Vickie Marasco has had a glorious journey around the globe before settling in Lake Forest. Born in Dallas and raised in Milwaukee, she studied textile design at the University of Wisconsin before spending a decade in Saudi Arabia, Germany, England, and Greece. Marasco designed fabrics and garments for exclusive clients (including members of the Saudi royal family) before eventually returning home and becoming a gallery curator. She is also the founder of the Art Impact Project, a nonprofit agency that facilitates art programs for underprivileged members of the community. This month, her aesthetic sensibilities are on display at The Gallery, where she has co-curated “Ebb & Flow,” a show featuring the art of New Orleans artist Elise Allen. Here are a few of her favorite lasts:

Last great local artist you discovered? Dan Simoneau. I came across his powerful art when judging a show this year. A broader spectrum of his figurative work was shown at Blue Moon Gallery, and I couldn’t miss it. His realism, detail, technique and storytelling are absolutely mesmerizing.

Last great art book on your coffee table? René Romero Schuler: Life and Works is a new treasure. It is filled with images of Schuler’s artwork and, more importantly, provides insight into the personal meaning behind the work. Her vision connects very closely with the mission of Art Impact Project in how art and expression are emotionally beneficial for us all.

Last great exhibition or gallery show you attended? I recently visited the Neue Galerie in New York and loved the artwork exhibited by Gustav Klimt and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. I especially enjoyed seeing Klimt’s “Woman in Gold” up close—the abstracted shapes and details were interesting and symbolized aspects of the woman’s life. The actual gold paint was rich and beautiful. Kirchner had a large body of work in several media, but what really drew me in were his brush strokes and unusual use of bold and vibrant color. He was said to have been one of the original developers of the Expressionist movement.

Last great piece of art you hung on your walls? A watercolor of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy, painted by my daughter Sophie. She studied there last semester. I’m thrilled that she could experience the beautiful art and inspirations of Europe and that we could share some of it together.

Last great piece of advice you received? At our Art Impact Project fundraiser, my friend and art partner David Motley literally took my written speech away from me and told me, “Just be you and stay true to who you are and tell your story.” These words help to ground me and keep me focused no matter what I am dealing with.