Phoenix Art Museum brings Cathy Graham to speak at 2019 Independent Woman Luncheon

Jan, 28, 2019

Special Events and Programs

Phoenix Art Museum brings Cathy Graham to speak at 2019 Independent Woman Luncheon

Acclaimed artist and fashion illustrator will headline the popular fundraiser on March 26, 2019

PHOENIX (January 28, 2019) –In March, Phoenix Art Museum will welcome artist, fashion illustrator, and author Cathy Graham as the keynote speaker for the ninth-annual Independent Woman Luncheon. Considered one of the Valley’s most beautiful and beloved philanthropic events, the Independent Woman Luncheon has raised nearly $2,000,000 on behalf of Phoenix Art Museum since its inception. The event celebrates members of the Valley’s premier design community as they come together in support of the Museum’s commitment to excellence in the visual arts and arts education. This year, the Luncheon continues its tradition of inviting a high-profile designer to attend, welcoming Cathy Graham to the Museum to speak about her work. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 26, at 10 am in the Museum’s Cummings Great Hall.

“Phoenix Art Museum is grateful for the unwavering support from our community, whose generosity has made the Independent Woman Luncheon an ongoing success,” said Amada Cruz, the Sybil Harrington Director and CEO of Phoenix Art Museum. “Through their commitment to the Museum and the arts in Arizona, interior designers across the Valley and the Museum’s volunteer leadership continue to profoundly impact our ability to provide access to world-class exhibitions and education programs for all people in Arizona.”

This year, the Luncheon’s guest speaker is artist, fashion illustrator, and author Cathy Graham. Based in New York City, Graham is renowned for her whimsical designs imbued with a personal touch. Her signature floral arrangements range from delicate and romantic to lush and lavish, effortlessly combining seasonal blooms of different colors, textures, and varieties to create fanciful and unique tablescapes. Graham is also known for her one-of-kind invitations, botanical watercolors, fashion illustrations, and handmade items, all of which boast her playful style and approach to entertaining and design. Inspired by Graham’s floral landscapes and her book Second Bloom: Cathy Graham’s Art of the Table, this year’s Luncheon is themed “Spring in Bloom.”

“We are thrilled to bring Cathy Graham to Phoenix Art Museum for this year’s Luncheon,” said Char Hubble, chair of the

2019 IWL Committee. “As an artist and illustrator, Graham is uniquely positioned to give this year’s keynote address and share her experience and work with guests of the Independent Woman Luncheon, which continues to provide vital support for the visual arts and arts education at Phoenix Art Museum.”

In addition to Graham’s presentation, the Independent Woman Luncheon will offer an exclusive opportunity to experience one-of-a-kind tablescapes created by the Valley’s premier design firms. Participating designers have been asked to create Graham-inspired centerpieces, which luncheon guests will be able to bid on and take home. All proceeds from the Independent Woman Luncheon, including the auction, will support exhibitions and education programs at Phoenix Art Museum.

Tickets and Event Information:

Tickets are $300 for individual seats. Hosted tables of 10 start at $5,000. To purchase tickets or receive further information, contact specialevents@phxart.org. Find more event information and ticket links (when available) at phxart.org.

For interviews, images, and press, contact Margaree Bigler, assistant director of marketing and PR, at margaree.bigler@phxart.org.

The 2019 Independent Woman Luncheon is made possible through the generosity of David E. Adler Fine Rugs, Desert Star Construction, Vadara Quartz Surfaces, Arcadia Farms, Ardy’s Custom Workshop, Fully Loaded Deliveries, Kravet Inc., and Premiere Wood Floors.

About the Independent Woman Luncheon

First established in 2011, the Independent Woman Luncheon is a philanthropic event that raises funds for exhibitions and education programs at Phoenix Art Museum. The 2019 event is led by a volunteer leadership committee chaired by Char Hubble.

About Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum has provided access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona for nearly 60 years and is the largest art museum in the southwestern United States. Critically acclaimed national and international exhibitions are shown alongside the Museum’s permanent collection of more than 19,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. The Museum also presents festivals, a comprehensive film program, live performances, and educational programs designed to enlighten, entertain, and stimulate visitors of all ages. Visitors also enjoy vibrant photography exhibitions through the Museum’s landmark partnership with the Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona. To learn more about Phoenix Art Museum, visit phxart.org or call 602.257.1880.

About Cathy Graham

Based in New York City, Cathy Barancik Graham is an award-winning artist and fashion illustrator. Her editorial work has appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and New York Magazine, and Graham has been commissioned by Bergdorf Goodman, Estée Lauder, CBS Records, and HBO. In addition, she has been a contributing editor for Elle Decor and House Beautiful. Graham is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, from which she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting, and she studied fashion illustration at Parsons School of Design. For more than a decade, she worked with the late floral designer and event planner Robert Isabell, noted for his unique, lavish, and innovative parties. Graham is also the designer of a line of paper products composed of fashion note cards, gift and holiday cards, notebooks, and wrapping paper. She has recently launched several collaborations, which include a line of pajamas and textiles with Charmajesty Ltd., a signature Second Bloom candle with NEST Fragrances, and a line of decoupage home accents with Scott Potter. Her first book, Second Bloom: Cathy Graham’s Art of the Table, was published in fall 2017 by Vendome Press.

Participating Designers
(Confirmed list as of 1/16/2019)

American Society of Interior Designers, Arizona North (ASID)
Amy Strang Interiors
Angelica Henry Design
Avant-Garde Studio
Bar Napkin Productions
Billi Springer & Associates
Bloomers of La Jolla
Brady Gray
Buffalo Collection
Cameo
CeTerra Accents & Interiors
Chris Jovanelly
Clyde Hardware
The Collector’s House
Cornelia Park
DeCesare Design Group
Denise Milano Design
Designs By Robyn
Design Directives
Est Est
Facings of America
Flora Bella
Guided Home Design
Imoni Events
John Brooks, Inc.
Karen Rapp Interiors
Katie Drost Design
KT TAMM INC
Lisa Portigal Designs
Lissa Lee Hickman
Luxe Pros
Main Dish
Mendil + Meyer Design Studio
MMB Studios
ModaScapes Interior Design
Nelson Barnum Interiors
Oh Sugar! Event Design and Paperie
Ownby Design
Robert Burg Design
ROUX Design Studio
Samartzis Design
Scottsdale Interior Design GroupStephanie Larsen Interiors
The French Bee
Thomas Hoyle FlowersVadara Quartz Surfaces
Vallone Design
Wiseman & Gale Interiors