AboutJohn Gordon Expertise Stuck for ideas? I can help with ideas on theming, entertainment and anything creative. I specialise in the unusual and have created party experiences for small gatherings right up to large international corporations. I have a great original idea that is totally flexible and personalises the party in a way that touches people.
Experience I have been involved with Corporate and Private Events for many years. I both organise and provide entertainment at a wide range from house parties, anniversaries, celebrations, fun days, conferences, seminars, workshops and street parties.
Expert: John Gordon Date: 11/14/2007 Subject: Decorating for Auction
Question QUESTION: John, I am in charge of decoration at a school Auction. Our theme this year is Starry Night by Van Gogh - I am trying to come up with some decoration ideas, but am having trouble. I need some ideas - would you be able to help?
ANSWER: Hello Tara
before I can help you please tell me:
1) And auction to me doesn't have decoration. What do you need to decorate and why?
2) Why is it themed?
3) Why Van Gogh's Starry Night? Is there some connection?
Once I know I'll offer some thoughts. Sounds great ... so long as I don't get the wrong idea!
Thanks, look forward to your response....
John
PartyMagic
AuctionMagic too!
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John,
We usually have a theme - last year it was our 60th birthday celebration so we used Diamond Jubilee - I decorated the tables with black/silver had candles, balloons and diamond dust all over. No connection we came up with a star theme and instead of going traditional we chose Vincent's version of starry night. I usually have centerpieces for the dining tables and then I have some sort of material on the silent auction tables It was very elegant last year, but this year I am nervous because of the bold colors. Hopefully I explained it well to get some unique ideas
Answer Hi Tara
I think I've got the picture (pun intended) now!
I have no idea how large the event is (ie numbers of people or table or hall size etc) and therefore no real picture of how many ideas will be needed to manage the theme and amke it successful. Obvioulsy you can be, need to be bigger and bolder in a large space, but that can be overwhelming in a confined area. Anyway .... I think you'll be able to translate:
AS you are nervous of the boldness of the painting ...DON'T use those as the main theme colors. Here's my suggestion:
=> Use icy versions of them as background colors
=> All your large areas (this may be table coverings, chair covers, and other drapes) should be in pale blues. See the banner (for example) on this page from the Van Gogh Gallery). See how they've 'muted' the painting in the top masthead banner .....
=> THEN use ythe rich bold dark blue and (lesser) orange fire colors as ACCENTS.
=> This would be for say, napkins, candles and other things.
=> IF possible get some 'swirly' patterns into some element as this is a key part of VGogh and this painting.
=> Perhaps yopu might also have a 'Fact Sheet' on each table with a dozen or so interesting things they may not know about the painting. This would allow you to reproduce a small image at the top of the sheet and some facts below as table discussion points (before the auction).
ie Van Gogh painted Starry Night while in an Asylum at Saint-Remy in 1889.
or ...During Van Gogh's younger years (1876-1880) he wanted to dedicate his life to evangelization of those in poverty. Many believe that this religious endeavor may be reflected in the eleven stars of the painting. In Genesis 37:9 the following statement is made:
"And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me."
or ... The Starry Night is a painting by Dutch post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh. Since 1941 it has been in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Widely hailed as his magnum opus, the painting has been reproduced many times and is one of his most renowned paintings.
=> The center pieces should allow your florist to do great things. Again I'd keep pale blue swirls as a background (achieveable with plastic foils, water, ribbon ..... and then broght, strong accents in some carefully chosen flower colors.
=> I'm sure the chef could also come up with a dessert / sweet that is inspired by the painting too!
I hope this gets you thinking in better, more successful directions .....
