Arabella McEnness Proffer

"Beware of Artists. They mix with all classes of society and are therefore the most dangerous" — Queen Victoria.

Arabella moved in all circles and befriended everyone from academics, executives, socialites, blue collar laborers, and of course every manner of artist.

She was as comfortable in a 5-star hotel cocktail lounge as the dive bars she frequented.

Arabella was a prolific and award-winning painter whose exhibitions took place from San Francisco to Cleveland to Israel to Germany and more. She was categorized as part of the Pop Surrealist movement, but she considered herself just a Surrealist, who also designed gig posters, made comics, video art, and later photography. Sure, there were grants and residencies, but a bartender buying her a round in exchange for a sketch or art card is what really made her feel on the level of Picasso.

She was a product of the 90s; attending Detroit raves, Orange County punk shows, and indie rock gigs in LA. After graduating from California Institute of the Arts in 2000, she kicked the wilder habits of her youth and married the love of her life, Ben Szporluk, in 2001, who she adored since childhood. They founded Elephant Stone Records together.

A night out with Arabella could always be an adventure, you never knew who you'd meet, where you'd dance, or how much late night food you'd inhale as a result. From an art opening to a karaoke bar, you'd always get a mix of high and low culture.

She could chat up anyone and everyone; from showing a Saudi princess where she got her sandals online, to advising a physician to leave her dirtbag boyfriend.

People often asked her how she had so many unusual and amazing tales from her life; the places she'd been, and the people she'd met. Her motto was always "Leave the damn house" as you never knew what could happen. Winning a quiz game at an underground party in London, being one of the first handful of women allowed in the dining room at the NYSE, a backstage viewing of ballet rehearsals in Moscow, dancing in a rogue parade through New Orleans, and accidentally being cast with in a Hollywood movie just for her look.

Her final exhibition at the Artists Archive of the Western Reserve opened two weeks before her death. Family and friends from all over the country came for one last celebration of this talented artist, friend and person who was so dearly loved. Donations to AAWR in her name would be appreciated. Her website arabellaproffer.com will remain online.