence through my art. I want to help them understand how dance is a way to express yourself through movement.”
Kayoko Dan
Conductor of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
With its ruffle front, Kayoko’s SHAE dress is more than just your average little black dress. Add a LMR chucky brass and stone necklace, and she’s ready for that elegant post performance party. Kayoko’s “look” is provided by K: A Boutique by Katherine Roberts.
“I always found my ‘voice’ through music, whether through singing, playing flute in various sett ings, teaching, or conducting. As an artist, I want to deliver exciting and diverse music to everyone in this community, because that is my ‘voice’ and what I strongly believe in. I believe music is for everyone, and a ending a concert should be an experience.”
Mary Lynn Portera
Chattanooga Potter, Baylor School Pottery and Sculpture Teacher
River Gallery Artist Mary Lynn’s black pleated dress and black leggings by Joseph Ribkoff give her a sophisticated flair while her three-strand necklace and circle earrings by Audrey Kate add the perfect sparkle for that holiday cocktail party. Mary Lynn’s outfit and jewelry are provided by Anna Ball White, while her black-and-suede platform pumps with a flower embellishment by Sesto Meucci are provided by Embellish.
“I am most happy when I am creating my own work. The satisfaction and energy that I derive helps me to be a better wife, mother, and teacher.”
