Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was built in the style of a Venetian palace to exhibit art, paintings, furniture, textiles and objects from Mrs. Gardner’s personal collection. After she died, her will stipulated that the collection remain permanent, “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.”

Situation: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum hosts garden-party fundraisers featuring new music and up-and-coming performers in the courtyard and galleries. The private events are exclusive to high-level members. 

Results: The accordion invitation for Wanderlust is reminiscent of vintage travel postcards, and inspired by Mrs. Gardner’s art collection, sourced during her travels around the world. The Concert recalls the days when Mrs. Gardner would summon world-class musicians to perform in the glorious courtyard as her guests perused the galleries and sipped refreshments. Added bonus: the in-house marketing team at the ISGM received several calls from guests who were excited to rsvp.

The book design project was unrelated to the member events, but part of my portfolio for the museum. The cover uses the famous portrait of Mrs. Gardner painted by her artist friend Anders Zorn and incorporates a delicate gold foil and damask pattern to reference the stunning fabrics on the museum walls.

My role: Creative Direction + Design