The figure in the iconic painting, “Whistler’s Mother,” will be brought to life at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the Timbers of Shorewood retirement community, 1100 N. River Road. The performance is free and open to the public.
Donna Svehla, daughter of Timbers resident Louise Svehla, will transform into the character of artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler’s most famous work of art, a portrait of his mother called “Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1” but commonly referred to as, “Whistler’s Mother.”
At first, this painting was seen as a failed experiment for its simple color palette during a time of flamboyant decoration in England. However during the Great Depression the picture was billed as a “million dollar” painting and was very popular at the Chicago World’s Fair. It was soon accepted as a universal representation of motherhood by the public which resulted in the United States issuing a postage stamp in 1934 featuring the now-iconic work.
Svehla first saw street performers portraying famous artworks when she and her mother took a trip to Paris. Donna was fascinated watching the art “come to life” in front of the Louvre.
When she took part in her first antique faire, she wanted to add something eye-catching to her booth. She learned that Whistler’s mother actually led an extraordinary life, and she set out to share the woman’s history. Her performance turned out to be a hit, and everyone stopped to talk with her.
Svehla’s portrayal of “Whistler’s Mother” will include information on the woman’s childhood in North Carolina; how she lived in St. Petersburg, Russia, Paris and London; and stories of how she traveled across federal lines to the Confederate South during the Civil War, among many other interesting facts.
Svehla earned a ribbon for the most authentic costume at the Timbers’ Halloween Party, and she enjoys bringing her historical portrayals to groups and events.
The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents, whose needs may change, are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate care.
For more information, call Shelly Goggins at 815-609-0669.
