Isabelle Gautier's Art

France in the United States

Consulate General of France in Atlanta

With over 27 years of experience in cultural affairs, Leslie Gordon has raised the bar of the artistic scene in Atlanta as Director of the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University, notably by bringing a French flair to the city. It’s fitting that Gordon should receive the honor for her commitment to diversity during the university’s centennial year, since GSU has recently received national attention for its ranking as one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse campuses in the United States. Gordon’s sensitivity, fine taste, varied interests, and extraordinary competence has not only helped establish the Rialto as one of the most distinguished cultural institutions in Atlanta, but has also played a significant role in strengthening cultural relations between France and the American Southeast.

On March 27, 2013, this cultural connoisseur will take center stage as Consul General Denis Barbet honors her with the distinguished French cultural award, the insignia of Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters.

Leslie Gordon began her career in arts management in 1985 as the Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Savannah. In 1992, she moved to Atlanta to become one of the producers of the Cultural Olympiad, the four-year celebration leading up to the 1996 Olympic Games. As Producer of Humanities and Special Programs, Gordon developed programming such as the two-year celebration of 100 Years of World Cinema with the High Museum of Art; a gathering of the Nobel Laureates of Literature with the Carter Center, the American South: Past, Present, Future exhibition with the Atlanta History Center; and Southern Crossroads: A Celebration of the American South in Centennial Olympic Park, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, which featured three stages of continuous programming and a marketplace with traditional crafts and artistic demonstrations.

Following the Cultural Olympiad, Gordon worked as Artistic Director of the 1997 Arts Festival of Atlanta where she was responsible for programming, implementation, contracting, operations, and overall event production of the 17-day festival of contemporary visual and performing arts. She then went on to work as Manager of Humanities and Education for the National Black Arts Festival where she developed innovative humanities programming for the 2000 and 2002 festivals.

Her arrival at Georgia State University’s Rialto Center for the Arts in 2003 enabled her to use the full breadth of her talent and experience. Thanks to the rich, diverse, and international programming she has put in place, this major institution offers a cultural portal where Atlantans can discover the world. Ranging from internationally-renowned names to lesser known but high quality performers, the Rialto annually offers an exemplary line-up that showcases many different cultures, genres, and artistic mediums. Leslie Gordon, who considers herself a cultural broker of sorts, regularly invites French and French-speaking artists such as Philippe Decouflé, Les Yeux Noirs, Angélique Kidjo, and Angelin Preljocaj, who performed as part of the inaugural France-Atlanta 2010. Following the outstanding reception of Pierre Rigal and his contemporary dance group, the Compagnie Dernière Minute, during France-Atlanta 2011, the Rialto welcomed them back in 2012 to further solidify relations with Toulouse, Atlanta’s sister-city in France, where the company offered a dynamic array of contemporary, hip-hop, and street dance during France-Atlanta 2012.

In addition to her outstanding programming, Gordon emphasizes an on-going educational dimension that fosters artistic exchange benefitting young audiences, students, and young professionals. Known for her aptitude to build bridges, she has also become an ambassador to the media and many other arts organizations in Atlanta and beyond, including festivals and major cultural institutions. Aside from consulting for numerous arts organizations including the Georgia Council for the Arts, the Southern Arts Federation (now South Arts), Ballet South, and theatre departments at Georgia Southern and Savannah State, she has also served on juries and grants committees for the Fund for International Artists, the City of Atlanta, Fulton County Arts Council, Georgia Humanities Council and the state arts council.

In 2005, Gordon was honored with the Martin Luther King Jr. Torch of Peace award at Georgia State University for her commitment to cultural diversity. She has been named a Lexus Leader in the Arts by WABE-FM90.1; named to “Who’s Who in the Hospitality Industry” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2006, 2007, and 2008; and received the 2011 Mary Beth Treen award given by South Arts and the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation for her dedication to the presenting field.

The Order of Arts and Letters was established in 1957 to recognize eminent artists, writers, and people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and throughout the world. Leslie Gordon joins the distinguished list of other Americans with the rank of Knight, including George Clooney, Tim Burton, and Malcom Rogers. Atlantans who have received this honor include Michael Shapiro, the Director of the High Museum of Art; and the Honorable Anne Cox Chambers.

I recently read on Facebook this joke:

Craiglist ad: 

"WE area small and casual restaurant downtown and we are looking for a solo musician to play in our restaurant to promote their work and sell their CD. This is not a daily job, bvut only for special events which will eventually turn into a nightly even if we get positive response. More Jazz, ROck & smooth type of music, around the world and mixed cultural music. Are you interested in promoting you work? Please reply ASAP."

Musicians answer:

"Happy NEw Year! I am a musician with a big house looking for a resaurateur to come to my house to promote his/her restaurant by making dinner for me and my friends. This is not a daily job but only for special events which will eventlually turn into a nightly event if positive response. More fine dining & exotic meals and mixed ethnic Fusion cuisine. Are you interested to promote your restaurant? Please reply back ASAP"

It does put fundraising auctions  or restaurant galleries in persperctive, doesn t it?

Trinity School proudly presents Spotlight on Art. Since 1982, Spotlight on Art has introduced art lovers to new works by some of the Southeast's greatest established and emerging artists. A community experience unlike any other, Spotlight on Art brings artists and art enthusiasts together with a full season of events:

http://www.spotlightonart.com/

Come and discover the artists

I know we are in the middle of Winter,  but as an Artist I'm getting ready for the spring exhibits and galleries shows.

For me paintings are universal, in space and  time. But there is some colors that correspond better to certain moods.

Spring colors are in my mind. I think  they never really left me, maybe they will be more uplifting for the upcoming season.

I'm thinking about the sea, about boats, about the joy of beeing outside, about the sun, about the sharp green that keeps you warm.......

http://www.artsyshark.com/125-places-to-sell/

Now you can go to my website directly from my blog app on Facebook.

I'm trying very hard to make it easy for my fans to land on my website.

That way you can see at all time what paintings are available.

Hope it works better for you

When I told Santa about all the paintings people are getting for Christmas this year he was a little overwhelmed, but he assured me he will manage. I do not have to worry!