“You can be gorgeous at thirty, charming at forty, and irresistible for the rest of your life.” ~ Coco Chanel
Gail Ingis: Dancing Through Life, One Story at a Time
Brooklyn-born Gail Ingis, the author who'll whisk you away into the whirlwind worlds of historical romance, pens tales like The Memorable Mrs. Dempsey (formerly Indigo Sky), The Unforgettable Miss Baldwin, and a Match for Mischief. And just when you think you know her, she surprises you with her memoir, More Than One Life, proving she’s got more twists than a double helix. Gail firmly believes that everyone’s life is a novel waiting to be written, and a chance encounter with a stranger is just a prelude to the next captivating chapter.
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But wait—there’s more! Gail isn’t just a wordsmith; she’s an award-winning artist whose masterpieces have splashed across the pages of the New York Times and other posh publications. If that’s not enough to impress, she’s also a high-flying art juror, curating creativity at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, Connecticut, where she wears many hats, including that of trustee and art curator. No wonder the place snagged a USA TODAY award—Gail’s got the Midas touch!
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Born as Gail Gerber, she’s been blessed with a name that’s as alliterative as a tongue twister. A retired member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and a proud participant in the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), Gail’s interests are as varied as a buffet at a Vegas casino—rich, diverse, and delightfully indulgent.
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In 1981, Gail decided to add “founder” to her already bulging résumé by establishing the Interior Design Institute (IDI), which eventually merged with Berkeley College. Her teaching escapades took her to the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) and other prestigious universities in the New York tri-state area, where she shared her wisdom and wit.
The painting that started it all for Gail was this watercolor, (above) created in 1971 while she was a student at the New York School of Interior Design. As part of an assignment based on Marie Antoinette's study at Versailles, Gail first drew a detailed floor plan and four elevations (a maquette) in pencil, complete with egg-and-dart architectural molding. She then selected two of the elevations and transformed them into her very first watercolor project.
Although Gail's love of drawing and art began in childhood, this piece marked an important milestone in her artistic journey. It inspired her to explore painting more deeply and laid the foundation for a creative path that has brought her joy and fulfillment for more than five decades. Gail continues to treasure this watercolor as a reminder that following your passions can lead to a lifetime of discovery and artistic growth
Today, Gail and her dashing husband, Tom, call Connecticut home, where they embrace life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a healthy sense of adventure. Between learning guitar, taking knitting classes, and ballroom dancing, they somehow still find time for gardening, reading fiction, and sharing beloved Beatrix Potter stories with their great-grandchildren.
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Tennis remains a special passion for both of them. As avid players, they spent many years on the court, and Gail even enjoyed a side career as a tennis instructor. These days, they can often be found cheering on their favorite players and watching the sport's biggest matches from the comfort of home.
They are also enthusiastic Costco adventurers. Their favorite meal? The legendary $1.50 hot dog and Pepsi combo—a tradition neither has any intention of giving up.
Together, they have raised five wonderful children and are now proud grandparents to fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. And if family tradition is any indication, the family tree may not be finished growing just yet.
Most importantly, Gail continues to paint and explore new artistic directions. In fact, she recently completed a new abstract work, proving that creativity knows no age limit. You can explore Gail's collection of paintings in the Gallery section.
For a peek into Gail’s eclectic world, you can follow her antics on Facebook, Instagram. Dive into her Blog, where she’s penned over 500 articles covering everything from books to ballroom dancing. Speaking of dancing, Gail isn’t just a wallflower; she’s a ballroom queen who waltzed her way to a first-place victory. It’s just another chapter in the dazzling, multifaceted novel that is Gail Ingis’s life.
Gail Ingis at Author Day ~ Barnes and Noble (Farmington, CT)