LASplash.com: Los Angeles Events Emily and Zooey Deschanel Host a Private Reception for Photographer Chris Anthony By Emma Mishel Red velvet ropes lined the front entrance of the Corey Helford Gallery last Saturday to prepare for the evening's event, a private photography exhibit showcasing Chris Anthony's new series, 'Victims and Avengers.' Emily and Zooey Deschanel who are in most of Anthony's photographs were hostesses for the evening, and a special musical performance by Zooey was scheduled for later that night. Men dressed in suits opened the tall white doors as the clock hit 7, and guests began to arrive, excited and eager to experience the stunning photography and the V.I.P. treatment. Photographer Chris Anthony with Emily Deschanel Inside, servers dressed in black and white roamed the gallery to offer plates full of delicious h'orderves, ranging from caviar to delicacy desserts. In the back, dark tablecloths were draped over several round tables to accommodate everyone. The bar was flowing all night as bartenders whisked up mixed drinks, popped open ice cold beers, and poured wine for the guests. Chris Kattan, Jamie Kennedy, Jennifer Esposito, Bradley Cooper, Steve Howey and Sarah Shahi were just a few of the many celebrities who came to view Anthony's work. Steve Howey, Sarah Shahi, and Chris Kattan Chris Anthony's 'Victims and Avengers' series is comprised of 27 photographs that explore the theme of domestic violence. All photographs were displayed beautifully around the gallery for guests to examine and discuss. Anthony created the series by combining a 4 x 5 camera, a scanner and Photoshop. The outcomes produced are panorama-like images where haunting violence prevails in the photograph's dark and discomforting world. Admiring the photography The series is full of illusion-filled interior images with added outside objects that Chris photographed separately. The eerie photographs' sinister scenarios are thought-provoking to say the least, with the moody colors and dark narratives accentuating his ghostly cast of characters. Guests enjoying the photography, chatting away and sipping their cocktails   Chris Anthony was definitely the man of the hour. The Stockholm-native was delivered handshakes and compliments on his work all night. He has worked with numerous clients, such as "The Black Parade" for My Chemical Romance and Sony Playstation 3, and has been featured in exhibitions in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Stockholm. Chris Kattan asking Chris Anthony, "Remember that one Swede?" A portion of the proceeds from the show went to the Jenesse Center, a domestic violence intervention program for women and children. Directors from the Jenesse Center were present at the exhibition to express their gratitude and to enjoy the photography and the numerous other goodies that the private event had to offer. Zooey and Emily Deschanel posing with two Jenesse Center representatives and gallery owner Jan Corey Helford Zooey Deschanel performing "I Put A Spell On You" Hostess Emily Deschanel looked beautiful as she talked with guests the entire evening; she had been making her rounds through the gallery since before the doors even opened. Her sister Zooey arrived a few hours later, looking stunning as well, and ready to perform. Zooey took her place next to her pianist and stood behind a 1950s-style microphone. She sang five songs, the crowd favorite being 'I Put A Spell On You.' 'Chris requested only sad songs, but I'm going to sing one happy one,' Zooey announced and reached for her bag. She pulled out a baritone ukulele and continued, 'and that requires this!' For her last 'happy' song, Zooey strummed her ukulele effortlessly and took a bow, receiving much praise. Jamie Kennedy and his entourage enjoying the show Before the night came to an end, Zooey led the crowd in singing 'Happy Birthday' to Jan Corey Helford, the owner of the gallery who was celebrating her birthday the same evening. The night was a huge success, as Anthony's photographs sparked admiration and benefitted the Jenesse Center for a great cause. Jan Corey Helford with guests Jennifer Esposito, Bradley Cooper and friend Anthony's 'Victims and Avengers' series will open to the public at the Corey Helford Gallery on Tuesday, January 30th until Wednesday, February 7th. For more information about Chris Anthony or the Corey Helford Gallery, be sure to visit www.chris-anthony.com and www.coreyhelfordgallery.com. All photographs taken by Emma Mishel Published Jan 28, 2007 © Copyright 2003-2004 by LA Splash.com