Curating The Edwardian Ball is an exercise in world building. Working with the themes of The Ball, the art collection combines historical & fantastical elements to create an original experience for the participants. More than just décor, these works serve as the environment for The Edwardian Ball’s many performances, and patron’s displays of creativity & wit.
Participating visual artists travel from the far reaches of the West Coast, gathering a cabinet of curious talents to titillate the senses & delight the eye. The thread that unifies them stays consistent: The Regency Ballroom is already a stunning work of art, so it requires we do the venue justice. Similarly, the Patrons of The Edwardian Ball dazzle in their most stylish ensembles, completing the immersion into this realm.
Gorey’s world abounds in deliciously dark delights, shimmering tones of gold and jewels, a touch of elegant macabre; a revelry spiced with the twist of unexpected endings.
Art by Eric Kelly
The Lovely Ladies of Dark Garden
About The Edwardian Ball
What, pray tell, is The Edwardian Ball?
Puzzling to explain, nigh impossible to describe, but absolutely delightful to experience, The Edwardian Ball is an elegant and whimsical celebration of art, music, theatre, fashion, technology, circus, and the beloved creations of the late, great author and illustrator Edward Gorey. Set in an imagined “Edwardian Era”, this multi-city, multi-media extravaganza has grown over the past fifteen years from an underground club party into an internationally recognized festival of the arts, now operating with the blessing of The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust.
About The Curator
Layil Umbralux is a Fine Artist based out of the Bay Area of California, creating oil paintings and drawings. Layil’s work explores the unseen via the observed; truth through illusion. Her studio work uses found objects and the human form to tell stories drawn from mythology and the occult, and explores her fascination with the natural world in all its forms.
Her journey at the Edwardian Ball began as a participating artist in 2014. She continued to show work the following years, as well as performing as a live sketch artist, creating portraits of patrons during the event.
She had some previous experience with events and curation, so when Will Chase, the former Edwardian Ball curator, offered her the position, it was impossible to say no. This is her 9th year wrangling artists for the Ball, creating an immersive experience celebrating creativity in all its forms.
Layil Umbralux, Visual Arts Curator