110th Birthday of Frida Kahlo celebrated
Glynis Crawford Smith/The Highlander
Amanda Koraska, left, and Madlyn Nabor, right, of Flat Creek Winery east of Marble Falls consult with milliner Robin Chiesa over hats they will make. Chiesa dressed in the Mexican tradition favored by Frida Kahlo for her hatmaking seminar at Marta Stafford Fine Art. See a collection of photos from the day in our album on The Highlander Facebook page: http://bit.ly/2v0zifo
An icon of the arts of Mexico was remembered in Marble Falls Monday, July 10, and in a way she might have approved.
Frida Kahlo (July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954), an artist of international fame, employed indigenous Mexican themes in her paintings and became a feminist icon through her lifestyle and depiction of the female experience.
She loved traditional cuisine, collecting recipies for elaborate parties that have been reproduced in a still-popular cookbook. Her paintings, however, cement her reputation in the art world. In her self portraits, and often in public appearances, she dressed in traditional costumes with imaginative headdresses. The Día de Muertos was one of her favorites.
At Marta Stafford Fine Art in Marble Falls, her 110th birthday was celebrated Monday with a hatmaking luncheon, featuring Robin Chiesa of Old Glory Millinery & Hattery in Llano.
Chiesa' grandmother was a milliner, so she came by her interest through family tradition. Her interest in art doesn't stop with the hats she creates, though they may carry out a theme in some other artistic activity.
The former owner of a gallery, herself, Chiesa was a moving force in the decorative deer you may spot driving around the City of Llano. She fostered the light-hearted Llano Air Fiddle Contest and created a hat just for her own performances.
Since her husband Russell Baros is a retired jockey of note and builds sought-after riding saddles, she especially enjoys a good Kentucky Derby Party--ladies hats not optional.
Following a program on the art of hat and facinator making, each lady at the luncheon in the gallery got to try her hand at creating a hat.
