THE ARTIST’S WAY

Although many titles have been attributed to Carole Powers Gordon—floral designer, calligrapher, painter, caterer, fashion designer, event planner—she is truly one thing. An artist.

A creative, gentle soul, Carole has spent a lifetime channeling her art practice through an array of materials and mediums. Most of them weaving through the event industry, inspiring her to create spectacular celebrations for a loyal clientele. Her artistry has given her entre to society mavens’ homes here in Philadelphia and celebrities’ apartments in New York City, as well as Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, California, and Nevada.

A BEAUTIFUL INSPIRATION

It’s hard not to immediately warm to Carole—she burns so brightly, like a torch flaring up against a night sky, and being around her makes you feel wild with the possibilities! Yet, a softness is there, as is the reminder that the world is a loud, shimmering, sloppy, exquisite mess that can only be dealt with by diving right in and getting your hands dirty. And though she’s in her 70’s and has consistently practiced art of some kind for almost 50 years, her aspirations have not ebbed one bit. In fact, Carole’s passion for the work continues.

AN ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER

A graduate of the Moore College of Art and Design, Carole Powers Gordon began her artistic journey in the late 1960s as a fashion designer, designing dresses for the society ladies on the Main Line. And then, at their behest, creating chic dinner parties for them in their homes and shore houses. Her reputation grew and soon had her in New York, where she channeled her event design mastery into a popular catering, design and party business. Carole masterminded Broadway opening parties, corporate soirees, product launches, and weddings for countless celebrities.

In 1985, Carole returned home to Philadelphia to open her own party decorating business, CPG Events. For the past 35+ years, Carole has not only fashioned some of the most dazzling, imaginative floral creations ever seen, she has also crafted beautifully hand-painted decor elements used alongside them, such as dinner napkins, table linens, ceremony aisle runners, table tops, stemware, dance floors, candles, guest books, favors, and so forth. Each piece hand-painted by Carole, and only Carole.

For Carole, the magic has always been in the details.

It’s no wonder, that over the years her work has been featured in New York Magazine, Vogue, Town & Country, Martha Stewart Weddings, Victoria, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Philadelphia Weddings, and Philadelphia Magazine.

NOW AVAILABLE TO EVANTINE DESIGN CLIENTS

We are honored to now offer to our clients, Carole’s beautifully hand-painted creations and elegant calligraphy services, commissioned upon request. Evantine Design is also the exclusive outlet for many of her custom-created, one-of-a-kind event pieces, such as her  woodland chuppah structures, hand-painted tables, vases and accessories, and extravagantly-crafted centerpiece vessels.

In honor of her, the artist, and her life’s contribution to the wedding and event industry, we are currently featuring a curated collection of her hand-painted works in our store on Walnut Street. We invite you to please come to Evantine on the Square to experience firsthand a small taste of the beauty only Carole can create.

Interested in hearing more about Carole’s hand-painted design elements and calligraphy? Please inquire directly with Brian Kappra or Robert Canada at events@evantinedesign.com. 

Evantine on the Square is located at 715 Walnut Street on Washington Square West, Center City Philadelphia, and is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00am-7:00pm. Please call 215-790-2576 for inquires and daily floral services.