Santa Monica exhibition showcases the work of artist Doni Silver Simons
Artist Doni Silver Simons opened an exhibition of her newest work on March 26 at Sherry Frumkin Gallery in Santa Monica. Silver Simons has built a career on the meticulous “marks” found throughout her paintings and drawings; the artist refers to her work as “doing lines,” and it is through these lines that she records the passage of moments, days, weeks and years. Viewers often recognize a language in the work, with the marks taking on multiple meanings and interpretations.
Written on: Monday, April 27th, 2009 | Filed under:
Blog, Art
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At home with a pair of art-loving connoisseurs
By Victoria Charters
“People collect for different reasons. My family and I like the whole idea of living and working in art and design,” says Marty Collins, art collector and president/CEO of Gatehouse Capital, the largest independent developer of W Hotels and condominiums and the force behind Hollywood’s posh, new W Hotel and Residences, scheduled to open later this year. “We like having it woven into the fabric of our lives.”
Catching up with one of the great philanthropists of our time
By Tina Marie Tyler
There is something about Elizabeth Segerstrom that transcends wealth, art, and culture. It whispers of perspicacity, blushes of compassion, and radiates a gentle humanity that warms those around her. In a rare interview, she exudes the complexity of a woman determined to embrace life through art and on a foundation of family.
Written on: Sunday, April 19th, 2009 | Filed under:
Blog, Art
| Art Chat
Neiman Marcus Topanga hosts cocktail party and silent art auction for artist Tommy Hollenstein to benefit Shane’s Inspiration and Canine Companions
Neiman Marcus Topanga hosted local San Fernando Valley artist Tommy Hollenstein (www.tommyhollenstein.com) and a selection of his paintings in the store to kick off the holiday season and to raise money for Shane’s Inspiration (www.shanesinspiration.com) and Canine Companions (www.cci.org). Tommy Hollenstein survived a biking accident that left him a quadriplegic and now uses his wheelchair wheels for his paint brush. His work portrays a whimsical world of his own invention layering vibrant colors applied by tire treads to create the perception of fluid motion in static space.
[Linda Valliant of Canine Companions; Bob Lugari, vice president and general manager of Neiman Marcus Topanga; Lucy Matsumoto of Shane’s Inspiration; and artist Tommy Hollenstein]
On April 1, LACMA presented the West Coast premiere of Valentino: The Last Emperor, a film that offers an unprecedented look into the world of haute couture by examining the creative genius of Valentino Garavani and his business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti–both recipients of the 2009 Costume Council Legend Award–who together created an international fashion empire.
[Linda Kunik, “Things Fall Apart #1033.” Courtesy of the artist/LAAA/Gallery 825]
Gala showcases developing art trends
Los Angeles Art Association hosted its annual gem benefit last Saturday, April 11 at Gallery 825. The event, widely embraced by the art community and leading collectors as a showcase of emerging art trends, featured the art of over 100 emerging, mid-career and established artists including Meeson Pae Yang, Dan Monteavaro, Julia Strickler and Steven Fujimoto. With over 200 original artworks beginning at $100, the event brought together budget-minded collectors as well as traditional connoisseurs! Getty Museum Director Michael Brand and wife Tina Brand served as the Benefit Co-Chairs and the Benefit Committee comprised many renowned cultural figures, including Harry Chandler, Howard N. Fox and Cheech Marin.
Written on: Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 | Filed under:
Blog, Art
| Art Chat
[Willem De Kooning, “Woman III,” 1952-53. Oil on canvas]
Heralded Collection makes showing at Sotheby’s New York from April 2-14, 2009
A loan exhibition from the collection of Steven and Alexandra Cohen closes out its run today at Sotheby’s in New York. Entitled Women, the exhibition focused on one area of the Cohen’s collection: works depicting female subjects. This remarkable assemblage of twenty masterpieces ranges from Edvard Munch’s Madonna and Pablo Picasso’s Le Repos to Willem de Kooning’s Women III and Andy Warhol’s Turquoise Marilyn, and it includes paintings, sculpture, works on paper and photographs by the most influential artists of the modern era. The collection has never before been exhibited to the public.
[Fabio Micucci, Micucci Collection; Mark Robinson, president of Boffi LA; Mariella Salvatori, commercial attache at the Italian Consulate of Los Angeles; Elena Manferdini, Atelier Manferdini]
Boffi Los Angeles and Ducati team up for an unprecedented showroom event
For one evening only, Boffi Los Angeles and Ducati teamed up to host an unprecedented event exploring the history of two of Italy’s foremost design legends. Boffi’s modern, minimalist showroom came alive with a stirring juxtaposition of Ducati motorcycles, visionary kitchen and bathroom designs, and a photo essay chronicling the remarkable parallel histories of Boffi and Ducati.
[Left to right: Chef Ken Frank, 2009 festival host and executive chef/owner of La Toque; Cheryl Jennings of KGO-TV, MC; Margrit Biever Mondavi, vice president of cultural affairs, Robert Mondavi Winery; Melissa Baker, 2009 featured artist; and Don Shindle, general manager of The Westin Verasa, Napa. Model Kathryn Hopgood portrayed “Magique de la Moutarde,” Melissa Baker’s 2009 festival artwork. Photo by Robert Cherwink]
This year’s series of events celebrating the Napa Valley’s other cherished plant was better than ever
Every year, the Napa Valley Mustard Festival provides “good news and vibrant activity” during the late winter, a period of time that used to be known as Napa Valley’s “slow season.” The line up of stellar events takes place when wild mustard blooms in the vineyards, offering visitors from far and wide immersion in the legendary wine region’s “good life.” Events this year offered something for nearly everyone, from no-cost and reasonably priced daytime events, to the seven-course Le Grand Diner à La Toque at The Westin Verasa, Napa.
Behind the scenes of the creative world of film and music
After creating Turn Me On, a ground-breaking viral video with over 5 million views last year, JVC Mobile Electronics shot their follow up video, Turn Me On Again, on April 1st and 2nd at the Universal Studios backlot and CBS Studios. Chad Vogelsong, JVC Mobile’s general manager of marketing, Danny Klein, creative director, and Steven Lippman, director, brought out beautiful women, cars, and rock stars for this epic music video-style shoot. This year’s video stars rock acts The Charm City Devils and The Darling Stilettos. The video will go live in May, so you’ll have to wait until then to see the final cut.
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