I've Been To A Marvelous Party!

The opening gala at The Society of Illustrators in New York City for Something Else Entirely, The Illustration Art Of Edward Gorey held on Thursday October 16th, was a celebration not to be missed. More than 1100 Goreyphiles from near and far converged on the upper east side townhouse that houses the Society, filling the building and gallery to overflowing. 

Greeting the enthusiastic throngs with opening remarks were Arabelle Liepold, director of the Society, and Steve Compton, director of exhibitions.

Eric Sherman, trustee of the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust (pictured right), addressed the assembled guests followed by Will Baker, archivist and creative director for the EGCT. Mr. Baker is one of the co-curators for this exhibition.

The volume of guests prevented co-curators Irwin Terry and Russell Lehrer from giving a walk through gallery tour to discuss the art on display. Instead, they presented opening remarks and were available throughout the evening to answer questions one-on-one for the enthusiastic visitors.

The evening continued with a lively mix of conversation, cocktails and getting up close and personal with the art on display. Author Daniel Handler, in the foreground, and Edward Gorey House director Gregory Hischak work their way through the art on display.

Attired in a black and white kimono in honor of Edward Gorey, Setsuko Shibata traveled from Japan to view the exhibition. Ms. Shibata represents I.D.F. Inc. and was the driving force behind the recent exhibition of the works of Edward Gorey that traveled to multiple locations in Japan from 2023 to 2025.

Irwin Terry chats about Edward Gorey and his works.

Christine von der Linn, Tom Fitzharris and Russell Lehrer. 

Live music by Miss Maybell and Charlie Judkins featuring Andy Stein created a festive atmosphere for the proceedings.

Michael Boe, Diane Campbell Payne and Bill Campbell.

Atticus Gannaway and Michael Patrick Hearn.

Gretchen Adkins and Phil Salmon. 

Some of the art on display. 

Posters for the exhibition are for sale in The Society of Illustrators gift shop. For exhibition hours, admission tickets and location information, visit societyillustrators.org.

Photos by Andres Otero Images, courtesy of The Society of Illustrators