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VIEW PHOTOS from lecture at TI!
It’s a great pleasure to celebrate dear friend and book author, Christie Nelson who just published a new book, “Beautiful Illusion” - a historical novel based on the 1939’s Golden Gate International Exposition at Treasure Island. It's an exquisite novel to not miss! Christie and I met 5 years ago at one of the events hosted with Treasure Island Museum while I was exhibiting a painting of Pacifica (the colossal statue created by Ralph Stackpole, that stood at Treasure Island 1930-40), and as some of you already know, I've been working on a series of paintings about Pacifica and the forgotten treasures of this fair. And with great excitement, Christie shared with me that she had been writing a novel about this magnificent exposition. We instantly connected and have cultivated a dear friendship and in union to Magic City- the last world's fair of San Francisco Bay!
After 12 years of research and travel and writing, Christie completed her 4th book and was just published this May. She was so kind to include one of my paintings I made of the statue of Pacifica, to be featured for her book’s back cover.
Pacifica, 30" x 24", oil on canvas, 2015 by Araujo
And in honor of Christie's book launch, she and I will give a presentation at Treasure Island Museum next Saturday, May 26th, at 10:30am. We are thrilled for this wonderful ocassion and we thank the Treasure Island Museum for inviting us to this special event that forms part of the monthly lecture series program at the Island. Christie will focus her talk about the marvelous Japanese Pavillion and characters developed for this amazing book, and I will share a slideshow presentation to accompany my inspiration painting Pacifica - the iconic statue of the exposition. I’ll have some of my paintings on display during reception and Christie will have copies of her book for sale and will be happy to sign for you!
To read the official annoucement for this event and for directions, etc, please scroll down.
Below are some photos from Christie's first book reading that was held yesterday! (May 19th) at Book Passage in Corte Madera. It was a lovely reception and presentation!
The beautiful Christie Nelson!
Patricia and Christie, at Book Passage, Corte Madera, May 19th, 2018.
Intrigue and Romance at the Fair
Factual and Fictional Views of the Japanese Pavilion
In the newly published novel Beautiful Illusion, a cub reporter discovers romance and espionage as she investigates the Golden Gate International Exposition’s Japanese Pavilion. What secrets did author Christie Nelson discover in her research into Japan’s beautiful display on Treasure Island as that nation warred in Asia and prepared to attack America? And what inspiration does artist Patricia Araujo find in the face of Ralph Stackpole’s iconic Pacifica statue from the fair? Speakers: Christie Nelson and Patricia Araujo. The author will sign copies of her novel to benefit the museum.
"Fascinated by the fragile beauty of San Francisco's 1939 'Pagaent of the Pacific' - and by the ironic message of world peace in a world at war - Christie Nelson has crafted a haunting story of love, deceit, and reconciliation beneath the glamour and the bravado of a half-forgotten world's fair."
Richard Reinhardt, author of Treasure Island
Lecture starts at 10:30 am in the lobby of Building One and are free of charge.
This month's lecture is the same weekend as TreasureFest (formerly Treasure Island Flea).
​Construction Notice: As redevelopment progresses, street and transit access and parking will be in flux. At this time, Building One parking is open, but the closest Muni 25 stop is at California Ave. and Ave. D, two blocks away.
Treasure Island Museum
Building One, Treasure Island
One Avenue of the Palms
San Francisco, CA 94130-1812
Directions
By Car:
I-80 Bay Bridge to Treasure Island Exit; Free parking in front of Building One.
By public transportation (Muni 25), bicycle or private boat: Click here.
