In the heart of the Las Vegas Valley, community spirit shone brightly, and Park West Gallery was proud to be a part of it. This year, we joined forces with Fox 5 and the Salvation Army for the valley’s largest school supply drive, the Supply Our Students (S.O.S.) initiative. This collaboration aimed to ensure that every child in our community started the school year with the tools they needed to succeed.

Fox 5’s Kendall Kim recently reported live from Finley Subaru of Las Vegas, where donations were already pouring in. On the second day of the drive, it reached an impressive $15,000 goal, a testament to the generosity of local businesses and residents. The drive’s success was a community effort, bringing together people from all walks of life to support our local students.

As a global brand with a strong local presence, Park West Gallery understood the importance of giving back to the community. Danny Corral, representing Park West Gallery, emphasized the significance of this drive, especially on a personal level, having grown up in Las Vegas. Danny shared, “I’ve seen just how important these drives are and what they do in the community.”

With the combined efforts of local businesses, community members, and organizations like Park West Gallery, we made a significant impact. More than $15,000 was raised, and with your help, we were able to support the educational needs of our students.

Park West Gallery was honored to contribute to the S.O.S. drive and looked forward to seeing the positive effects of our collective generosity. Together, we ensured that every child in the Las Vegas Valley had the supplies they needed to thrive in the classroom.

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Park West Gallery at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace has just unveiled an electrifying event that’s set to become a must-see in Las Vegas. Introducing “Bubbles and Beats,” a fusion of art, music, and champagne that promises to invigorate your Saturdays.

Imagine this: thousands of pieces of stunning artwork, a live DJ spinning vibrant tunes, and complimentary champagne—all in one of the most iconic settings in the city. KVVU Fox 5 reporter Dani Masten took a trip to Park West Gallery to soak in the lively atmosphere and discover what makes this event so unique.

A Celebration of Art and Community

As soon as you step into Park West Gallery, you’re greeted by an ambiance that’s both sophisticated and buzzing with energy. This is not your typical art gallery experience. “Bubbles and Beats” is a celebration where art lovers, collectors, and curious visitors can come together to enjoy the finer things in life.

Mark, one of the event organizers, shared the inspiration behind this weekly event. “Every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., we’re offering a party atmosphere with free champagne, a live DJ, and amazing fine art on display,” Mark explained. “We wanted to create an experience that gets people involved, much like our popular cruise ship events where we host live auctions with a similar vibe.”

The goal? To bring the joy of art collecting to a wider audience in a fun and engaging way. It’s a chance to learn about art, connect with others, and perhaps even take home a piece that speaks to you.

Meet the Artist: Melanie Stimmell

During the event, Dani had the opportunity to chat with Melanie Stimmell, a talented local artist who was busy creating a live drawing right in the gallery. Melanie, known for her exquisite soft pastel portraits, was in the midst of working on a new piece titled Compassion, which will be part of her latest collection.

As she sketched, Melanie shared her passion for her craft. “I do a lot of soft pastel portraits, which I love creating,” she said. “I work every day to create beautiful artwork for collectors, so they can take something home, hang it on their wall, and enjoy it for the rest of their lives.”

Melanie’s work is a testament to the skill and dedication that goes into every artwork at Park West Gallery. Her presence at “Bubbles and Beats” adds a personal touch to the event, allowing visitors to witness the creative process firsthand.

Join Us Every Saturday

So, what can you expect if you attend “Bubbles and Beats”? Picture this: free champagne, a lively DJ, breathtaking art, and an inviting party atmosphere—all at Park West Gallery, right in the heart of Las Vegas. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to spend your Saturday, this event is not to be missed.

Remember, “Bubbles and Beats” happens every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside Park West Gallery. Come for the art, stay for the experience. What more could you ask for?

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Art lovers and enthusiasts, mark your calendars for August 22nd! The vibrant and eclectic SoHo district in New York City is set to host an unforgettable gallery show, Wit and Whimsy: Stories Told by Color by Christian Calvin and Melanie Stimmell, featuring the works of two extraordinary artists: Christian Calvin and Melanie Stimmell. The auction will take place on August 22nd, 2024, from 5-8pm, at Park West Gallery SoHo located at 411 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012. Doors open at 4:30pm.

This event promises to be a mesmerizing journey through the worlds of Neo-Expressionism and surrealism, brought to life by these incredibly talented artists.

Christian Calvin: The Neo-Expressionist Visionary

Christian Calvin, also known as 33N Art, hails from Tennessee and is renowned for his abstract paintings and mixed-media art that challenge the conventions of Pop Expressionism. Calvin’s work is a captivating blend of traditional and unconventional materials, including paint, sand, and glue, resulting in deeply textured and dynamic pieces. One of the unique aspects of his art is his refusal to use traditional paintbrushes, instead opting for gardening tools to create his large-scale masterpieces.

Calvin’s artistic journey has seen him explore various styles and genres, such as Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, and Impressionism. He describes his unique style as “Neo-Expressionism,” a crossroads between the influences of Picasso and Jean-Michel Basquiat. With Keith Haring also cited as a primary inspiration, Calvin’s work is a vibrant explosion of color, texture, and emotion.

As a devoted father of four daughters, Calvin often draws inspiration from his life experiences, family, and current events. His art reflects his personal journey, infused with the love and insights that come from being a “girl-dad.”

Melanie Stimmell: The Surrealist Storyteller

Melanie Stimmell, an award-winning painter and illustrator from Las Vegas, has captured the hearts of art enthusiasts worldwide with her whimsical and surreal creations. Her artwork brilliantly combines elements of the fantastical and the everyday, resulting in a truly unique and imaginative vision.

Stimmell’s artistic foundation was built at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where she earned a degree in illustration. She then spent eight years as a technical director for the acclaimed television series South Park and its theatrical movie. During this period, she discovered her passion for street painting and was soon invited to showcase her talent at public events around the globe.

With over two decades of experience as a freelance street painter and muralist, Stimmell has earned prestigious awards, including gold medals and first-place honors in Europe’s most renowned competitions. She holds the esteemed title of Maestra Madonnara (Master Street Painter) in both Italy and Germany. Beyond her artistic achievements, Stimmell has been dedicated to teaching art for over 20 years, helping aspiring artists achieve their goals and refine their skills.

An Event Not to Be Missed

The Wit and Whimsy: Stories Told by Color by Christian Calvin and Melanie Stimmell gallery show in SoHo offers a rare opportunity to experience the breathtaking artistry of Christian Calvin and Melanie Stimmell firsthand. Their distinctive styles and powerful visions promise to leave a lasting impression on all who attend. Whether you’re a seasoned art connoisseur or simply looking to explore new and exciting artistic expressions, this event is not to be missed.

Join us on August 22nd to celebrate the creativity and passion of these two remarkable artists. Immerse yourself in the textured world of Neo-Expressionism and the whimsical realms of surrealism. The Wit and Whimsy gallery show is set to be an unforgettable evening of art, inspiration, and discovery.

In addition to the auction, attendees can explore Park West Gallery’s collection of works by iconic master artists. For more information about Park West Gallery, please visit www.parkwestgallery.com. To RSVP to the auction, please email your first and last name to soho@parkwestgallery.com.

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Offering 3 and 4 night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Utopia of the Seas is like a delicious fruity cocktail punctuated with an umbrella, perfectly blending value, experience, and good times in the sunshine.

With the arrival of Utopia of the Seas, veteran cruisers and new travelers can experience a top-of-the-line vacation over the course of a long weekend (or midweek masquerading as one). This vacation will be full of parties at sea and on land, on the brand’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, and starting next year, at the Royal Beach Club in Nassau. All while drifting blissfully with virtually no discernible movement on the ocean, down the Floridian east coast, still within sight of land in the distance off the starboard side, on the way to the Caribbean Sea.

With such short sailings, you might think that art and art auctions don’t have a place on what surely will be jam-packed agendas as passengers try to see and do as much as possible between embarkation day and the moment they tearfully start rolling their luggage off while disembarking this glistening new ship.

We spoke with Nelson, the lead Park West auctioneer on board Utopia, about the unique challenges and exciting opportunities to engage with passengers on 3 and 4-day cruises on a ship overflowing with entertainment options.

The avuncular Portuguese auctioneer with a wealth of experience on short cruises says he and his team understand that their time with guests, like the itineraries themselves, is limited. It’s one reason they stocked the curved deck 4 gallery space connecting the Casino Royale with The Attic, Studio B, and the Crown Lounge with art that will speak to first-time passengers and seasoned collectors alike, art with an attractive story by artists with tales equally as riveting. They are ready to deliver fun, educational art seminars, guess-the-weight-of-art contests, art scavenger hunts, exclusive VIP cocktail parties, special exhibitions, and thrilling fast-paced auctions every bit as humorous, entertaining, and memorable as theatrical performances in the Royal Theater and country rock bands and singer-songwriters busking in pubs like The Mason Jar.

With a digital collection of art at their fingertips and the ability to bring up hundreds of thousands of available works of art in an instant, the walls of the gallery will be lined with bold, bright, and beautiful paintings by favorites like Peter Max, Kre8, Michael Godard, Mark Kostabi, Marcus Glenn, and Nano López sculptures. Because time is at a premium, this gives Park West staff the opportunity to showcase familiar art that collectors may already love and want to collect while on vacation and tell lively little stories about exciting artists to guests walking through an art gallery for the very first time.

The reality that art can be collected straight from the gallery outside of an auction is also a key talking point on Utopia of the Seas because the actual pounding of the gavel and the opportunity to indulge in a free glass of champagne while artwork by Picasso, Rembrandt, and other masters is brought on stage along with contemporary greats may ultimately conflict with any number of other attractions or shows, like ice skating, trivia, karaoke, poker, dodgeball or pickleball tournaments, rock climbing competitions, salsa dancing classes, surfing lessons, or seminars on posture and well-being. There is no shortage of things to do on board Utopia of the Seas so guests can experience a powerful work of art in the gallery and collect it straight away without fear of being outbid!

There are tantalizing new dining concepts on board, like Utopia Station and Royal Railway simulating a classy dining train car going across the American West (a la the Hogwarts Express train experience at nearby Universal Studios), brand new shows All In and AQUA80too, and more live music and dance parties than found in the hippest part of a big city. But throughout it all will be the steady, visually spectacular art in the Park West Gallery. Stop in to meet Nelson and the team, look at the art, and find a work that makes your home or office more of a utopian paradise you can enjoy every single day.

If you have a cruise booked this summer, let Park West know. We can make your vacation at sea even more special with a complimentary $100 art credit plus a free gift when you check-in at the onboard art gallery! Click HERE to register for your next cruise adventure!

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Mark Hadley, a self-taught artist from Dayton, Ohio, is rapidly gaining global recognition for his original dark art acrylics. His unique style, characterized by brooding themes, is thrilling collectors worldwide. Despite now living in sunny Orlando, Florida, Hadley’s artwork remains a stark contrast to his bright surroundings, drawing viewers into a world of shadows and mystery.

Hadley’s creative process is as unique as his art. He dives straight into his work without sketching or planning, starting with the background and allowing an image to emerge. This spontaneous approach keeps his work dynamic and diverse, with subjects ranging from “creepy little kids wearing gas masks” to butterflies, sunsets, and fairies. Even his traditionally lighter pieces carry a dark edge, a testament to his distinctive style.

Mark Hadley’s work has been featured in prestigious locations such as Disney Spring’s Pop Gallery, Hoypoloi Gallery, and Philip Anthony Signature Gallery in St. Augustine. His mural in Kissimmee, Florida, was showcased in the movie Jackass Number Two. As a scenic artist, Hadley created an entire cemetery scene for WWE’s Undertaker’s last match, “The Bone Yard Match,” and contributed to a 12-foot skull for WWE’s Monday Night Raw.

From a young, promising artist in Dayton to a celebrated dark art creator is a testament to his talent, dedication, and unique vision. His work continues to captivate and intrigue, drawing audiences into a world where darkness and beauty coexist in haunting harmony. Whether through his eerie depictions of masked children or his hauntingly beautiful fairies, Hadley’s art leaves a lasting mark on all who encounter it.

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Captain Casual, an artist known for his vibrant use of pop and graffiti styles, creates innovative art that celebrates love, nature, and geometric shapes with bold, bright colors. His journey into the art world began in a dramatic way. In 2015, after a high-stress career in finance took a toll on his health, Captain Casual faced a near-death experience. Revived by emergency medical professionals, he embraced a new direction in life, leaving behind the financial markets for a career in art. Influenced by his sailing adventures and outgoing personality, Captain Casual turned to art to spread happiness and joy.

Captain Casual merges pop and graffiti art to give a modern twist to traditional themes. His art, characterized by vibrant colors and innovative styles, appears on various surfaces, from buildings to sheets of currency. Each piece is designed to evoke smiles and inspire happiness. Not confined to traditional canvases, Captain Casual employs an array of materials in his work, including reclaimed posters, spray paint, wood, and even cherries to create vivid reds. His playful and universal style brings joy to people daily, making him a standout in the contemporary art scene.

Captain Casual’s unique talent has attracted collaborations with top brands. He has crafted a fresh color palette for Louis Vuitton, hand-painted football cleats for Nike, advised Urban Decay as a graffiti artist, and partnered with Under Armour and NBA star Steph Curry. His work spans from corporate masterpieces to beloved artworks in homes worldwide. Captain Casual’s art is a testament to his mission of spreading joy, making him one of today’s most vital and inspiring artists.

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The classically trained oil painter Cam Rose will be conducting live painting sessions at Park West Gallery’s stunning Fine Art Museum & Gallery on Waikiki Beach Walk on Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 4 and 8 pm.

The public is invited to pop in to not only stand before masterpieces from some of the most legendary names in art history, like Picasso, Dalí, Chagall, Dürer, and Rembrandt, but also see some of the finest contemporary art being made today from the likes of Kre8, Romero Britto, Nano Lopez, Maya Green, Slava Ilyayev, and witness Cam Rose, paint live for an audience.

Rose first became fascinated by the fine art of the Italian Renaissance while studying in Florence in 2012, falling in love specifically with the soft feminine figures and saturated palates of Raphael, Sarto, and Pontormo. This young artist has already exhibited all over the U.S. and in Italy and has been awarded grants and fellowships brings a wealth of art consultation and art education experience to the table, as well . Rose is passionate not only about creating oil painting masterpieces but also works to educate people about art and is equally committed to teaching the process of art creation.

Cam Rose is thrilled to be painting live in front of an audience twice a week and will be taking questions from those in attendance during these thrilling art events that you will not want to miss!

Visit our Hawaii page HERE to get more information about the artist and Park West Gallery- Waikiki.

Click here to learn more about Cam Rose.

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JOHN BLOCK NAMED CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT PARK WEST FINE ART MUSEUM & GALLERY

SOUTHFIELD, MI – June 17, 2024 – Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, is proud to announce John Block as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. A vital member of the Park West Gallery team since 2003, Block previously served as the company’s Executive Vice President, where he played a leading role in the company’s sales and operations management, strategic planning, training and development, VIP events, online telecasts, and more.

“We’re thrilled to announce John Block’s well-deserved promotion as Park West Gallery’s new Chief Operating Officer,” said Marc Scaglione, President of Park West Gallery. “John’s multifaceted contributions throughout his tenure have been pivotal to our business, including playing a key role in the launch of our online telecast and, since COVID, being involved in every step of our restart, operations, and business development. We’re looking forward to working alongside John to continue growing the Park West brand, both on land and at sea.”

Block brings nearly 20 years of industry experience to the Chief Operating Officer position, having worked in fine art printing, framing, and the cruise industry prior to joining the Park West Gallery team.  He embarked on his professional journey with Royal Caribbean, working in the food and beverage division onboard the luxury cruise ships, as well as in Human Resources, and Revenue Management. Since joining the Park West Gallery team, Block has been the Principal Auctioneer for dozens of record-setting events and has trained countless Auctioneers, Associates, and other team members during his tenure. Block’s exceptional performance eventually led to his promotion to VIP Auctioneer in 2015, which saw him traveling the world and working tirelessly to introduce and enrich VIP events to the Park West Gallery collectors.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Jeff Klein
Atomic City PR
jeff@atomiccitypr.com

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Emerging from the vibrant streets of New York City, Miguel Paredes brings a fresh perspective to the world of art as he redefines urban artistry and fine art. Inspired by the avant-garde movements of Warhol and Haring, Paredes seamlessly blends elements of street art, pop culture, and Japanese animation to create a dynamic and captivating visual experience.

His work transcends traditional boundaries, earning him acclaim from collectors worldwide, including notable names like Elton John and Justin Bieber. Each piece is a testament to Paredes’ unwavering passion and commitment to innovation, inviting viewers to delve into a world where graffiti meets fine art.

As a pioneer of Miami’s art scene, Paredes has left an indelible mark on the industry. From his immersive gallery installations to his groundbreaking NFT collections, he continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the brilliance of Miguel Paredes at Park West Gallery on from now through July.

To inquire about collecting the artwork of Miguel Paredes contact a sales associate at: sales@parkwestgallery.com or (866) 995-0904 ext. 4.

Times Square Chronicles Article – Miguel Paredes

 

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In the bustling streets of New York City, where art breathes life into every corner, there’s a duo that stands out among the crowd. Gillie and Marc, hailed as the most successful and prolific creators of public art in New York’s history by the New York Times, have been crafting innovative sculptures that captivate hearts and minds worldwide for over three decades.

Their journey began as two individuals, each with their own unique artistic vision. However, fate had other plans, as they found themselves not only partners in life but also in art. Together, they embarked on a mission to spread messages of love, equality, and conservation through their creative endeavors.

A Legacy of Love and Equality

Central to Gillie and Marc’s artistic narrative are their beloved characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman. These anthropomorphic figures represent the tale of two opposites finding harmony and love amidst their differences. Their story transcends boundaries, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Beyond their enchanting characters, Gillie and Marc have also championed gender equality through their international public art movement, Statues For Equality. By erecting statues of inspirational women around the globe, they aim to challenge societal norms and promote inclusivity in public spaces.

Conservation Champions

While their art serves as a beacon of hope and unity, it also carries a powerful message of conservation. Gillie and Marc’s monumental sculptures not only adorn cityscapes but also raise awareness for endangered wildlife. Through partnerships with wildlife charities, they have generated substantial donations, contributing to the preservation of our planet’s precious biodiversity.

Awards and Accolades

The impact of Gillie and Marc’s work extends far beyond the realm of art. Their contributions have earned them prestigious awards such as the Allens People’s Choice Award at Sydney’s Sculpture by the Sea and recognition as Archibald Prize Finalists. Their accolades serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to using art as a force for positive change.

A Global Presence

With their art exhibited in over 250 cities worldwide, Gillie and Marc’s influence knows no bounds. From bustling metropolises to serene landscapes, their sculptures serve as symbols of hope, love, and unity in a world that often feels divided.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, Gillie and Marc remind us of the power of art to transcend barriers and inspire meaningful change. Through their unwavering dedication to spreading love, equality, and conservation, they continue to leave an indelible mark on the world.

Join us in celebrating the transformative power of art with Gillie and Marc. Together, let’s create a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come.

 

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From pop star residencies on casino theater stages to the famous fountains shooting water hundreds of feet into the hot dry air along the Strip, there’s no end to the entertainment on offer in Las Vegas. Now, every Saturday from 11 am – 2 pm there’s an exciting new event overflowing with fine art, free champagne, and thrilling music, all inside the cool air conditioning of the fabulous Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

Park West is proud to announce Bubbles and Beats, a brand new, laid-back, casual self-guided tour of remarkable works of art by the true giants of art history, such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and more. You’re invited to step inside a stunning gallery, with stark white walls, and a staggering collection of fine art to sip on complimentary champagne and enjoy music from an in-house DJ. While doing so you can stand before Picasso paintings worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and works of art from contemporary greats, too. You’ll be introduced to the art of Melanie Stimmell, Peter Max, Mark Kostabi, Anatoly Metlan, Tim Yanke, Neal Portnoy, Nano Lopez, and of course, the rock star of the art world, Las Vegas native Michael Godard, along with many other names on the tips of collectors tongues all around the world, all at your own pace.

Located on Level Two of the Forum Shops near the Spiral Escalator, the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery Las Vegas provides a rare fine art opportunity, one with absolutely no cost to enter and no pressure. Simply stop by in between hands of blackjack or before your Cirque du Soleil show to enjoy some bubbly, beats, and beautiful works of art.

Make your way to us: HERE

 

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It is said that art gives us meaning and helps us better understand our world. Science agrees that art can and does improve the quality of life. In some cases, art can do even more, providing an emotional reaction, tethering us to memories, people, and places, and showing us a way forward.

Jamey and Chuck Weber didn’t plan on buying art on their Western Caribbean Carnival cruise in January. They’d been on several cruises and in their words, “Have never once stepped foot in an art gallery.” And yet magic was in the air and serendipity was swirling around the ship. Jamey Weber remembers that after their first dinner, the couple stepped into the Park West Gallery to participate in the art scavenger hunt. It sounded fun and something to do between trivia contests and corn hole tournaments (one of which Chuck won on a prior sailing)! She figured out all the clues and won a bid credit to the cruise’s first art auction. They didn’t know it yet, but art was about to change their lives forever.

On February 15, 2023, 11 months before this Carnival Legend sailing, Jamey’s husband Chuck was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was just 49 years old. She told us that, “While in the hospital facing a life-altering diagnosis he had one teary-eyed request: To take another Carnival cruise, a cruise that may be his last.” After a successful craniotomy, the Weber’s received official word on the pathology. Chuck has Glioblastoma Malforme, a devastating and deadly brain cancer.

Jamey got to work immediately. She called Jeannie Zakk, their PVP from their very first Carnival cruise, and booked almost a year ahead to get the best deal on a balcony cabin. Money was now front and center as Jamey was suddenly the only source of income for the family. Fast forward to Jan 28, 2024. The Webers boarded the Legend with Chuck’s mother and his niece, along with her family. They all wanted to share this trip with Chuck and Jamey, especially not knowing what the future holds.

After that Park West art scavenger hunt, the Webers got hooked. Jamey says they “Went to every art event on the ship and became very friendly with both Ty, the auctioneer, and the gallery direct Charńe,” adding that “They are both STELLAR people!” The Webers also met two huge art fans at the events — Lisa and Kelly — sisters from West Virginia and South Carolina, respectively.

We’ll let Jamey tell the rest of this story in her words:

“On the night of the VIP art show my husband and I sat in the first row chatting with other friends we had made at other art events. Toward the end, Ty unveiled a painting that had only just gotten on the ship with us in Baltimore. That painting was ‘Wings of Hope’ by Michael Godard. He painted it in memory of his teenage daughter Paige who passed away from Medullablastoma, a devastating form of childhood brain cancer. My sweet, gentle, teddy bear of a husband sat there with tears streaming down his face. That is how powerful the reaction was to that work of art. Charńe had come over to make sure he was ok and he told her a bit about his story. The wheels started to turn inside my head. How was I going to be able to secure this painting for him? “Wings of Hope” was an out-of-reach work of art for us, but Charńe and I put our heads together and I was able to secure a line of credit through the Park West financing card. But it wasn’t quite enough. There wasn’t anything else I could do.”

Godard’s “Wings of Hope” is a stunning painting created after a horrific tragedy, the loss of a child. Chuck’s reaction was in part to the story of its origin and the video of Godard that played before the work was unveiled, but also because of the hummingbirds that feature prominently in the art work. He lost his sister to cancer, who bravely battled three different types, and she was a big fan of hummingbirds. While they had never been inside a Park West art gallery on a cruise ship, the couple have always liked Godard and his artwork thanks to a small gallery the artist had at the Caesars Pier in Atlantic City, a short 30-minute drive from their home near Long Beach Island, New Jersey. They saw his Vegas themes, fun bar art, and olives, and were intrigued way back then. They couldn’t have imagined during those trips to Atlantic City that Godard would one day make such a meaningful, beautiful connection to them and their lives.

It was now the last sea day. “Wings of Hope” was still there and Chuck’s emotions were still very much stirred — Godard’s daughter Paige, the hummingbirds, his sister, and his own terminal diagnosis. It was all almost too much. The Webers attended the finale art auction and Charńe asked Jamey to stop into the gallery later that night. She sent Chuck to the comedy show and made her way to the gallery to see what’s up.

Jamey told us that she reiterated to Charńe that there was, “No way I could make the purchase happen. I couldn’t afford to overextend myself, especially not now.” Charńe just smiled and then blindsided Jamey by telling her that someone anonymously donated $1,000 toward the price of the painting, a sum of money that made it possible for her to collect Michael Godard’s powerful work of art, to give this remarkably emotional work of art to Chuck. It turns out that an anonymous art lover and cruiser had overheard their conversation the night the painting was unveiled and was moved to help. Jamey was floored and since both parties agreed, they got to meet this person — it was Lisa! Lisa from West Virginia, one of the amazing sisters the Webers had befriended during the cruise. Chuck was beside himself. He’s been on the other side of such kindness and karma, helping out when people needed it, but never before had he or Jamey received such a gift from a stranger. He asked if he could hug Lisa and she said yes, of course, and Jamey took their picture in front of the painting with Ty and Charńe.

What are the chances of that specific painting boarding that ship on that itinerary with the Webers? What are the chances that an angel would also be there and offer a helping hand?

Call it chance. Call it fate. Call it the power of human kindness.

Jamey and Chuck Weber have 22 years of history together. They have been through a lot. Seeing Chuck happy and witnessing his joy in being with his family during that week made all the struggle of making the trip happen worth it, admitted Jamey. And then, she says, to see him staring at the painting with tears rolling down his face, completely gobsmacked, that really hits you hard. Now, with the help of Lisa, a new friend they still speak with weekly, that painting hangs above their bed.

Chuck says that “Throughout my journey, Jamey has been my rock. I don’t know what I would have done without her. This was serendipitous and has restored our faith in people.”

There is, unfortunately, a very good chance that Chuck and Jamey have gone on their last cruise together, according to Jamey, but she says, “If that trip is the way our cruise travel ends…it was worth it thanks to Lisa, Ty, Charńe, and of course, the amazing Michael Godard.

This was a ripple effect from one serendipitous moment in time, centered on a powerful work of art, and amplified by raw human emotion and kindness, proving once again that art continues to improve lives and bring people together. Finally, as if there wasn’t enough serendipity in this story, as we talked to Jamey and Chuck on the phone on a Tuesday evening in May, the first hummingbird of the season arrived at their window. No one ended that call with dry eyes.

Are you cruising this year? Let us make your next cruise vacation extra special with a complimentary $100 art credit plus a gift when you pre-register for your next cruise and check-in at the onboard art gallery.

 

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To RSVP for the event, email your first and last name to soho@parkwestgallery.com by May 8, 2024.

Park West Gallery SoHo is hosting a Live Auction featuring icons Mark Kostabi, Peter Max, and Paul Kostabi. The event will be conducted by John Block, certified auctioneer, and Park West Executive Vice President. The auction will take place on May 9th, 2024, from 5-8pm, at Park West Gallery SoHo located at 411 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012. Doors open at 4:30pm.

Fame & Fortune: Mark Kostabi, Peter Max and Paul Kostabi spotlights three celebrated artists from different backgrounds, each carving out their path to fame and fortune amidst the vibrant backdrop of the Big Apple. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Mark Kostabi’s surrealistic world of faceless, enigmatic and colorful figures, that will captivate audiences with its thought-provoking narratives. Peter Max’s iconic Pop and Neo-Expressionist creations, synonymous with the vibrant spirit of the 60s and 70s and Paul Kostabi’s dynamic fusion of music through visual art, inspired by the electric punk rock scene of the early 80s

“Our presence in SoHo underscores our commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and showcasing the diverse talents that enrich our cultural landscape,” says John Block, Executive Vice President of Park West Gallery. “This milestone is a testament to the enduring legacy of SoHo as a hub of creativity and innovation and we are honored to play a part in elevating and honoring the artists who call this iconic neighborhood home.”

In addition to the auction, attendees can explore Park West Gallery’s collection of works by iconic master artists. For more information about Park West Gallery, please visit www.parkwestgallery.com. To RSVP to the auction, please email your first and last name to soho@parkwestgallery.com.

About the artists:

Mark Kostabi is unquestionably one of the most recognizable icons to emerge from New York’s legendary 1980s East Village art scene. A contemporary of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kostabi invented a wholly unique art style that has resonated with audiences around the globe. His universal, faceless figures inhabit surreal worlds of colors and contrasts. Worlds where his subjects interact with themes of love, isolation, technology, and modern anxieties.

Peter Max has evolved from a visionary Pop artist of the 1960s to a master of Neo-Expressionism. His vibrant and colorful works have become a lasting part of contemporary American culture and are synonymous with the spirit of the ‘60s and ‘70s. During his long career, the artist has painted for six U.S. presidents, was the official artist for the 2006 Winter Olympics U.S. team, and has created art for Woodstock, World Cups, U.S. Opens, and Super Bowls.

Paul Kostabi, originally from Whittier, California, immersed himself in the punk rock scene of the late 70s/early 80s across California before relocating to New York City, where he found a niche in the East Village art scene while playing with his band Youth Gone Mad at renowned punk venues like CBGBs. Despite being the brother of established artist Mark Kostabi, Paul carved his own path, blending various artistic styles into his work and adopting a unique approach to creation, which he symbolizes as A-R-T: Attack, Release, Threshold, leading to a successful career spanning music and visual arts, with his creations showcased globally in galleries, publications, and museums.

Read the Times Square Chronicles article on the event here.

 

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Let’s set the stage for a celebration like no other! It’s time to unfurl the banners, cue the confetti cannons, and roll out the red carpet because Park West is thrilled to introduce the inaugural inductees of our prestigious “Golden Gavel” club – these MVPs include the top 25 performers who have surpassed the bar for excellence!

This isn’t just your average accolade that’s all talk; it’s a symbol of extraordinary achievement, a testament to unparalleled dedication, and a nod to those who consistently go above and beyond to make their mark on the world.

Imagine a league of unstoppable individuals, the movers, the shakers, the ones who turn dreams into reality with a dash of grit and a whole lot of style. These are the leaders, who make waves and redefine success daily here at Park West.

At the heart of the Golden Gavel club lies the ultimate symbol of authority and influence – the gavel. Much more than just a fancy prop. At Park West it represents leadership, excellence, and the unwavering commitment to uphold the highest standards both on and off the auction stage.

This year, we’re not stopping at a mere title and a pat on the back – oh no, we’re taking it up several notches, Disney-style! That’s right, as part of our 2024 inaugural celebrations, our esteemed Golden Gavel members and their equally fabulous spouses are treated to an unforgettable adventure in the enchanting world of Disney!

Beyond the magic of Main Street USA, the Golden Gavel club embodies something truly profound – a celebration of hard work, dedication, and a genuine appreciation for the value of every endeavor. It’s a testament to the ethos of Park West Gallery and a reminder that here, excellence is not just recognized; it’s celebrated and cherished.

So, here’s to our Golden Gavel honorees – may your achievements continue to illuminate the path ahead, your dreams reach new heights, and your next adventures be filled with magic, both on and off the stage. And to all those who aspire to join the ranks of greatness, remember this: with dedication, teamwork, and an unwavering sense of wonder, at Park West the possibilities are endless.

To the Golden Gavel Club and the remarkable new legacy it represents – here’s to you!

 

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He summers in NYC and spends his winters in Italy, and recently, Park West Gallery favorite Mark Kostabi gave an interview to the famed contemporary art magazine Juliet in both English and Italian. In it, he kindly dropped a mention of Park West Gallery about how he will be meeting many VIP collectors personally on the water this year. While details are still being finalized, Park West Gallery will also be hosting Mark Kostabi in our stunning SoHo location at 411 W Broadway in New York City soon!

Mark Kostabi is no stranger to interviews. In fact, in the 1980s, Kostabi would famously interview himself, as a critic of contemporary art, back at a time when he would pop into Andy Warhol’s Factory, when the East Village of Manhattan was an epicenter of the art world, and when he himself was one of the leading protagonists of it.

Rome, Mark Kostabi at work in his studio. Photo by Greesi Desiree Langovits

From having his own television show to writing an advice column for artists and designing legendary covers for famous rock bands like Guns N’ Roses (Use Your Illusion) and The Ramones (Adios Amigos) to having his artwork exhibited in galleries around the globe, Mark Kostabi has seen and done it all. But visual art is just part of his creative story.

Since the age of 12, Mark Kostabi has been playing piano and, in addition to being one of the most important figures in the contemporary art world, he is also an accomplished composer. Kostabi’s music career is still blossoming in 2024, too. He plans to perform concerts in the U.S. and Europe as part of an extremely productive and successful year that will see him selling art with Park West on many cruises, publishing a book, and continuing to produce a series of multi-media events.

Read the Juliet Magazine interview with Mark Kostabi and stay tuned for more information about Mark Kostabi’s appearance at Park West Gallery Soho!

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From the warm and welcoming pastels of Peter Max’s famous Umbrella Man and Statue of Liberty paintings to the wonderful woman in Itzchak Tarkay’s vibrantly painted figurative artworks, Park West is no stranger to bold, evocative, and memorable color palettes. This color and creativity is on display during our online auctions, on cruise ships around the world, and in our galleries in Hawaii, Las Vegas, and New York City, but nowhere in America is color more celebrated and visited en masse than in Washington DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival every year.

For well over one hundred years, Americans have been treated to a photographic sea of pink around the legendary Tidal Basin in our nation’s capital as hundreds of cherry blossom trees bloom bright pink and are reflected in the water. That’s right, what began as a generous gift from Japan to the USA in 1912, has bloomed into a mesmerizing month-long celebration of peace, harmony, beauty, and all things pink!

Park West is proud to sponsor a series of exciting events at this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival, including the glamorous Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre, a thrilling Sakura Live video projection by the award-winning Robin Bell and other acclaimed artists including the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s official artist Nicholas Shi, and an ongoing immersive art exhibition called Color Me Pink.

Color Me Pink is an enchanting art exhibit currently on show at the Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC) located at 1150 18th Street NW, Suite 100 in Washington, DC through April 19, 2024. Not only can visitors walk among the pink trees around the tidal basin, but they can experience original artworks that were inspired by and created to pay homage to that initial gift from Japan over a century ago inside the JICC.

Make a plan to visit Washington DC in April during this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival to experience the beauty of the blossoms outside and the beauty of the art showcased and sponsored by Park West at the Japan Information & Culture Center.

 

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In honor of Women’s History Month, Park West Gallery SoHo spotlights the works of female artists in a live auction.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, March 19, 2024 – Park West Gallery SoHo is recognizing Women’s History Month with EmpowHER, the first of its kind female artist-only live auction. Led by female auctioneer, Molly Townsend, artists included in the auction:
Autumn de Forest, Allison Lefcort, Celeste Reiter, Kat Tatz, Leslie Lew, Lexie Jacobs, Aprajita Lal, Anna August and Melanie Stimmell.

On March 28th, the EmpowHER auction will feature an exclusive collection of works spanning various styles and mediums. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on pieces that showcase artistic excellence and highlight the diversity of voices and perspectives in the women’s art community.

“Park West is staunch in our commitment to moving the needle for female artists in today’s market,” says Park West Gallery Executive Vice President John Block. “The disparities we see in what collectors own come down to a lack of availability of art by women in galleries and at auctions. That is one of the biggest imbalances we are aiming to change.”

In addition to the auction, attendees can explore Park West Gallery’s collection of works by iconic master artists.

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From selling out stadiums in mere minutes to music videos being watched by billions on YouTube and across all of social media, K-Pop has become a dominant force in Western culture. While artists like BTS and Black Pink rule today, many people say that 2012’s earworm “Gangnam Style” was the launch pad from which Korean art and culture took off in America, but K-Pop and K-Drama have become an even more significant part of everyday American life over the past five years.

It’s not just music and film that have benefited from an import from Seoul. Earlier this year, the art world in the U.S. became richer thanks to an exciting, unique exhibit at Park West’s fabulous SoHo Gallery in New York City..

In February 2024, Park West Gallery SoHo debuted SoHo’s Got Seoul, a first-of-its-kind exhibition showcasing a stunning collection of artwork by 5 Korean artists, K-Pop superstars, and K-Drama celebrities. The exhibit was curated by Dr. Stephanie Seunmgin Kim, a frequent collaborator of Korean artists and the person who has been responsible for introducing many emerging artists to global audiences, and dazzled so many visitors to the Gallery.

SoHo’s Got Seoul featured a compilation of visual art by Jae-Yong CHOI, KO Jun, Jian KWON (Solbi), Min-Woo LEE, Jun SHIM (Negativ), artists who are recognized for contributing to the rise of K-Pop specifically and popularizing Korean entertainment in general in the West. The thrilling exhibit at 411 West Broadway provided these talented artists with a platform for more intimate, personal expression as they invited fans to peer behind the curtain and discover the real individuals behind the public personas the world sees online and onstage.

Audiences were delighted to see a different side of the K-Pop performers who shine as visual artists. Their incredible art hung alongside world-famous works by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and so many more historical legends of the art world.

The exhibit was extended by two weeks due to demand, which led John Block, Executive Vice President at Park West Gallery, to point out that, in addition to the successful Booboo Stewart exhibit which debuted at Park West SoHo, “This celebration exemplified our goal of creating new and unparalleled experiences for art enthusiasts and buyers by not only introducing collectors to exceptional works but also to an artistic movement that surpasses cultural boundaries.”

Be sure to stop by the Park West Gallery SoHo the next time you’re visiting NYC!

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Park West is already the largest privately owned art dealer on the planet, but we’re eager to keep telling our story and to continue making art available to everyone. To do this, we need you!

We pride ourselves on introducing cruise ship guests to artists like Kre8, Michael Godard, Autumn de Forest, Yaacov Agam, Mark Kostabi, Nano Lopez, Itzchak Tarkay, and Peter Max, to name just some of the world-class artistic talent we deliver to collectors around the world. We are now looking for the next generation of rock star art auctioneers who are ready to make the art world accessible to all by educating guests about art during fun seminars and making art auctions extremely fun events with champagne toasts and thrilling giveaways. Most of all, we want to find dynamic people who will make collecting art with Park West Gallery a joy for cruise ship guests from every single walk of life! Art has been changing lives for centuries, and it might be about to change yours!

Make a WAVE with Park West!

There’s a strong lineage of Park West art auctioneers hailing from South Africa, which is why our Park West team is so excited to be hosting recruitment events in Cape Town on March 17 and in Johannesburg on March 20. We are looking for the next generation of talent to join our international team of hard-working, passionate, and fun-loving people who are ready to see the world! We take pride in creating an environment for our people to thrive and we will nurture your personal and professional growth, all while giving you the platform to excel while you see and experience the world. Does this sound like the career for you?

Your Adventure Begins Here!

When you become a part of the Park West team, you’ll embark on a literal and figurative voyage spanning the waterways of the world. That’s right, a career with Park West will carry you to magical locales and exotic ports of call steeped in history and cultural significance! You will have the opportunity to see ancient ruins and modern marvels at every turn, all while connecting with guests, engaging with locals, and helping to create memories through fine works of art and emotional artistic experiences that will last a lifetime.

Our South Africa recruitment events could be where the next chapter of your life begins. Whether you are new to the art world, have years of sales experience under your belt already, or simply want to pivot toward something fresh and exciting, endless possibilities are awaiting you as part of the Park West family. Come take the first steps in a brand new journey with us this month in Cape Town and Johannesburg. We can’t wait to meet you!

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Auctioneers are at the very front lines of the Park West business. We didn’t get to be one of the largest private art dealer in the world by accident! The Park West auctioneers, whom our collectors meet, chat with, and in some cases, follow from ship to ship around the world, have reached the peak of passion for art. They’ve also reached the peak of joy for educating through seminars. And, of course, they’ve reached the peak of dad jokes. These jokes make the crowds gathered for our thrilling sea day auctions laugh out loud, with bid cards and champagne flutes in hand. Now, we’re calling our top auctioneers back to dry land to achieve even more, for themselves in their own career, for their team, and of course, for our collectors.

That’s right, it’s time for Park West’s Auctioneer advanced training! Held at our Michigan headquarters, this immersive training session from March 7 – 14 will focus on four key elements:

1. Elevating a sense of WONDER at what is possible for our auctioneers in their career with Park West.
2. Instilling a renewed sense of limitless ADVENTURE on cruise ships traversing the waterways of the world.
3. Doubling down on how to further VALUE your work and your journey within the company, as well as the work your team does for guests every single day.
4. And teaching you how to EMPOWER yourself and your team to go even further for our collectors, to educate and engage and enlighten, and ultimately, to infuse more joy, knowledge, and loyalty at every turn.

Park West is dedicated to growing, learning, and becoming even more of a trusted and beloved name in the art world, around the world. We want our auctioneers to grow too! We know that you have limitless potential and so this advanced training back on land is designed to help you do just that — wonder more, seek adventure, value your work, and empower you to become so much more for us, for your collectors, but most importantly, for yourself. We are extremely excited to make WAVEs with you this month!

Stay Updated. Stay Connected.

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Booboo Stewart. PHOTO: RAZ AZRAAI @DANCEFLOORMURDER; UNIQUE NICOLE/GETTY

As the wolf Seth Clearwater in The Twilight Saga, the powerful Warpath in X-Men: Days of Future Past, a mischievous son of Jafar in the Disney television film franchise Descendants, Luca in Good Trouble, and Willie the ghost in Julie and the Phantoms, Booboo Stewart is well known as a vital and handsome member of some beloved and legendary television and film ensembles. But now, with a new hairdo causing quite a stir online, the actor, artist, and musician is carving a path all his own, a path that also has his fans buzzing.

In conjunction with Park West Gallery, Booboo Stewart saw his debut solo art exhibition, Things I Don’t Know How To Talk About, take flight last year in Park West’s New York Soho Gallery and then later in Las Vegas, at the Park West Fine Art Gallery in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The collection was a reflection of Stewart’s personal experiences, emotions, and internal monologue as the celebrity actor struggled with falling in and out of love, processing generational pain, navigating the showing of vulnerability as a public figure, and feeling lost in the world. Using just pens (a lot of pens!) and paper, a myriad of intense feelings poured out of Stewart with precision and unquestionable artistry as he worked away in his Los Angeles studio in preparation for the exhibit.

In 2023, fans poured into the galleries to meet Booboo, watch him create art live, and catch a glimpse of his impressive art up close. Today, his fans are aghast by Stewart’s physical transformation in ditching his famous long locks in favor of a striking new buzzcut, but his pivot into art will not have come as a surprise to his nearly 2.5 million Instagram followers. This is because Booboo has transformed his social media page too. It is now more of an art account with a smattering of mentions and photographs of his successful life as a musician and screen actor. It’s not just his hair, Booboo Stewart is evolving right before our eyes.

Art is something that Booboo Stewart has been using as a way of exploring emotions and processing joy and grief throughout his entire life. Before his exhibit moved to Las Vegas, the artist told us that with his pens and paper as a medium for self-expression. His artwork plumbs the depths of his family history and experiences in and out of romantic relationships, but Stewart is quick to note that the best part about showing art for him is learning about how others see and feel it, and knowing that they will assign meaning to each of his works of art that speaks to their longing and experiences.

We will certainly see Booboo Stewart bring exciting new characters to life on the screen again someday soon, but right now, his artwork is speaking volumes about the man, friend, partner, son, and human being he has been in the past, is continuing to evolve into today, and will become in the future. This is a thrilling new chapter in an already wonderful artistic story, and we at Park West Gallery are excited to be a part of it.

Read his People Magazine Article Here

 

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The event will also showcase designs by former Project Runway contestant Kristina K inspired by Dalí.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, February 7, 2024 – Park West Gallery, renowned for its commitment to showcasing extraordinary art, is proud to announce ‘Hello Dalí,’ a spectacular evening that brings fashion and Dalí together for NYFW. On February 8th, Park West Gallery SoHo will host a celebration of the surrealist genius Salvador Dalí’s graphic works through an exclusive fashion show and art auction.

As a part of the evening, former Project Runway contestant and acclaimed designer Kristina K. will unveil four Dalí-inspired gowns. Each gown is meticulously crafted to depict a section of “The Divine Comedy,” bringing Dalí’s visionary narrative poem to life through the artistry of fashion.

Park West Gallery will host the event on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at its SoHo location – 411 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012.

The evening will also feature an exclusive auction of Dalí masterpieces, called by Park West Gallery Executive Vice President and Certified Auctioneer John Block.

“Park West Gallery SoHo takes great pride in housing Dalí’s ‘The Divine Comedy’ complete collection. This monumental achievement, spanning the years 1951 to 1960, features 100 captivating watercolors vividly portraying the realms of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory,” said John Block, Executive Vice President, Park West Gallery. “This is not the first time Dali has inspired fashion but it is the first time we are showing them together. We are excited to bring this unique double bill for Fashion Week where high art meets high fashion – but both are accessible to everyone.”

For more information about Park West Gallery, please visit www.parkwestgallery.com. To RSVP to Hello Dalí, please email RSVP@HudsonCutler.com.

About Park West Gallery:
Park West Gallery has brought the experience of collecting fine art to more than 3 million customers since 1969. No other company has the expertise, insight, or variety of art as Park West Gallery. Whether it’s masterpieces from history’s greatest artists or the latest artwork from leading contemporary icons, Park West offers something for everyone.

For decades, Park West Gallery has brought its unmatched knowledge and customer service to art auctions on cruise ships, fine hotels, weekly live-streaming broadcasts, and gallery locations in New York, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hawaii. With top-notch framing and delivery services available from our logistics center in Miami, Park West Gallery ensures that art lovers and collectors anywhere can enjoy their art for years to come.

Park West Gallery strives to create an entertaining, educational, and welcoming atmosphere that ignites a passion for the arts. Park West’s mission is to make the art world accessible, helping its clients build lasting memories through collecting events, educational seminars, and art exhibitions.

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Curated by Dr. Stephanie Seungmin Kim, this is the first of its kind comprehensive exhibition of artworks from Korean artists, K-Pop, and K-Drama stars in New York.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, January 17, 2024 – Park West Gallery is thrilled to announce SoHo’s Got Seoul, a first-of-its-kind art exhibition of over 20 works by five Korean artists, K-Pop, and K-Drama stars, Jae-Yong CHOI, KO Jun, Jian KWON (Solbi), Min-Woo LEE, Jun SHIM (Negativ). The exhibition is curated by Dr. Stephanie Seunmgin Kim, a frequent collaborator of Korean artists and responsible for introducing many emerging artists to global audiences. Dr. Kim has curated exhibitions and festivals in 22 cities across the globe and worked with over 600 artists across a range of disciplines.

Park West Gallery will host the opening night of this extraordinary exhibition on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at its SoHo location – 411 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012.

SoHo’s Got Seoul is a compilation of visual art from five Korean artists, who are recognized for the rise of K-Pop and popularizing Korean entertainment in the West. These works are a window into the world behind their public persona, who they are, different from the roles they’ve played onscreen, and an exciting new look at this unique duality in Korean pop culture.

“These artists have devoted decades to perfecting their original art form, such as acting or performing. These paintings allowed the artists to express something more intimate. The maturity and commitment to the art and brilliance deeply moved me to tell their stories”, said Dr. Stephanie Seunmgin Kim.

In the last five years, Americans have been exposed to the richness of Korean art and culture; some of our most significant pop-culture moments have been imported from Seoul. This exhibition expands our experience; we are privileged to see a different side to these performers who shine as visual artists.

“Park West aims to curate a remarkable collection and create a new experience for art enthusiasts and buyers,” said John Block, Executive Vice President at Park West Gallery. “This celebration embodies Park West Gallery’s commitment to pushing boundaries, sparking conversations, and connecting collectors with exceptional art that transcends cultural and artistic boundaries.”

In addition to the K-Pop exhibition, attendees can explore Park West Gallery’s collection of works by iconic master artists, including Salvador Dalí. For more information about Park West Gallery, please visit www.parkwestgallery.com. To RSVP to SoHo’s Got Seoul, please email RSVP@HudsonCutler.com.

About the artists:

• Jae-Yong CHOI is a contemporary and conceptual artist based in Seoul. After receiving his BA in Religious Fine Arts from the Incheon Catholic University, he went on to study under Professor Joachim Blank in Class Installation and Space at the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig. CHOI was a finalist for the 2013 Arte Laguna Prize in Venice. He is most well known for his large installations using industrial materials.
• KO Jun is a director and actor known for his roles in Midnight Runners, What a Man Wants, The Good Wife, Dr. Champ, and more. He made his acting debut in 2001 and has won several awards including Best Supporting Actor in the 2019 SBS Drama Awards for his performance in The Fiery Priest.
• Jian KWON (Solbi) is a singer, television personality, and former member of the K-pop group Typhoon. Solbi then reinvented herself as an artist to heal from the cyberbullying she endured as a K-Pop star. Her unique art style combines color and depth to create deeply emotive textile pieces.
• Min-Woo LEE was a member of the South Korean boy band Shinhwa, one of the most influential 1st generation K Pop artists. LEE debuted as a solo artist in 2003. In 2007 he established his own agency – M Rising Entertainment – to manage his solo pursuits.
• Jun SHIM (Negativ) is a photographer and a music video director for many well-known pop artists including BoA, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, Solbi, Muzie, and Jay Park. He is currently CEO of Purple List Films, specializing in, commercial and entertainment production.

About Park West Gallery:

Park West Gallery has brought the experience of collecting fine art to more than 3 million customers since 1969. No other company has the expertise, insight, or variety of art as Park West Gallery. Whether it’s masterpieces from history’s greatest artists or the latest artwork from leading contemporary icons, Park West offers something for everyone.

For decades, Park West Gallery has brought its unmatched knowledge and customer service to art auctions on cruise ships, fine hotels, weekly live-streaming broadcasts, and gallery locations in New York, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hawaii. With top-notch framing and delivery services available from our logistics center in Miami, Park West Gallery ensures that art lovers and collectors anywhere can enjoy their art for years to come.

Park West Gallery strives to create an entertaining, educational, and welcoming atmosphere that ignites a passion for the arts. Park West’s mission is to make the art world accessible, helping its clients build lasting memories through collecting events, educational seminars, and art exhibitions.

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Kevin Tice will now be offered a year-long contract with the world’s largest art dealer and the opportunity to display his work inside the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery on the Las Vegas Strip.

LAS VEGAS – December 21, 2023 – Following hundreds of submissions, weeks of voting, and judging from a panel of world-renowned artists, Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery is proud to announce landscape artist Kevin Tice as the winner of its third annual Made in Vegas art competition. Tice, who was selected from hundreds of artists who entered, will receive a contract offer from Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, as well as a three-month exhibition of his artwork, where his paintings will hang alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and other art legends at Park West’s Las Vegas location.

“With the Made in Vegas art competition, we were looking to shine a light and bring attention to the diverse and immensely talented Las Vegas art community,” said John Block, Executive Vice President at Park West Gallery. “We were blown away by Kevin Tice’s work and are thrilled to not only name him as our 2023 winner, but to welcome him to the Park West Gallery Family. We’re looking forward to his journey and know he’ll be a tremendous ambassador for the community.”

“I am truly honored and humbled to be named the champion of the annual Park West Gallery Made in Vegas artist competition,” said Kevin Tice. “Witnessing the incredible talent of my fellow contestants has been a source of inspiration. Winning this competition is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the power of shared creativity. I love this artistic journey that I’ve chosen and am grateful for the opportunity to connect with others and share my art.”

Kevin was born in California and was raised in rural Nevada. He now resides in Henderson, Nevada. He is a member of Oil Painters of America and American Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. He spent his youth outdoors and developed a love for drawing and painting while very young. While fulfilling a career in law enforcement, he continually improved his art through an unorthodox pursuit of art education. “I didn’t enjoy the formal approach to art education, so I set out to immerse myself in specific areas of interest, largely due to my own impatience to be able to paint what I was able to see and feel.” While Kevin also paints other subjects, creating a visual impression that recreates a perfect moment of light and atmosphere in elements of our landscape and evokes emotion for the viewer, is what he loves most.

The Made in Vegas judging panel consisted of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives, including Las Vegas’ own Michael Godard, famed artist Autumn de Forest, former Made in Vegas winner Kat Tatz, local fine artist Melanie Stimmell and Park West Fine Art & Museum Executive Vice President, John Block.

Tice’s work will be on display at Park West Gallery in the Forum Shops inside Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip. For more information or to view Tice’s portfolio of work, please visit kevintice.com.

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Carnival Cruise Line is famous for making cruising fun and accessible for all. This is one of the reasons the longstanding partnership between Park West Gallery and Carnival has been so successful — because the world’s largest art dealer has made art both fun and accessible for everyone! On the brand new Carnival Jubilee, setting sail from its homeport of Galveston, Texas, Park West has a beautiful art gallery on deck 7, opposite the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and adjacent to the Alchemy Bar, a fine location to indulge in a signature cocktail while discussing the works of art you plan to bid on during one of the three thrilling auctions during 7-day Western Caribbean cruises.

Park West’s Executive Vice President John Block is excited to be on Carnival’s latest FUN ship because, as he puts it, “Carnival has been dedicated to making cruising fun for all and we’ve also  had the privilege of making fine art fun and entertaining, too. It’s a perfect marriage when family vacations and collecting fine art is available to everyone.”

Park West auctioneer Rachel Jones, who hails from Worcester in the UK is the one who will be banging the gavel on Jubilee, but she’s not alone in representing Park West on the ship. She’s got a knowledgeable and passionate team that includes her Danish husband, Soren. Jones tells us that the gallery is a “Fixed space with a huge glass front which we will use to curate displays rotating daily to offer guests the chance to experience our vast collection,” adding, “we will feature easel displays inside the gallery where we will put together intimate themed exhibitions and showings with a boutique feel and a warm friendly atmosphere.” But the gallery isn’t the only place guests can expect to encounter fine art while on vacation. The Park West team on the Jubilee will also be curating art displays in the main walkways around the ship to offer a taste of the collection as guests explore and enjoy their daily activities during sea days when you can enjoy the BOLT roller coaster and while in exotic ports of call like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay.

Most people think that space is at a premium on cruise ships, and while your stateroom might not be as big as your home, the Park West will feel like a museum inside! Jones notes that there will be a vast collection of art onboard, some 400-500 artworks including everything from bronze sculptures, oil and acrylic paintings, serigraphs, and lithographs, as well as cutting-edge new art innovations such as the work of Tim Yanke whose art incorporates digital and augmented reality to bring his creations to life. But the breadth of the Park West collection on Carnival Jubilee isn’t limited to contemporary greats. Jones personally cannot wait to be able to put together an exhibition of original color wood engravings by Salvador Dalí for her guests sailing on the Jubilee. In her role of auctioneer, she’ll do more than just call out numbers quickly and help guests collect fine art, she’ll educate them about art, artists, and art history too, helping to navigate the dark and heart-wrenching beauty in Dalí’s treatment of the Divine Comedy. Jones says that she loves seeing the shock and delight on the faces of our guests when they discover they can view, access, and collect works by famous masters of art like Dalí and Picasso while enjoying a sun-kissed vacation at sea.

Guests cruising on Jubilee will be able to partake in three fast-paced, fun, and entertaining auctions happening in the Punchliners Comedy Club on deck 6. Jones remarks that, “This a fantastic venue with ample seating in booths and theatre-style arrangement which will offer a comfortable environment for our guests to relax and enjoy our fun and informative events,” adding that it’s a, “large space which will allow us to really show off the onboard art collection in the auction preview before the show begins giving our guests the opportunity to view and request their favorite artworks to be featured and auctioned off.”

Another highlight for Jones is the opportunity to showcase emerging and up-and-coming artists alongside famous names like Thomas Kinkade and Peter Max. For instance, she points out, “One of the fastest-rising artists of today, Michael Godard, who was recently made the official artist of the Las Vegas Raiders, will feature prominently in my auctions. This is something particularly exciting sailing out of Galveston because I know Texans love their football!”

Our cruise ship auctions begin with complimentary champagne service, and each will include unique unveilings of brand-new works and featured pieces that will set the theme for the auction. They are fun and educational in equal measure, and Jones says that she will also carefully plan and put together exclusive discounts, packages, and recommendations for guests to take advantage of at each event to help guide and assist them in building their own art collection. And best of all, every guest will receive a complimentary seriolithograph by one of our world-class artists that they can take home with them.

What sets Park West apart in the art world is that we don’t want to simply sell you fine art, we want to teach you about art and art appreciation so that you understand the history and importance of works and the artists who created them, techniques, and the differences between oil on canvas and a hand-embellished serigraph. That’s why there will be seminars free to attend on Jubilee. This is where guests can learn about Pop Art during an interactive night, an enrichment seminar on Salvador Dalí with a chance to view some of his most highly revered illustrative wood engravings, and a journey through the life and Art of Thomas Kinkade with an unveiling of a number of his incredibly popular Disney works and the chance to win one of his original lithographs!

If you’re already a Park West VIP, Jones and her team have you covered! She notes that, “For our VIP collectors there will be exclusive previews, sneak peeks, and private viewings throughout each cruise.”

Are you planning a cruise on Jubilee or another ship? Join us for an exciting art auction by pre-registering now! When you do, you’ll receive a gift and a $100 art credit to help you collect a new work of art during your vacation at sea!

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The newest Celebrity cruise ship has now taken to the warm Caribbean waters and Park West is, of course, on board with a stunning new art gallery! The Celebrity Ascent is the latest Edge Series ship, a series of fabulous vessels that have been showered with awards for innovative, impeccable, and artful design. Park West Gallery director Kenny Omeir, a former professional baseball player from Nicaragua, notes that the “Elegance and atmosphere of the Ascent is unparalleled,” adding that the ship is arguably one of the most luxurious at sea.

Guests enjoying their sailings in the Caribbean this winter and then in Europe next summer will find the art gallery on deck 5, at the embarkation entrance and stretching right through to the theater. Thankfully, artfully constructed cocktails and fine wines pair beautifully with world-class art, because Omeir tells us that a world-class bar sits beside the gallery space and just a stone’s throw away is the heartbeat of the ship, the glamorous and glittering Grand Plaza.

The most technologically advanced ship that is also a work of art in and of itself demands the finest art education, collecting experience at sea and that’s exactly what Park West and Celebrity deliver on Ascent. The Park West art gallery has a marvelous Picasso sculpture garden for all passengers to enjoy as well as an interactive AI touch screen allowing guests to pre-select artworks for the auction, browse through the entire collection, and even access archival artworks.

Omeir says, “The design and overall aesthetic of the gallery give it a real museum look and feel with a pleasing burst of color too, ideal for featuring a diverse roster of artists from around the globe.”

Park West collectors can expect to see their favorite artists, like Romero Britto, Kre8, the world-famous Peter Max, Yacov Agam, Michael Godard, Daniel Wall, Slava Ilyayev, Nano Lopes, and many more, pop out immediately upon entering the gallery space. Omeir says that , “The artistry also features a plethora of mediums from different price points to marry into Park West’s vision that Art is for EVERYONE.” In addition to contemporary greats, the masters of art history are sailing on Ascent too! The gallery will be showing works by Rembrandt van Rijn, Pablo Picasso, Fransisco Goya, Henri Matisse, and even famed Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí.

Park West’s Executive Vice President John Block notes, “Park West is proud to continue our partnership with Celebrity Cruises and to deliver the finest art experiences at sea through educational events, thrilling auctions, and a gorgeous gallery space that is second to none. Our passionate team on board Ascent is excited to help every guest better understand and appreciate fine art, and to begin collecting art that they will cherish for generations.”

When it comes time to bid on your next favorite work of art to hang proudly in your home or office, you’ll head to the destination gateway space on deck 2 midship. This is where a total of three thrilling auctions will be held during each weeklong itinerary. Omeir is excited about these Park West auctions because they are events that teach and inspire, as well as help everyone to begin collecting art or expand upon their existing relationship with fine art. Passengers will be invited to a Grand Opening, Rapid Fire, and Grand Finale auction during which complimentary champagne will flow, tons of amazing prizes will be raffled off, and free artwork will be given out to all who attend. For Park West VIPs on board, there will be a VIP event with wine, champagne, and hors d’oeuvres, as well as exclusive art viewings and the opportunity to collect artworks seen by no one else!

While the auctions themselves allow for some art education, as the Ascent auctioneer, Wouter Coetsee, discusses the history of the artists and the meaning and importance of their work.   Guests can attend free enrichment seminars on Picasso, Dalí, and Peter Max, plus a brilliant 30-minute, 3000-year crash course in art history! Special art unveilings and private previews in the gallery are also a daily routine.

Of course, we are biased and believe that the Park West art gallery on board is the highlight of the Celebrity Ascent experience, but this new ship is a living organism that has a unique personality, says Omeir. All of the restaurants are mouth-watering and exquisite, including the four unique main dining room concepts. The shows in the main theater are world-class as are those in Eden (a specialty restaurant and transformative event space outfitted with over 5,000 living plants). Every neighborhood around the ship transports you into a different mood and elevates your cruise experience and the ship has been designed with over 3,000 artworks all around, on every deck, to be enjoyed as you cruise to St. Thomas, Saint Martin, Cozumel, and beyond!

Are you planning a cruise? Join us for an exciting art auction by pre-registering now! When you do, you’ll receive a gift and a $100 art credit to help you collect a new work of art during your vacation at sea!

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PARK WEST GALLERY REVEALS FINAL THREE ARTISTS FOR THIRD ANNUAL MADE IN VEGAS ART COMPETITION

 Following weeks of public voting and hundreds of submissions, the final three artists in the third annual Made in Vegas competition include Violetta Kovacs, Paul Papa, and Kevin Tice

 A panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives will now select a champion, who will win the chance to be offered a year-long contract with the world’s largest art dealer and the opportunity to display their winning works inside the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery on the Las Vegas Strip

LAS VEGAS – December 7, 2023 – And it’s down to three! Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery has revealed the final three artists for the third annual Made in Vegas art competition. Selected after weeks of public voting, the final three artists were selected amongst hundreds of submissions, representing some of the most talented and innovative artists living in Las Vegas. The Made in Vegas finalists are competing for the chance to be offered a prestigious, year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, as well as the opportunity to display their work on the walls of Park West Gallery at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and other art world legends.

The Made in Vegas champion will now be chosen by a panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives, including Park West Gallery Executive Vice President John Block, Artists Michael Godard, Kat Tatz and Melanie Stimmell.

The final three artists currently have their work on display inside Park West Gallery at the Forum Shops inside Caesars Palace and the ultimate Made in Vegas winner will be announced next week.

The final three artists include:

• Violetta Kovacs
• Paul Papa
• Kevin Tice

Park West Gallery has two locations at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, please visit ParkWestVegas.com or call 702-630-1037.

Keep up with Park West Gallery on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube at @ParkWestGallery.

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Featuring the incredible self-taught painter, Ken Flanagan, at the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery in November.

Born in New York, Ken Flanagan’s artistic odyssey encompasses a lifetime of passion and creativity. Today, Las Vegas stands as his muse, where his art flourishes. Throughout the years, his unique style has evolved, constantly refining and expanding. Notably, Ken Flanagan achieved recognition as a Top 10 Finalist in Park West’s Made in Vegas artist competition for two consecutive years. His works, characterized by technical brilliance, have earned widespread acclaim and admiration.

On Friday, November 10: 5-8 p.m. Meet Ken Flanagan, watch live painting, and admire his incredible artwork. This event is free and open to the public.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with a remarkable artist and enjoy his beautiful creations. We hope to see you there!

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Experience the Las Vegas artist debut of actor and musician Booboo Stewart!

Friday, October 20th, 2023 4-7 p.m.

Stewart’s exhibition “THINGS I DON’T KNOW HOW TO TALK ABOUT” will feature a collection of thought-provoking and visually stunning artworks, including a series of sketches, sculptures, and a very special live drawing “performance” by Booboo. The collection is a reflection of Stewart’s personal experiences, emotions, and inner thoughts, translated onto paper with precision and artistry.

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Québécois artist Sylvain Roberge, whose timeless and studied compositions pulse with energy and vitality, will be debuting a new collection of work at the Park West Gallery in Soho this Friday, October 27th at 5 PM. Roberge will also be in attendance that evening to meet and mingle with gallery visitors, and discuss his work and process in greater detail with prospective buyers and collectors.

In the artistic quest to display genuine emotions through his art, Roberge has developed a technique that merges modernism with antiquity: he uses the encaustic medium, which is a wax-based painting medium that was originally developed by the ancient Greeks. Because this medium dries quickly, Roberge must work quickly, and his rapid brushstrokes make the finished products hum with life.

Attendees of the Friday gallery opening will get a first look at the works on display, as well as a first chance to buy. This event is free and open to the public—no reservation necessary.

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Figure 1: “Face Time” by Christian Calvin (2022)

Christian Calvin, a multimedia Pop artist who has captivated the contemporary art world, is heading to Hawaii.  He will make his debut in the Aloha State at Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery on Friday, October 20.

Calvin, also recognized as 33N Art, is celebrated for his abstract paintings and mixed-media pieces that challenge the norms of Pop Expressionism.

What sets Calvin apart is his distinctive approach, employing a diverse range of mediums including traditional paint, sand, and glue. The outcome is a collection of strikingly textured artworks. Notably, Calvin eschews conventional paintbrushes, opting instead for gardening tools to meticulously apply paint onto his masterpieces.

Event Details

From 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 20, Christian Calvin will appear at Park West Hawaii where he will meet fans, paint LIVE, and show off his incredible artwork—this event is free and open to the public.

Artist Background

Calvin embarked on his artistic journey at the age of 45, following a lifelong career in the retail industry. Upon the sale of his business, he found himself with more time on his hands and a newfound curiosity to create. This led him to explore painting on various surfaces, from canvases to cardboard and even cereal boxes.

Calvin immersed himself in experimentation with an array of techniques and materials, gradually finding his footing as an artist. Reflecting on his work, Calvin shared, “I feel my art leaps off the page, taking on form and life. For me, art is more about vision, passion, and love than it is about talent.” He signs his creations with “33N,” a nod to his football jersey number from his youth, later continuing to play football at the University of Tennessee.

Calvin’s art made a significant impact when he generously contributed a piece to a charity auction in his hometown just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. This act of generosity caught the eye of the director at Tennessee’s esteemed Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center, leading to an exhibition of his work that was met with high praise.

Throughout his journey, Calvin has explored various styles and genres, including Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, and Impressionism. He enjoys characterizing his work as an ongoing exploration of form, color, and emotion.

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Our team invites you to stop in and preview the Leslie Lew collection for this weekend’s exhibition!

Artist Leslie Lew, whose graphic, colorful “sculpted oils” draw inspiration from the worlds of advertising and pop culture, will be debuting exciting new work at Park West Gallery in Soho, Friday the 29th from 5pm – 8pm. Lew herself will also be present to give a talk at the gallery, as well as to meet and answer questions for gallery visitors and prospective buyers and collectors.

Growing up with a father who worked in advertising, Lew has always been inspired by commercial imagery, product labels, and American pop culture; but unlike most other pop artists, her “sculpted oil” technique creates a tactile, almost three-dimensional relief that adds an air of surreality and delight to familiar images. The lines and geometric shapes take on a slightly primitive feel and seem to vibrate with movement and life, creating a fanciful mood that is perfect for viewing works inspired by childhood and pop culture nostalgia.

“Leslie Lew has been with our gallery for many years, and we’re always excited to see what she’s been working on,” said John Block, Park West’s Executive Vice President. “She brings such a fresh, unique style to the world of Pop Art—both keeping the viewer in conversation with American cultural history, and showing why that conversation is still so relevant.”

Lew’s career formally began at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she received her B.F.A. and M.F.A., and continued to develop in New York’s 1980s art scene. As a longtime veteran of the fine art world, her works have been featured in the Guggenheim, shown next to Lichtenstein and Warhol, and included in several published art books. She cites Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Peter Max as her biggest artistic influences.

“I have always felt that art should be for the masses, not for just a few of the elite,” Lew told senior gallery director Morris Shapiro. “I have worked and established myself…Now is the time to have fun and do what I was meant to do…share my work with the world.”

This free and public event is a must-attend for art collectors, culture fiends, and pop art lovers alike. Attendees are welcome to mingle, meet and speak with the artist, and get a first look at her freshly-unveiled work—as well as a first chance to buy.

Park West Gallery SoHo is open 7 days a week, Monday-Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Entry is at no cost, and Park West’s expert staff are available to guide visitors through the gallery.

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Our team invites you to stop in and preview the Jim Warren collection for this weekend’s exhibition!

Warren’s collaborations with Disney were released as fine art prints. Warren continues to paint Disney characters and his own unique interpretations of Disney characters to this day. In 2009, he began painting celebrities for the Fame-Wall project in New York and Hollywood, painting portraits and unveiling them with the likes of The Beach Boys, John Stamos, Kelsey Grammar, Kristin Chenowith, Brooke Shields and others.—you won’t want to miss this one. We hope to see you there!

Warren will be making a public appearance at the gallery from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Saturday, September 30, where he will be showing off his paintings that transport the viewer to dreamlike worlds.

On Friday, September 29, from 7-9pm, join Park West Gallery and artist Jim Warren for a special Las Vegas evening of food, drink, good vibes, and of course—fabulous art! Warren will be debuting some new work at the gallery, speaking about his artistic process, painting live, and mingling with attendees. Get your exclusive first look, a first chance to buy, and connect with fellow VIPs, art collectors, enthusiasts, and members of the media. The cocktail party is ONLY available to those who RSVP beforehand at parkwestvegas@parkwestgallery.com.

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On Saturday, September 30th, from 7-9pm, join Park West Gallery and artist Jeff Albrecht for a special evening of food, drink, good vibes, and of course—fabulous art! Albrecht will be debuting some new work at the Hawaii gallery, speaking about his artistic process, painting live, and mingling with attendees. Get your exclusive first look, a first chance to buy, and connect with fellow VIPs, art collectors, enthusiasts, and members of the media.

A self-described “Extreme Colorist,” Albrecht’s use of color and line has been influenced by the work of Pablo Picasso, Peter Max, LeRoy Neman, and David Park. The energy in his paintings moves viewers through a range of uplifting emotions. His playful use of bold color and enigmatic symbols allow his paintings to pulse with excitement, creating a positive atmosphere in any setting. —you won’t want to miss this one. We hope to see you there!

Please RSVP to waikikibeach@parkwestgallery.com if you can make it!

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Submission deadline extended through Sunday, September 10, 2023

Las Vegas-based artists are invited to submit original works for the chance to be offered a year-long contract and the opportunity to display their winning works inside Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery on the Las Vegas Strip

Submissions to be accepted beginning August 14 at MadeInVegas@parkwestgallery.com and will be voted upon by a panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives.

LAS VEGAS – August 31, 2023 – Due to overwhelming demand and the incredible amount of quality submissions already received, Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery has announced an extension for submissions for its third annual Made in Vegas artist competition.

Las Vegas-based artists are invited to submit their original works for the shot at being offered a prestigious, year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, and the incredible opportunity to display their work alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and contemporary works by Michael Godard, Kre8, and many others. Made in Vegas submissions will now be accepted through Sunday, September 10, 2023 at parkwestvegas.com. 

Now in its third year, the Made in Vegas artist competition has helped elevate local artists with worldwide recognition and Park West Gallery contracts, including 2022 winner, surrealist artist Chris Elliman, 2021 winner Kat Tatz, fine artist Melanie Stimmell, and more. In addition, the success of the Made in Vegas competition has helped stem localized artist competitions at Park West Gallery’s new SoHo location in New York City, as well as its Honolulu location in Hawaii.

The contest is only open to residents of Clark County, NV. Artists interested in participating in the third annual Made in Vegas artist competition are invited to visit parkwestvegas.com apply. Artists will be asked to submit three examples of their original works of art. Accepted formats include drawings, paintings, prints, collages, or illustrations. Submissions will be accepted through Sunday, September 10, 2023. The submissions will then be judged by a panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives. Participating artists must be 18 years or older at the time of submission and live in Las Vegas.

Park West Gallery has two locations at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, please visit ParkWestVegas.com or call 702-630-1037.

Keep up with Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at @ParkWestGallery.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK August 25, 2023—Artist Jeff Vermeeren, innovator of the distinct “Extreme Abstract” style, is set to debut his captivating new body of work at the renowned Park West Gallery in Soho, this Friday the 25th from 3-6pm. Vermeeren will also discuss his artistic process during a Q&A session and meet and interact with collectors and visitors to the gallery.

Vermeeren is a pioneer of technique, having crafted his own method that uses fire, freezing, pressure, and volatile chemicals to produce his gorgeous and hyper-saturated works of metallic mixed-media art. The dreamlike, swirling results defy easy categorization, and transport the viewer into a stratospheric realm.

“The contrast between his method—which involves many steps, and often entails setting his pieces on fire more than once—and the lush, soothing result is a fascinating tension at the heart of Vermeeren’s work,” said John Block, Park West’s Executive Vice President. “We’re honored to represent such an intriguing and visionary artist, and very excited to have him demonstrate a bit of his process live in our gallery.”

Born in Calgary, Canada, Vermeeren had a creative spirit from a young age. Eventually he founded his own construction and demolition company, and it’s easy to see how this experience has informed his art. On some level, each Vermeeren piece is destroyed and rebuilt over and over. Even the artist doesn’t always know what the final result will look like, choosing instead to trust and be guided by the process.

Vermeeren’s exact techniques remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. “Some people think I spray it, or drip it,” he told Fine Art Magazine. “But, in actuality, I have tons of different techniques. It almost looks ceramic, some say. Others are sure it’s glass, or plastic, or that there’s a light behind my painting. It’s interesting because everybody has their ideas and thoughts on how it’s produced. For now, it’s my little secret.”

Art collectors and enthusiasts should be sure to attend this free, open-to-the-public event for the opportunity to view and purchase his newly unveiled works.

Park West Gallery SoHo is open 7 days a week, Monday-Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Entry is at no cost, and Park West’s expert staff are available to guide visitors through the gallery.

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Las Vegas-based artists are invited to submit original works for the chance to be offered a year-long contract and the opportunity to display their winning works inside Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery on the Las Vegas Strip

Submissions to be accepted beginning August 14 at MadeInVegas@parkwestgallery.com and will be voted upon by a panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives.

LAS VEGAS – August 14, 2023 – Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery is once again on the hunt for Las Vegas’ next great artist, with the return of its third annual Made in Vegas artist competition. Beginning August 14, Las Vegas-based artists are invited to submit their original works for the shot at being offered a prestigious, year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, and the incredible opportunity to display their work alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and contemporary works by Michael Godard, Kre8 and many others.

Now in its third year, the Made in Vegas artist competition has helped elevate local artists with worldwide recognition and Park West Gallery contracts, including 2022 winner, surrealist artist Chris Elliman, 2021 winner Kat Tatz, fine artist Melanie Stimmell, and more. In addition, the success of the Made in Vegas competition has helped stem localized artist competitions at Park West Gallery’s new SoHo location in New York City, as well as its Honolulu location in Hawaii.

The contest is only open to residents of Clark County, NV. Artists interested in participating in the third annual Made in Vegas artist competition are invited to submit three examples of their original works of art to MadeInVegas@parkwestgallery.com. Accepted formats include drawings, paintings, prints, collages, or illustrations. Submissions will be accepted between August 14th through August 28rd. The submissions will then be judged by a panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives. Participating artists must be 18 years or older at the time of submission and live in Las Vegas. For a full list of rules, regulations, and guidelines for the Made in Vegas artist competition, please visit ParkWestVegas.com.

Park West Gallery has two locations at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, please call 702-630-1037.

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Lara Ivanovic voted the winner and takes the top prize in Park West’s first annual Painted in New York artist search contest. Ivanovic will be offered a year-long contract with the world’s largest art dealer and the opportunity to display her winning works inside the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery in New York.

New York, NY (August 7, 2023) – The Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery in SoHo is proud to announce New York native Lara Ivanovic as the grand prize winner of its 2023 “Painted in New York” artist search competition.

Ivanovic has won a year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, and an exclusive 3-month exhibition at Park West’s SoHo gallery where her artwork will hang next to masterworks by artists like Pablo Picasso and Pierre-Auguste Renoir at Park West SoHo’s new 4,000 sq ft, two-level art museum and gallery. 

“Congratulations to Lara Ivanovic, our first Painted in New York winner!” said John Block, Park West’s Executive Vice President. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Park West family of artists, and we are so excited to display such a homegrown New York talent in our gallery.”

Ivanovic was selected out of hundreds of submissions from fellow New York artists as one of the contest’s top 10 semi-finalists. After two weeks of public voting, Lara and two other finalists moved onto the final round of the competition.

Ultimately, Ivanovic was awarded the final prize by a panel of distinguished judges, which included Block, Park West New York Gallery Director, Martin Botha, and artists Mark Kostabi, Viktor Shvaiko, and Booboo Stewart. 

Emerging artist, Booboo Stewart’s artwork is also currently on display at the Park West Gallery SoHo, located at 411 W. Broadway St. between Spring St. and Prince St and is open daily, from 10 am to 6 pm. For more information, please visit ParkWestGallery.com/NewYork or call 917-287-4351.

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What began 20 years ago in a high school gymnasium has blossomed into one of America’s most respected and revered Jazz festivals. Spearheaded once again by founder Les DeMerle, a phenomenal drummer and band leader who has been behind the kit for the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, the headliners of the 2023 Amelia Island Jazz Festival include the 10-time Grammy Award-winning vocal group The Manhattan Transfer, Jazz Flautist Nestor Torres, The Tierney Sutton Band, LPT 10-piece Salsa Orchestra, the 21-piece University of North FL Jazz Ensemble 2, and the funky Spare Rib Six Dixieland Band. And as always, Park West Gallery will be there too, supporting the fabulous charitable endeavors of the festival that provide one young promising high school student with a college scholarship and deliver Jazz at events in many of the area’s assisted living facilities.

The Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band at the 2019 Amelia Island Jazz Festival, featuring Bonnie Eisele on vocals, Steve Strawley on trumpet, Don Zentz on saxophone, Clarence Hines on trombone, Doug Matthews on piano, and Les DeMerle on drums and vocals.

Each year, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival has an official artist who is tasked with creating an image to represent the event. That artwork is then used for festival posters, printed on the tickets, and appears in many other pieces of marketing materials. This featured artist will also create a work of art that is auctioned off to raise money for the philanthropic arm of the festival. As this is the festival’s 20th anniversary and many Park West artists have performed this prestigious role, we recently caught up with a few of them and asked each to reflect on the experience. Here’s what Marcus Glenn, Peter Nixon, and Tim Yanke had to say about their Amelia Island Jazz Festival experiences and how important Jazz is to them as human beings and in their artistic process.

Marcus Glenn

“It was an amazing experience to meet so many talented musicians on Amelia Island! With the history that Les DeMerle has in music, being asked to represent the festival visually was an honor, especially as it came on the heels of being the official Grammy Award artist in 2014. Jazz music plays a vital role in my life and my art. I often put jazz on when I’m in my studio creating new works of art. Being from Detroit, Jazz and R&B music played a huge role in my family life growing up, and today, painting musical compositions is my favorite theme to visit as an artist.”

Peter Nixon

“Being asked to be the Amelia Island Jazz Festival Artist of 2019 was an honor. I’m a big fan of Jazz, so I appreciated the opportunity to meet distinguished musicians like Les and Bonnie DeMerle. The setting of Amelia Island is simply idyllic, with lush vegetation, long silky beaches, small cafés, and restaurants, and spectacular sunsets. I found the location to be a miniature paradise!

In keeping with this warm and sunny place, Les and Bonnie DeMerle’s hospitality was thoughtful and caring throughout the event. They made sure I was enjoying the best of the island and getting me to the gigs on time, which meant being driven there by Les himself or, as an extra treat, sharing a ride with Jazz royalty like Delfeayo Marsalis!

This warmth also characterized Les and Bonnie’s set in 2019, which, coupled with virtuosic skills from both of them and their backing band, created a dazzling high-energy performance to satisfy any Jazz lover.

When I first did the painting for the Amelia Island Jazz Festival poster, it contained a silhouette of Les on the drums, but then when I saw the two of them together, I had to ask for the return of the painting to put Bonnie in there to complete the picture. Later, they did me the honor of using my painting as a cover for their album, ‘Hot Night in Venice.’

Jazz is an all-consuming interest and a near-obsession of mine. It demands extreme playing skills combined with the wildness and drive of impossible rhythms that seemingly defy human dexterity. As an artist, I am often in awe of other visual artists’ skills, but I can usually work out how paintings have been executed. However, it is beyond my comprehension how Jazz musicians think and feel with such haptic speed and nimbleness. Such is the skill of Jazz musicians, the standard safe anchor of a regular rhythm is not needed to keep them on track. Musicians like Les are not there to keep the beat but to explore the drums as another layer in the musical jigsaw puzzle. This needs split-second reactions and interactions, producing a mosaic of interconnecting phrases and riffs that keep the music breathlessly electrifying and in extreme moments of envelope-pushing – one of the components that make Jazz so wildly enjoyable — a feeling that the music is almost out of control. This unpredictable element, like an aural high-wire act, makes it the most exciting musical genre to me.”

Tim Yanke

“When I was asked to create an image that would represent the Amelia Island Jazz Festival, I didn’t think twice before saying yes! I have always told my collectors that music may be my most important tool in the entire studio and is instrumental (pun intended) to my entire creative process. I have been told many times that the abstracts in my artwork have the visual look and feel of the music. In fact, music often dictates the direction and composition of the entire painting.

The Amelia Island Jazz Festival and the DeMerles’ dedication are the reasons for the continued success of this amazing event — they are the rock stars of jazz!”

Mark Kostabi

And finally, we are pleased to announce that the great Mark Kostabi will be the featured artist in 2023 for the 20th-anniversary celebration on Amelia Island from Oct 1-8. Mark says, “As both a painter and musician, I’m thrilled and honored to be the official artist for this legendary festival,” adding that while he is unable to attend in person due to prior commitments in Europe, he will send his best wishes and gratitude to all the great people involved and in attendance this year.

If you love jazz and will be in the Florida area, we can’t recommend the event enough. You can buy tickets for all of the 2023 events happening during the 2023 Amelia Island Jazz Festival HERE.

The post Park West Artists Reflect on their Amelia Island Jazz Festival Experiences appeared first on Park West Gallery.

The Park West Gallery family reflected on the passing of one of their beloved artists, David “Lebo” Le Batard, which was announced by his brother yesterday on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.

“When I first met David I was blown away by not just his incredible creativity, but his spiritual grounding and commitment to family and friends. He was a special guy, to say the least, and like myself, devoted a significant amount of time working out and taking care of himself physically and mentally. This is a tough, tough time for the Park West family”​, said Albert Scaglione, CEO, of Park West Gallery.

Lebo, who cut his teeth as an artist in Miami, was born in New York to Cuban immigrant parents. He pioneered an innovative art style he playful called, “Postmodern Cartoon Expressionism.” By incorporating bold colors and fun phrases, symbols, and lettering with adorable familiar animals like cats and owls, Le Batard made walls burst into life and helped to make the built environment of the modern world more joyous in the process.

Said Morris Shapiro, Senior Gallery Director, Park West Gallery “David was one of the most extraordinary artists I’ve ever met in my career. I often said that I believed he was destined for greatness, because there was something residing deeply in his work that usually wasn’t immediately recognized. He was a seeker in the greatest sense, and a spiritual antenna to wisdom, knowledge and the most profound aspects of the human experience. He will be deeply missed by the Park West family, and all of his collectors and fans worldwide, and we will do our best to continue to spread his message and shine his light.”

As a child, Lebo studied comic strips and cartoons, because, within this humorous and seemingly casual art form, he saw the limitless potential for joyful human expression. He would end up being inspired as much by Egyptian hieroglyphics as he was by Saturday morning cartoons. Le Batard said that he appreciated a cartoon’s uncomplicated approach to storytelling and for decades, the artist we all admired and adored, did the same thing with his own artwork. He was a cherished cartoonist who expressed himself visually and in a very approachable manner, a visual storyteller who was still learning and exploring the world at large and folding new iconography and artistic styles into his paintings, and a human being who created art with love, joy, and an immense sense of wonder.

“While the work of every artist is innately unique, Lebo’s style was so distinctive and easily identifiable that it resonated in the hearts and minds of so many collectors and me personally. Lebo’s personality and demeanor were just as colorful and bold as his art. I was so excited to have him join and share his passion with our collectors and he is going to be greatly missed”​ – Marc Scaglione, President, Park West Gallery.

Years ago, during one of our chats with him, Lebo said that “You can take the most obscure, weird stuff in the world and combine it all together, but if you put a cat in the middle of it, people will get engaged by it, and that’s really cool, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.” This quote sums up his accessible approach to not only art but life in general. He wanted more than anything else to engage people in art, and he knew that to make a work identifiable and ultimately speak to who we are as people today, viewers will be more likely to lean in, look at, and learn from art, and in the end, they will smile and feel good.

From his street art and murals in Miami that, according to Lebo, he painted with the goal of making people happy, to the artwork that currently hangs in homes and offices from Alaska to Athens, and from the hull of the Norwegian Getaway cruise ship to the work he did with Ferrari (and a host of other world-famous brands), Lebo is responsible for putting wide smiles on countless faces around the world.

​John Block, Executive Vice President, Park West Gallery​ said “I have the rare gift of getting to know all our artists on a very personal level and I can say that there are few if any that I enjoyed getting to know more than David. His talent and passion for not just art, but the meaning of life just made you feel good to be around him. He was truly a scholar, and it came through in every single work of art he created.”​

David “Lebo” Le Batard was 50 years old.

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Park West is honored to once again play a part in the Amelia Island Jazz Festival, happening from October 1 – 8 this year. To celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary, we recently caught up with founder Les DeMerle shortly after his appearance on “Jam ’n Java,” where he discussed his storied career and played highlights from his new album, Once In A Lifetime. The album, recorded in 1967 but only just being released this year, provides insight into the origins of the festival and what makes this week of music, art, and philanthropy incredibly special.

Les DeMerle at the Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s Swingin’ Jazz, Wine & Dance Party in 2022.

Why Amelia Island?

The Les DeMerle Band opened the Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island, Florida, and entertained as the house orchestra from 1991 to 2021. After 9/11, budgets were cut, and my wife Bonnie Eisele and I started to perform on several cruise contracts. Eventually, we met John Block and Morris Shapiro of Park West Gallery. Despite these connections, Amelia Island remained our home, and I wanted to create something unique here. Having our jazz fest on Amelia Island is a perfect fit because it is a beautiful destination with lots of venues to showcase the music. It’s also cool because I designed the Amelia Island Jazz Festival after many European Jazz Festivals, like The Montreux Fest, where some of the shows are intimate, such as our Jazz and Wine Night seating 120, to our headliner nights seating 1000. This festival is where jazz fans meet jazz legends, an event where anything can happen at any time…and it does!

How did you get started in music?

I have been a jazz musician since the age of 15, and over the years, I had the tremendous opportunity to play drums on tour and record with Harry James, The Manhattan Transfer, Wayne Newton, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and more. We are excited to bring the 10-time Grammy Award-winning vocal group The Manhattan Transfer to Amelia Island this year as part of their 50th Anniversary and Farewell Tour to help us celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary! All that experience on the road and in the studio led me to lead my own bands, which feature my wife, vocalist Bonnie Eisele, along with many outstanding players.

What were the early days of the jazz festival like?

I had a vision of bringing an annual world-class Jazz Festival to the Island, with the best entertainment and educational programs we could organize, featuring Big Band, Latin, Blues, Smooth, Contemporary, and Dixieland Jazz. Our first festival was held at the local high school, and the headliners were alto sax star Richie Cole and trumpeter master Longineau Parsons, who played the life of Louis Armstrong on Broadway.

I would use my rhythm section, and Bonnie would also join in with our headliners. From there, we formed the Amelia Island Jazz Festival as a 501C3 and incorporated it as a not-for-profit organization. With lots of local support, grants, volunteers, fundraising campaigns, and many of my musician friends, we slowly built the Amelia Island Jazz Festival into a vibrant and exciting celebration of the ultimate American art form: jazz.

Twenty years in, we are now an action-packed, 8-day jazz festival that will be held at several venues all over the Island — it has been one hell of a ride!

Just one of the fabulous live bands at Amelia Island’s Big Band Bash in 2021.

How does the Amelia Island Jazz Festival give back to the community?

We are proud of the progress we’ve made over the past 20 years, awarding 20 scholarships to deserving high school seniors to study jazz in college! Many of our scholars are now recording for major jazz labels and touring the world! We are also proud of the many jazz for seniors events we have presented at several of the Island’s assisted living facilities. One time, while I was playing an extended drum solo on “Sing, Sing, Sing,” a 98-year-old lady got up out of her wheelchair and started shaking her booty! At that point, her nurse fainted, and they had to get a nurse for the nurse!

How do Park West Gallery and visual art play a role in the festival?

Park West has graciously provided so many fantastic featured artists for the Amelia Island Jazz Festival: Marcus Glenn, Jim Warren, Tim Yanke, Lebo, Alex Gockel, Peter Nixon, and more have all been very hip to jazz! They each created masterpieces that helped the festival reach a wider audience and raise even more money for our charitable endeavors. I have to once again thank our dear friends Morris Shapiro and John Block for making all this happen. I know that the featured artist in 2023 will bring so much exciting energy to the festival and delight each and every attendee!

The Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band at the 2019 Amelia Island Jazz Festival, featuring Bonnie Eisele on vocals, Steve Strawley on trumpet, Don Zentz on saxophone, Clarence Hines on trombone, Doug Matthews on piano, and Les DeMerle on drums and vocals.

If you love jazz and will be in the Florida area, we can’t recommend the event enough. You can buy tickets for all of the 2023 events HERE.

The post Meet Jazz Legend & Amelia Island Jazz Festival Founder Les DeMerle appeared first on Park West Gallery.

CRIS X LIVE PAINTING EVENT MOVED TO SUNDAY 7/30 – Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have rescheduled tonight’s live painting event with Cris X to Sunday, July 30th, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please DM us if you have any questions. 

Park West Gallery Waikiki will remain open until 10 p.m. tonight. Our team invites you to stop in and preview the Cris X collection for this weekend’s exhibition!

Inspired by his love of hot rod cars, Cris X creates remarkable and radiant artwork that pops with the candy-colors of his metallic finishes. He is best known for his custom-painted sea life, his paintings on aluminum, and his work as a Disney Fine artist.

Cris X will be making a public appearance at the gallery from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, July 28, where he will be showing off his incredible metallic art, giving fans a behind-the-scenes peek at how he creates his one-of-a-kind works, and meeting guests in person — this event is open to the public!

The next day, Saturday, July 29, Park West Hawaii will host a private cocktail party for Cris X from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. At this event, the gallery will be unveiling a special exhibition of the artist’s original paintings on metal with exclusive event pricing. The cocktail party is ONLY available to those who RSVP beforehand at Waikikibeach@parkwestgallery.com. Our famous cocktail parties are popular and fill up fast, so RSVP soon if you’d like to join!

We hope you’ll join us to welcome Cris X to Waikiki and marvel at his unbelievable, eye-popping creations!

“Hawaiian Light” by Cris X

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Unless you are a close friend of Peter Nixon, like Park West’s Morris Shapiro, or are one of the Park West collectors invited on VIP cruises in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or the Falkland Islands, you likely won’t have the opportunity to spend quality time with the artist, let alone enjoy a personal tour around London. After catching up with him in his NW London studio, the contemporary painter and jazz aficionado took us to some of his favorite haunts around the capital to give his fans a taste of what he loves to do when there’s not a paintbrush in his hand. While sadly not a football fan, Nixon did recall a few fond trips to see the Queens Park Rangers play home matches at the nearest ground. In fact, his special occasion dining destination of choice isn’t too far from that club’s stadium, along the Thames in West London. The next time you visit London, head to one of these spots, and maybe, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with one of the finest artists working today.

The Pizza Express Jazz Club

(Image source: Ewan Munro on Flickr)

Londoners and tourists alike only know Pizza Express as a casual Italian restaurant chain, but Peter Nixon told us that his favorite jazz club wittily bears the same name (and font) as those pizza parlors dotted all over the country. The Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho is an award-winning London music venue that, since 1976, has been where thousands of world-class musicians have performed in an intimate basement setting. It’s here where you might see Peter sitting, musing on the drumming of Bill Stewart, or enjoying the wide range of music on offer at the venue, from Wayne Shorter and Miles Davis tributes to Motown Divas and a Sound of Philadelphia revue.

The National Gallery

(Image source: Anthony O’Neil / New approach to the National Gallery, London / CC BY-SA 2.0 Wiki Commons)

Peter Nixon’s favorite painting hangs in The National Gallery, located in the heart of Central London opposite Trafalgar Square. If you find yourself wandering around, looking at works by Monet, Seurat, Vermeer, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Cézanne, make sure you also peek into Room 29 to see Titian’s “Bacchus and Ariadne,” and possibly, Peter Nixon himself continuing to admire and study this masterpiece from the early 16th century.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

(Image source: vjlawson2001 on Flickr)

It’s no surprise that when touring London with Peter Nixon, you’ll get treated to more than one jazz club. Ronnie Scott’s is another basement venue in Soho that, since 1959, has been considered to be the vanguard, if not the Village Vanguard, of Britain. Here you will find some of the most legendary and up-and-coming jazz players, bands, and vocalists performing in a small, cozy setting. Nixon is quick to advise us not to procrastinate on buying those tickets because the main stage shows often sell out fast.

Tate Modern and Tate Britain

(Image source: Hans Peter Schaefer on Wiki Commons)

Save for special exhibits, all the museums and their main galleries in London are free to the public, making art more accessible to everyone. This is something we at Park West definitely appreciate (all our gallery locations around the country are also free to enter)! Nixon says that the Tate Modern is worth stepping into for the structure alone, noting how beautiful the building itself is, but adds that the Tate Britain is still a great museum, despite being eclipsed by the newer, ultra-modern Tate Modern on the South Bank that has changed the face of viewing art in London, attracting many people who may not necessarily like art…yet!

Dining in London

(Image source: Susanne Nilsson on Flickr)

Peter Nixon has a few favorite restaurants in town, including the River Cafe in West London, which he reserves for special occasions. Closer to home, Peter Nixon calls out Rubio’s as a casual, everyday hot spot for fresh pizzas and great breakfasts. At the moment, Nixon’s 20-year-old daughter is working there, so he is currently enjoying special discounts on his meals!

If you’re interested in collecting the art of Peter Nixon, attend one of our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

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We’re proud to finally announce the exclusive NYC debut solo exhibition of actor, artist, and musician Booboo Stewart at Park West Gallery SoHo NYC!

American actor, best known for his roles in The Twilight Saga, Disney’s “Descendants”, and X-Men: Days of Future Past, Booboo Stewart, is set to make his first ever art gallery debut. His exhibition, “Things I Don’t Know How To Talk About,” will feature a collection of thought-provoking and visually stunning artworks – including a series of sketches, sculptures, and a very special LIVE drawing “performance” by Booboo, accompanied by a DJ set as part of his creative process.

On Friday, July 21st, Booboo’s showcase will open for the public at 5 pm. We invite you all to meet the artist in person, ask a few questions, and enjoy his LIVE drawing demonstration. There is no cost to attend this event.

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Like much of the bustling capital, the Harlesden district in the Borough of Brent in North West London is teeming with multicultural shops, restaurants, and rows upon rows of brick houses. It’s here where the great figurative, classical painter Peter Nixon and his family have called home for decades after moving a wee bit north from the once bohemian Portobello Road neighborhood, made famous around the world thanks to the 1971 Walk Disney film, Bedknobs and Broomsticks starring the late-great Dame Angela Lansbury.

While walking up to Nixon’s home earlier this month to catch up with the artist and discover what he’s been working on this summer, we encounter debris, workers, paint cans, and discarded home furnishings. While these elements won’t ever find their way into Peter’s work, it is indicative of what he’s working on! We carefully skipped past the wet paint on the walls and climbed up three flights of stairs to reach Nixon’s attic studio, a space bathed in light with views of green garden grass out the back and the tops of homes and a picturesque blue sky out of the front skylight which was open to let in a gentle cool breeze. 

Taking a break from ripping up carpet in the hallway and from traveling around the world to be with collectors on Park West VIP cruises, Peter Nixon sat down with us and a cup of coffee in his studio to show off his in-progress works of art, talk about his process for creating figurative masterpieces, and discuss how the Falklands is not the shopping destination that London is – a fact he discovered after his luggage went missing en route to a VIP cruise to Antarctica. Asking local shopkeepers where one might buy some smart clothes, he learned that “People don’t really bother about clothes around here,” which meant he turned up at the auction and greeted collectors on board wearing not his usual sport jacket, but a 5x-too-large penguin shirt which shocked both the auctioneer and guests, but made for a funny anecdote. 

Taking only Sundays off, Peter Nixon works diligently and daily in his studio, piled high with books about art and artists, jazz CDs (which he prefers to streaming services because he wants to hear full albums in the sequence the artist intended), and of course canvases – on tables, in drawers, and taped to wood, ready to be moved onto the easel in a moment’s notice. That easel itself is also infused with jazz, as the notes from the opening movement of Keith Jarrett’s Köln Concert are laminated and taped to the top of the wood, a little reminder of his favorite piece of music as he stands at his easel working. Nixon tells us that he usually works on upwards of 5 paintings at a time to stay fresh and to prevent his eyes and mind from getting tired of a particular work. During our visit, he was finishing up a commissioned painting that saw the artist reinterpreting one of his own large works of art to bring the collector herself, with her blonde hair and fair skin, into the painting as a dancer in motion. 

The ornate paintings, as Nixon calls them, contain elements that he was thinking about while working. He showed us one, in particular, that is about music and light, incorporating themes and even works of art from other artists, like Vermeer, that depict a hot summer day with abundant sunlight and warm tones. We also see that the light cutting through his studio is woven into a set of new still-life paintings featuring vases of flowers, a kaleidoscope of glass, and shadow play that makes us weak in the knees. These works are positively stunning!

While our minds wandered to imagine the beautiful horse that will soon appear on the oversized canvas taped to the wall, still only draped in base layers of beiges and browns, the other canvases we saw were much smaller in scale than his usual works of art. These intimate images are indeed painted, however, they give the appearance of elaborate charcoal sketches, complete with delicate use of sparkling gold leaf and deft hints of the abstract tucked inside. We don’t yet know when our collectors will be able to acquire these works of fine art, but we are excited for the day that everyone can see these up close!

Whether you get the chance to meet him on a cruise ship and see his art in person or attend one of our online auctions to bid on and add a Peter Nixon painting to your collection, his artwork is sure to add light, love, movement, and beauty to your life. 

If you’re interested in collecting the art of Peter Nixon, attend one of our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

The post Catching Up with Artist Peter Nixon in his London Home Studio appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Park West artist, Mark Kostabi, is currently part of the “Man and Woman: The Robbery of Europe” exhibition on display at the Pärnu New Art Museum in Estonia. This exhibit showcases artists from Greece, Poland, the United States, Ukraine, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, and Estonia.

The theme of this exhibit is a modern take on ancient Greek mythology, specifically the violent love story between Zeus and the Phoenician princess, Europa. Curator Mark Soosaar said, “It’s about Zeus, who has turned into a bull, being teased by Europa with a red shawl. There’s still a lot of allegory in these works, and I think this exhibition will make people think quite seriously.” The exhibition, “Man and Woman: The Robbery of Europe,” will be on display until September 10.

If you are interested in collecting the art of Mark Kostabi, you can attend one of our weekly online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (866) 603-4499 ext. 4 during business hours or sales@parkwestgallery.com.

The post Mark Kostabi’s Work Appears in “Man and Woman: The Robbery of Europe” appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Growing up, Christian Masot watched his dad paint all night, night after night, to unwind after long days at work. He often wondered to himself, “Why is Dad not painting for a living? Why is he doing something that he doesn’t love and that makes him stressed?” Often, parents end up teaching their kids lessons unknowingly, without ever saying a word or intentionally sharing words of wisdom. These childhood moments spent watching his dad paint became the starting point of the transformation of Christian Masot. 

Today, you may recognize Christian Masot from his appearances on Ink Masters and Tattoo Rescue, but this Jersey City kid grew up to become so much more than simply the owner of a tattoo studio. Discover his journey in this new video from Park West Gallery: 

Masot believes that his art lays the groundwork for self-expression. His paintings and fine art, just like his tattoos, can be the visual soundtrack for the transformation all humans will go through as they continue to write new chapters to their stories. 

Christan Masot is an unstoppable force, an undeniably rising star in the art world. To learn more and to start collecting his art, contact Park West’s gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or email us at sales@parkwestgallery.com

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Some people can help you understand art, but others are best at guiding you toward appreciation. And then there’s Morris Shapiro. For 40 years, this man deftly does both of these things, plus a crucial third thing: Morris Shapiro makes you feel a genuine, deep, personal connection to fine works of art and the artists themselves – the creative people whose skill, passion, personal histories, joys and sorrows, struggles and successes, made the art possible.

“From the moment I hired Morris Shapiro I knew that he was special. As Park West Gallery became the world’s largest art dealer, Morris became one of the key components to our success.  He quickly grew to be my “righthand man” and instills eloquent professionalism in everything he does.  Morris is a scholar with an insatiable desire to continually learn and share art history and insights with our millions of collectors worldwide.”, said Dr. Albert Scaglione, Park West Gallery’s CEO and Founder.

Park West Gallery’s President, Marc Scaglione, had equally wonderful things to say about Mr. Shapiro, stating, “I’ve known Morris my entire life and I’m not sure I’ve ever met someone else with his depth and breadth of knowledge in art.  Even after all these years, I still find myself learning something new when I’m discussing art with him.  Morris is a critical member of our team, and we are so fortunate that he continues to share his passion for art with our collectors and team members”.

Morris Shapiro is a beloved figure at Park West, and for many employees and collectors, he is the literal face and voice of the business.

For example, countless art collectors first learned of Itzchak Tarkay‘s childhood fleeing Nazi Germany and adulthood spent benevolently fostering new artistic talents, and discovered that jazz music courses through Peter Nixon‘s veins, because of the incredible Mr. Shapiro.

“Morris has a world-class mind and is one of the great art experts of our time. His passion for art is complimented by his ability to share knowledge and ideas to inspire collectors and team members alike. I am so proud he is my friend, confidant, and mentor. One thing is certain, there will only ever be one Morris Shapiro,” commented Park West Executive Vice President John Block.

This weekend, to celebrate Morris’ 40th Anniversary at Park West Gallery, we caught up with him to take a fond look back at our dear friend’s four decades in the art world.

An Interview with Mr. Morris Shapiro

As you can probably imagine, Morris has seen a lot over time at Park West, so we had to ask, in what appreciable and subtle ways has it changed? His answers, as can also probably imagine, were every bit as erudite and educational as the man himself!

The art world is always in flux, says Shapiro, adding that artists are restless, creative creatures. This means that new imagery is constantly emerging, along with new techniques and innovations for how to not only create art but how to make it more accessible.

Morris goes on to say that the “Most significant change in the art world over the last 40 years has probably occurred in printmaking. Fine art print techniques, such as etching, lithography, serigraphy, and others, have essentially been replaced by many new and exciting digital technologies. But, what is truly wonderful about the art world is that beauty is unchanging, and people are still attracted to artworks that bring us a sense of balance, harmony, poetry, and the feeling that, even in today’s world of relentless, 24/7, overwhelming content, something still remains right in the world.”

Just think of the sheer volume of artistic content Morris has witnessed during his career at Park West! It’s probably near impossible to catalog his memories, although we’d love to read a fabulous Morris Shapiro autobiography someday! Until that time comes, we graciously settled for a small, beautiful glimpse into a few standout moments from the past 40 years.

Morris’ first highlight was having not one, not two, but three opportunities to see the complete Picasso 347 series, a large suite of etchings the Spanish artist completed over the course of many months in 1968. Batting second in this impressive career highlights lineup was the honor Mr. Shaprio had to present copies of the Krasnyansky Catalog raisonne to the Hermitage Museum library, with his own introduction to the book included. Finally, as anyone who knows Morris would expect, his last career highlights are the warm, wonderful friendships, special memories, and meaningful relationships forged with many artists who have passed on over the years, including Marcel Mouly, Igor Medvedev, Itzchak Tarkay, Jean-Claude Picot and Anatole Krasnyansky. 

While his work has certainly changed along with technology and the art world itself, Morris says that the best part of his job, which includes, but is not limited to, training new and existing art auctioneers, writing about Park West’s art collections, and artists, giving speeches on art history, and supervising Park West’s research team, continues to be working with the public and “the privilege to place timeless masterworks of some of the world’s greatest artists into the collections of our clients, and knowing that these works will pass on through generations of many of their families.” He adds that being, “a small part of that process is truly an honor for me.”

Mr. Morris Shaprio with Park West artists Tim Yanke, Lebo, and Kre8

Additionally, as an art lover, historian, and educator, Shapiro says that “It’s wonderful to see the light in someone’s eyes when they learn about a work of art from me and fall in love with it!” With so much experience and knowledge, and an intense desire to pass this on to others, it only makes sense to find out what Morris Shapiro wishes more people knew about collecting fine art.

He remarks that although Park West’s motto is “Art for Everyone,” it’s unfortunate so many people are still intimidated by art. Morris knows firsthand that the experience of appreciating and collecting art can be a lifelong passion. Therefore, Morris strives to express to novices and experienced collectors alike that art is the greatest touchstone to the time it was created. He says, “Whether centuries ago, or right now, at this moment in time, art tells the best story of the human experience. Why shouldn’t this be available to everyone?”

Happy 40th Anniversary, Morris! Thank you for all that you have done and still do to enrich the lives of so many through your love of and respect for art and artists.

To see Park West Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro in action, attend one of our live-streaming art auctions, occurring every weekend!

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Following nearly two weeks of public voting and hundreds of submissions, the final three artists in the first annual “Painted in New York” competition include: Lara Ivanovic, Ashley Luttrell, Daniela Velez

NEW YORK, NY – June 21, 2023 – The Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery has revealed the final three artists for the first annual Painted in New York art competition. Selected after nearly two weeks of public voting, the final three artists were selected amongst hundreds of submissions, representing some of the most talented and innovative artists living in New York. The “Painted in New York” finalists are competing for a chance to win a prestigious, year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, as well as the opportunity to display their work on the walls of Park West Gallery SoHo, alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and other art world legends.

“This competition is an exciting opportunity for New York based artists to showcase their work.” Said John Block, Executive Vice President for Park West Gallery. “The final 3 are extremely talented and represent the creativity in this great city.”

The “Painted in New York” champion will now be chosen by a panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives, including celebrity guest judge, Booboo Stewart, Executive Vice President of Park West Gallery John Block, Park West Gallery New York Director Martin Botha and Park West artists Mark Kostabi and Vicktor Schvaiko, and more.

The final three artists currently have their work on display inside Park West Gallery SoHo, and the ultimate “Painted in New York” winner will be announced Friday, July 7.

The final three artists include:

• Lara Ivanovic
• Ashley Luttrell
• Daniela Velez

Park West Gallery SoHo, a new innovative 4,000 sq ft, two-level museum and gallery, is located at 411 W. Broadway St. between Sprint St. and Prince St. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. For more information, please visit ParkWestGallery.com/NewYork or call 917-287-4351.

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Park West recognizes that art collecting is a very personal experience. That’s why we have the best onboard art teams to cruisers with every step of the art collecting process!

For June’s auctioneer feature, we’d like to introduce Principal Auctioneer David Fussy, currently onboard the Princess Discovery! Enjoy this interview where you’ll learn about his sea, favorite client memories, and what he does when resting his sea legs.

Previous ships as an Auctioneer: Princess (PCL) Ruby, PCL Regal, Royal Caribbean (RCI) Oasis, RCI Allure, Norwegian (NCL) Breakaway, and NCL Epic

Current ship?  PCL Discovery

1. Where is your hometown?

Budapest, Hungary

2. When did you start working as an international art auctioneer?

I started working for Princess Fine Art in 2010 but joined Park West Gallery in 2014 as a Gallery Director and 5 weeks later I was promoted to Principal Auctioneer.

3. What did you do before auctioneering and how did that transition into your current career?

I started as a Buffet Steward for Princess in 2007. After 3 years, 5 contracts, and 4 promotions, shoreside management for Princess considered my application for Art Director, and in 2010, I became the first Art Director with English as a second language at Princess Fine Arts. When Park West acquired PFA, they offered me a job, and I took it. Everything happens for a reason, and it worked out perfectly!

4. What is your favorite client memory? (It can be a funny anecdote from a guest or time that you helped a client collect art that was meaningful to you.)

I helped a client collect the exact Rembrandt that his mother always wanted to have but she never had the chance to acquire. That was my first Rembrandt sale and besides being proud of it, Rembrandt is also the favorite artist of my parents!

5. What does a day/life look like when you’re at home or not working?

Breakfast is my favorite meal – I like cooking it when I am home. Budapest is an amazing place with a fantastic culture for music, art and gastronomy. I usually spend my days exploring the city and catching up with friends after being away for 6 to 8 months. I also try to include a vacation somewhere exotic.

6. Out of all your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port?

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

7. Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

Time goes by surprisingly fast, because there is always something to do – 6 to 8 months goes by 3 times faster than on land.

8. Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or share with collectors?

I played competitive basketball from 16 to 18 years old in the regional championship in Hungary, and I did drama in primary school. I am fascinated by space exploration and that we know more about space than we do about our oceans!

Visit Art Auctions Abroad to start your career with Park West Gallery on our exciting cruise ship programs!

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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“Peter Max: 50 Years of Cosmic Dreaming” Opens at Park West Waikiki on Friday, April 7

A new exhibition of art by one of the world’s most famous living artists is coming to Oahu this April. The Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery on the Waikiki Beach Walk is proud to announce the opening of “Peter Max: 50 Years of Cosmic Dreaming,” an exhibition of original art from the acclaimed Pop artist, on Friday, April 7.

Peter Max, known to millions across the world for his universally recognized images, saturated colors, and animated prints and paintings, has kept pop art alive and vibrant for over a half century. This new exhibition shows off Max’s cosmic creativity at its best, curating together a unique selection of his original paintings, etchings, and vintage graphic works from the 1970s and ‘80s. This will be the largest collection of Max originals currently on public display anywhere in Hawaii.

For the Opening Night of the exhibition—Friday, April 7—Park West Hawaii will be giving away a bottle of champagne and a $100 gift card to one lucky visitor every hour from 5 pm to 9 pm. To qualify, guests just need to visit the gallery during the giveaway hours and sign-up. All who attend will be treated to a complimentary glass of champagne (21 and older with ID).

The six-month exhibition, which will close on October 27, will be open to the public and will be accompanied by various enrichment events and seminars over the subsequent months.

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Join us at the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery to welcome Powerhouse Painter artist Melanie Stimmell to Waikiki on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1!

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We’re giving you access to the biggest collection from the Master Surrealist Salvador Dalí! Over 100 works of “The Divine Comedy”!

Salvador Dalí was, unquestionably, one of the most famous artists of the 20th century. At the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery in Soho, you’ll find an incredible collection of “The Divine Comedy”.

For a limited time, you’ll have a chance to dive into the vibrant and eye-catching works to add to your personal collection. The limited engagement exhibit will feature Dalí’s complete illustrations of Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy”, an important work of Italian literature about the author’s figurative travels through the afterlife.

In 1950, the notorious Salvador Dalí was commissioned to illustrate Dante’s epic poem “The Divine Comedy”, all about a journey across the afterlife, including Hell (Inferno), Purgatory, and Paradise. Dalí created 100 breathtaking images, which, today, are considered among the greatest printmaking achievements of the 20th century. You can see Dalí’s “Divine Comedy” now on display at Park West Gallery location at 411 West Broadway in SoHo, 917.287.4351.

Contact our gallery consultants today for a free gallery tour, or pricing and availability if you are unable to visit us!

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Join us at the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery SoHo to welcome world-famous artist Ziggy O’Leary to Soho on Thursday, June 29, and Friday, June 30!

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Through art, people can express themselves in new ways, tell stories they can’t articulate through words, and share intimate details of themselves. Jeff Vermeeren, the innovator behind the riveting art style called “Extreme Abstract” is doing just this. He says you can look at his art and know exactly who he is. Full stop.

In this video from Park West Gallery, this unique artist tells his story and opens up his life to others. It’s how he is setting the art world ablaze!

Vermeeren jokes that he cannot draw even a stick person, yet this abstract artist is breaking new ground by breaking apart the old rules of the art world. He channels stirring moods and waves of emotions into his paintings using fire, extreme cold, intense pressure, and volatile chemicals. The results are nothing short of revolutionary.

This artist leans into the stressors of modern life by putting extreme stress on his artwork through the innovative use of fire and freezing temperatures. He feels that he is simply a conduit when painting and that something greater is guiding the movements to create his magnificent artwork.

Early in life, Vermeeren was inspired to manipulate and repurpose everyday items he found around his home. He later founded his own construction and demolition company that used excavators to tear down full-size buildings. You can see this personal history and feel the power of breaking down the old to make space for something new in the artwork of Jeff Vermeeren today.

Jeff Vermeeren believes that hard times bind us as people and that through his art, he can demonstrate and signify that we are not alone in this world, and that we are making it through together. Art helps to fill voids, share stories, make connections, and in some cases, create new friendships. What has art helped you discover?

To collect the art of Jeff Vermeeren, register for our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (866) 654-2882 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com 

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There are various ways to show pride and love for your home country, as well as your deep appreciation for the brave women and men who have given their lives defending it. This Memorial Day weekend, some may choose to decorate their flower beds and lawns with red, white, and blue flags, while other Americans come together to celebrate with music and food cooked over an open flame. Many artists turn to their craft to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by over a million American soldiers in wars and conflicts during this nation’s nearly 250 years of history and to pay homage to the American flag and the diverse country it represents.

Park West artists are no different in being inspired by the colors, emotion, pride, and love of their country, with many utilizing the reds, whites, and blues of their palettes to paint stirring tributes to the complicated path to freedom the United States has and continues to walk. Here are 5 works of art from incredible Park West artists that honor America in unique ways.

“Yanke Doodle 2012,” by Tim Yanke

A master of blending nostalgic imagery with the tones of the Southwest, Tim Yanke’s beloved “Yankee Doodle” series shows the U.S. flag in a whole new light. His music-inspired abstract canvases are filled with energy, movement, and a quiet-kind-of-loudness that experiments with famous iconography to cull brand-new emotions from viewers. In “Yankee Doodle 2012,” Yanke infuses the U.S. flag with a touch of chaos through incoherent script writing and paint splatters – a la one of Yanke’s inspirations, Jackson Pollock. The result is a painting that speaks to the relative youth of our country, as well as its ability to be many things in a single moment – from a traffic jam in a crowded city to the wide open expanses found across America.

“For Those Who Gave All” by Michael Godard

Godard is famous for his outrageous olives and sublime strawberries and for the personification of these scrumptious foods in his paintings. In this powerful work of art, the “Rock Star of the Art World” turns the dial down a few notches on his trademarked fun. In doing so, artist Michael Godard presents a solemn, moving artwork that combines the wall of names familiar to those who have ever had the distinct privilege of standing before the Vietnam War Memorial in our nation’s capital, an eagle bowing its head in honor of the fallen, and the famous image of Marines raising the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in the final stages of the Pacific War during World War II.

“The American Dream” by Daniel Wall

Amber waves of grain, twilight’s last gleaming, and the proof through the night that our flag was still there — Daniel Wall’s remarkable painting, “The American Dream,” is a warm, evocative dreamscape that honors both the flag, its proud history, and the heart literally at the center of the country it represents. This work is extremely special because even in fractious times, the American flag, as Wall envisions it, is capable of bringing us together and helping us honor fallen heroes on Memorial Day and every day after. We can’t imagine a better use of immense artistic talent than that.

“Flag with Heart” by Peter Max

Peter Max regularaly honors America with vibrant tones and an energy that’s unmatched in the art world. “Flag with Heart,” as a title, couldn’t be more perfectly suited for this proud work of art that presents the best of American celebrations. While the stars and stripes will be familiar to all citizens, it’s the way Max manipulates these universal American design elements to create something even bolder than the democratic ideas that all men are created equal and that we will welcome, “…your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”. This painting shows what a bright, young country America still is, and will look fabulous hanging in any home or office. 

“Triumphant Salute” by Matt Beyrer

Using simple planks of wood, Beyrer has emerged as one of the most creative and resourceful artists working today. The depths of color and the texture of his work can evoke intense emotional responses in collectors. This stunning painting called “Triumphant Salute” typifies the power in the natural elements Matt Beyrer works with. We see the ripples of a warm summer evening sky, much like the ripple in the flag as it blows in the wind. And we see a cross, a symbol of remembrance and devotion, and a soldier solemnly paying their respects to a fallen friend. 

To collect powerful works of art that honors America in a variety of different ways, register for our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (866) 654-2882 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

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Cole Waters is no stranger to Park West art auctions. Since late 2016, the energetic and charming Waters could be found at VIP shows where he would delight Park West collectors while serving in the co-host role, adding color to the spectacle of these exclusive weekend events. In 2020, the auctioneer found a home at our online auctions, hosting live-streaming telecasts where he’d interact with collectors, introduce stunning works from world-famous artists of today, and bang his gavel down on thousands of winning bids.

Earlier this month, Cole Waters took three trusty gavels to Branson, Missouri, for his first VIP weekend as a Principal Auctioneer – and what a smashing success this VIP weekend was! The turnout was massive – almost 50% more than expected – with a good portion of VIP couples in attendance traveling from as far as Michigan and Florida to reach the exquisite lake resort in Branson. Many of the guests made the trip specifically to celebrate with Cole as he presented his first VIP weekend with three titans of the art world: Kre8, Autumn de Forest, and Daniel Wall!

If you collect fine art from Park West, you may already be familiar with the global phenomenon that is Kre8 – a former street artist who has taken the art world by storm with eye-popping, stirring, and evocative paintings. Kre8 brought 30 new paintings to Branson, where he served as the exciting opening act during this thrilling VIP weekend, and by the time the night was over, he celebrated his 35th sellout show! Per tradition, Kre8 was awarded the gavel from Waters’ very first auction as Principal Auctioneer!

Not satisfied with simply selling all 30 finished paintings he brought, Kre8 then took to the stage, adding embellishments to the paintings he just sold, immediately increasing their value and uniqueness for each of the winning bidders! After spending a mere moment in this visionary’s company, it’s clear why Kre8 is so beloved as a human being and a creative force.

On Saturday, Autumn de Forest took center stage. Waters interviewed the 21-year-old artist and gained insight into her greatest hits and new works of art. The crowd of Park West Gallery VIPs were treated to hearing about her dedication to art education and how she uses philanthropy to reach out to young people.

The last artist featured during Water’s VIP Auctioneer debut was the amazing Daniel Wall. This hilarious artist made the guests in Branson laugh while he showed off a surrealist work that he created especially for this show. Cole asked Wall to come to Branson to close his debut as Principal Auctioneer even though Wall opened the VIP show in Scottsdale earlier that weekend – when Cole Waters asks, people respond! Some regular online telecast collectors also traveled to this particular event just to be there for Waters first auction and hear his signature catchphrase, “Now’s the Time to Strike,” in person.

VIP auctions continue to be one of the most magical parts of being a Park West collector — having the opportunity to speak with your favorite artists and be introduced to new artists as they stand in front of you. This weekend was surely one that no one will soon forget.

He doesn’t yet know what’s next on his schedule, but Waters indicated that he’d love the chance to host and interview Ashton Howard, Tim Yanke, and Michael Godard, at a future VIP event. One thing’s for sure, wherever Cole Waters goes next, there’ll be a legion of fans traveling to be there with him!

Want to learn how to be a Park West VIP collector? Contact our gallery consultants at (866) 648-7405 ext. 4 or at sales@parkwestgallery.com.

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In-Person Public Voting at the Gallery Begins Tuesday, May 30 to Determine Three Finalists.

New York, NY (May 19, 2023) – The Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery in New York City has announced the semi-finalists for its first annual “Painted in New York” artist competition. Hundreds of New York residents submitted their artwork for consideration, and these ten talented artists will be moving on to the next stage of the contest. The winner will be offered a chance to win a year-long contract to showcase their original art with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer. In addition, the winning artist will be showcased exclusively for a three-month exhibition at Park West Gallery SoHo, a new innovative 4,000 sq ft, two-level art museum and gallery experience. 

The next step is to determine the contest’s Final 3 contestants by popular vote. An exhibition featuring artwork by all 10 semi-finalists will open at Park West Gallery SoHo on Tuesday, May 30 and close on Sunday, June 11. Visitors to the gallery can browse original works from these incredible local artists every day from 10 am to 6 pm and vote for their favorites on convenient digital kiosks.

The 2023 Painted in New York Semi-Finalists are:

• Ashley Luttrell  
• Brianna D’Amato   
• Rrron Summercant  
• Gary Trente  
• Lara Ivanovic  
• Marc Rubin
• Daniela Velez

The three artists with the most votes from the public by the time the gallery closes on Sunday, June 11 will be the Final 3 artist for “Painted in New York” 2023. They will move on to the final round of the competition where a panel of world-renowned local and international judges will select the ultimate winner. Including celebrity guest judge, Booboo Stewart, SoHo Gallery Director, Martin Botha, Park West Gallery Executive Vice President, John Block, Artist Mark Kostabi, and Artist Viktor Shvaiko. 

“Our first annual Painted in New York contest has been a great way for us to support the local artist community,” said John Block, Executive Vice President for Park West Gallery. “The talent in New York is incredible and narrowing down the top 10 wasn’t easy. We can’t wait to share the work of these 10 amazing artists with the community.”

Park West Gallery SoHo is located at 411 W. Broadway St. between Spring St. and Prince St., is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. For more information, visit ParkWestGallery.com/NewYork or call 917-287-4351. 

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Park West Gallery’s art auctioneers spend their days traveling from port to exotic port, holding auctions and art history seminars to get people excited about art. That sounds like a pretty amazing career, right?

In May’s spotlight, we invite you to meet Johan Reichel and Annemie Davel. Johan and Annemie were brought together by their passion for art and love for traveling, and together, they’ve helped collectors around the world discover artwork they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives.

This auctioneer duo recently shared with us the origins of their art careers, some great places they’ve traveled, and what their life is like when not at sea – enjoy!

Previous ships as an Auctioneer:  Carnival (CCL) Imagination, CCL Dream, Royal Caribbean (RCI) Independence, RCI Freedom, RCI Vision, Princess Sky, Celebrity (CEL) Reflection, CEL Apex

What is your current ship?  RCI Quantum

Where is your hometown?

Johan: Johannesburg, South Africa

Annemie: Pretoria, South Africa

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer?

Johan: I started working for Park West and became an auctioneer in 2018. I have always had an interest in art and love of travel—so when I was introduced to Park West, it seemed like the perfect chance to see the world and work with some of the biggest names in the art world!

Annemie: I started my career with Park West in 2018 as an art associate and worked my way up to Gallery Director before becoming Johan’s assistant in early 2022.

What did you do before auctioneering and how did that transition into your current career?

Johan: I initially studied to be a structural steel draftsman. I was always interested in the art world and loved to travel, so I completed a fitness diploma to work onboard a cruise ship. During one contract, I made friends with the art Park West art team, and their job seemed like the perfect chance to see the world and work with some of the biggest names in art. A few months later, I started my career as an art dealer onboard cruise ships.

Annemie: According to my parents, I was born with little wheels under my feet and pencils in my hands. After my studies, I started my ship career in the spa not knowing what opportunities lay ahead. I enjoyed every opportunity to meet new people, and this is where I got introduced to Park West. I fell in love with the idea of meeting and talking to guests who shared my interests.

What is your favorite client memory?

Johan: We have so many favorite memories from previous collectors that we stay in touch with. I believe one of our favorites would be Todd & Gloria, who we met about one month before we got engaged. I helped them choose their favorite art, and they helped me choose a ring for my soon-to-be-fiance Annemie without her realizing it. They ended up being good friends and also added a lot of artwork to their collection

Annemie: It’s difficult to choose a specific client memory because so many collectors have made an impact on my life. Some guests really make you feel like family. Over the years, it has been wonderful helping clients all around the world find the best artwork for their collections. However, one memorable couple we met was Gail & Bill on Celebrity Reflection. We would speak to them for hours about art and all the future trips they have planned with Park West. We still keep in touch, and hopefully, our paths will cross again soon.

Out of all your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port?

Johan:  There are so many that it’s almost impossible to choose one. One that I always love returning to would be Aruba for the beautiful beaches and culture.

Annemie: After seeing so many countries and cultures, it’s almost too hard to choose. My favorite view (while onboard during the covid pandemic and not allowed to get off the boat) has to be the “White Cliff of Dover.” My favorite port would be any French port. The seafood is just wonderful!

What does a day/life look like when you’re at home or not working?

Johan: Visiting family and golfing with my dad are some of the highlights every time we go home. Like many other South Africans, when we go home we like to fire up a braai (BBQ) and have as much local food as possible!

Annemie: My time at home is well spent with local food and family time. We take at least a week of our vacation to visit Cape Town, which is one of our favorite places for local food, beautiful sceneries, and wine farms

Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

Johan: Possibly the funniest question we get asked is, “Do the crew sleep onboard, or do we go home every night?” For anyone that wonders, yes we do sleep onboard. Fuel prices are far too high to fly in on the Helicopter every morning.

Annemie: Most guests ask us, “Living in a small space and working together, how does that go?” Well, we got used to sharing tiny spaces a long time ago. Like any other couple, there are challenges, however, there is nothing that can’t be fixed with a little chocolate and popcorn.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or share with collectors?

Not many people understand how unique it is to work onboard a cruise ship. You get so used to the day-to-day life at sea that no other opportunity at home could ever be this exciting or rewarding. It is hard to settle down at home when you know you could be cruising around the world together with a terrific company like Park West.

Visit Art Auctions Abroad to start your career with Park West Gallery on our exciting cruise ship programs!

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Being invited on a Park West Gallery VIP collector cruise combines the best aspects of the travel and art worlds to create remarkable experiences that our VIPs will gush about for the rest of their lives.

Park West favorite Michael Godard himself is no stranger to life at sea. In fact, in the past six months alone, the Rock Star of the Art World has been on tour around the globe. The painter has been on board ships during VIP cruises that have visited Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and the Mediterranean, where Godard currently finds himself onboard the Celebrity Constellation. Not only do VIPs get to meet, speak to, and raise a glass with Michael Godard on these itineraries, but they also get to see and bid on a series of themed paintings Godard has created featuring wildlife and scenery from the actual ports they will be visiting during each sailing. Before each cruise, Godard posts his works-in-progress through updates to his Facebook page. He asks Park West collectors for title recommendations and engages with them personally. This level of access is truly amazing and is one of the many perks of being a Park West collector, as are the resplendent cruises themselves.

Before stopping in France this week, Godard teased an intoxicating painting that featured one of his famous olives on a slightly smaller vessel than the Constellation, with a glass of red wine in hand, floating serenely along the River Seine on a moonlit evening toward the Eiffel Tower luminous in the glow of street lamps. You can almost hear the olive say in perfect French, “Bon soir, mon ami.” In under 24 hours, there were already well over a hundred comments with clever title suggestions for him to consider. 

“Eiffel Tower” by Michael Godard

Some of the other works of art in progress that Godard shared on Facebook include the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, Malta’s Popeye Village, the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa, and his positively jaw-dropping interpretation of the legendary Dragon Bridge in Slovenia!! Everyone, from VIPs with one-of-a-kind artwork already hanging on their walls to the art-collecting-curious among us who wonder what it’s like to buy art on a cruise, jumps at the opportunity to help Michael Godard name these fabulous paintings.

Godard is not only a master with a brush and canvas, but he is also a star when it comes to getting everyone excited about his new paintings being created specifically for Park West VIP cruises. Just this week, Michael Godard’s entire new collection painted exclusively for his Mediterranean Cruise sold as the ship cruised from Barcelona to Marseille, en route to Livorno, the gateway to the artful Italian city of Florence. 

Michael Godard with VIP collectors after an auction

Travel has long inspired artists the world over, from the stark remoteness of Antarctica, along with the handsome tuxedoed penguins, massive whales, seals, and sea birds found at the bottom of the planet have long been source material for artists to the rich tapestry of colors, diverse cultures, vast landscapes, thrilling wildlife, and the vibrant and beautiful people of the Australian continent. But so few people have ever had the privilege of traveling with one of the most beloved artists of their time, an artist who has contemplated and drawn inspiration from the ports of call on offer during their cruise. To travel with Godard and see the works of art he has painted specially for the voyage you are taking together is simply a marvelous experience that only Park West can deliver!

To collect the art of Michael Godard for yourself, register for our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (866) 648-7405 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.

If you have a cruise booked this summer, let Park West know. We can make your vacation at sea even more special with a complimentary $100 art credit plus a free gift when you check-in at the onboard art gallery! Click HERE to register for your next cruise adventure!

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The world of art has lost one of its brightest talents with the passing of the great Ukrainian artist Anatole Krasnyansky. The renowned painter passed away on March 10, 2023, and is survived by his wife, Nelly, his daughter, Rimma, and his legions of admirers.

“Anatole was more than an artist—he was family to us,” said Marc Scaglione, President of Park West Gallery. “So many collectors know him for his famous paintings of masks, but, in contrast, when you met him, Anatole was completely authentic and kind-hearted. Our friendship and partnership spanned decades, and the legacy he leaves behind is one of passion, heart, and artistic excellence unlike anything the world has ever seen.”

Krasnyansky was born during a turbulent period in European history. Shortly after his birth in 1930 in Kyiv, his father passed away from leukemia. Less than ten years later, his family had to flee the invading German army by escaping to Stalingrad, then later to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In 1947, Krasnyansky returned to Kyiv, where he studied at the Kyiv State Art Institute and the Leningrad Academy of Art, receiving his masters in architecture in 1953.

Now living and working in the Soviet Union, Krasnyansky was invited to work on the restorations of important national buildings, including the Potemkin Palace, the Marble Palace, and the Hermitage Museum. In Ukraine, he designed the Central Medical Emergency Building and the Polytechnic Institute Subway Station, as well as hospitals, art pavilions, exhibition installations, and monuments.

Krasnyansky married Nelly Koshevatsky in 1957 and, in 1966, Nelly gave birth to their daughter, Rimma. In 1975, his family left the U.S.S.R. for the United States. His awareness of the interdependence of architecture, sculpture, painting, and applied art would shape his career in his new country. Krasnyansky became a background artist and set designer for major television and movie studios, including ABC, CBS, and Universal Studios.

It was in the United States where Krasnyansky first began pursuing fine art as a career and quickly distinguished himself with his hard work and artistic excellence. From its earliest manifestations, Krasnyansky’s art always centered around dualities: old and new, history and imagination, structure and surrealism.

“Anatole escaped Communism with little more than the paintbrushes he had hidden in boots, found success in set design in Hollywood, and then became one of the more iconic fine artists of the past fifty years,” said John Block, Park West’s Executive Vice President.

As an artist, Krasnyansky had two distinct styles. One was inspired by his work as an architect, which showed off the naturalistic beauty of Eastern European buildings. The other was more surreal and expressive, featuring masked figures that embodied the artist’s philosophy that “life is a masquerade.”

But, regardless of his subjects or aesthetic, Krasnyansky’s artwork was always marked by the artist’s own profound humanity. In his words, “My art is not about politics—it’s about the human soul.”

He worked with Park West Gallery for decades, and many of the gallery’s staff and collectors have incredibly fond memories of listening to Krasnyansky talk about his craft. “He had such a brilliant mind,” said Albert Scaglione, Founder and CEO of Park West Gallery. “It was always a pleasure getting to spend time with him and learn more about what inspired his creations. He was a lovely person and a tremendous friend to everyone who knew him.”

In 2016, the Museum of Tolerance in Krasnyansky’s adopted home of Los Angeles held a wide-reaching retrospective of the artist’s impressive career titled “The Life and Work of Anatole Krasnyansky.” At the exhibition’s opening, Krasnyansky was introduced by his good friend and former NBA star Tommy Hawkins. The one-time Los Angeles Laker even wrote a newspaper article praising Krasnyansky’s artistry, saying, “Describing Krasnyansky’s body of work is not a simple task. His creations are colorful, complex, evocative and energetic. Using multiple images, they convey strong messages invoking an emotional response. They incorporate his knowledge of art history and his love of many forms of music. Glimpses of his architectural background are ever present.”

That artistic curiosity persisted even in his later years—Krasnyansky was always working, always creating. In the early 2000s, he re-engaged with his architectural past and helped design a new facade of Park West’s headquarters in Michigan. More recently, Krasnyansky’s art was a centerpiece of a special 2022 auction that raised over $500,000 in support of Ukrainian relief efforts during the Russian invasion.

“In my opinion, Anatole Krasnyansky was one of the great artists of the turn of the century,” said Morris Shapiro, Park West’s Senior Gallery Director and a long-time friend of the artist. “From his famous architectural designs in the former Soviet Union to his marvelous cityscape and figural surrealist images, he touched hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. It has been one of the true honors of my career to have known him and counted him as a friend. He will be deeply missed, but his wonderful artwork will live on, and continue to bring pleasure and joy to his collectors and future generations.”

The post Park West Gallery Remembers Artist Anatole Krasnyansky (1930-2023) appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Park West Gallery hosts VIP collecting events all over the world and, when we say “all over the world,” we mean it.

A select group of Park West’s VIP clients is currently on their way back from a 14-day adventure where they joined some of the most famous artists on the planet onboard Celebrity Infinity on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to Antarctica.

“I don’t say this lightly,” said VIP Auctioneer Jordan Sitter. “This has been the most memorable cruise in my over twenty years with Park West Gallery.”

VIP Auctioneer Jordan Sitter know nothing says BIG like Antarctica.

When you look at the itinerary, it’s easy to understand why. The collectors who embarked on this exclusive outing first travelled down to Buenos Aires, Argentina where they kicked off the trip with a luxurious meet and greet party at the Four Seasons. Upon boarding Infinity, they sailed from Argentina, past Cape Horn, across the ocean, and arrived at Elephant Island, Antarctica where they got to experience firsthand one of the most mysterious and untamed environments on Earth. They then sailed back through the Falklands, along the shores of Uruguay and Chile, before returning to Bueno Aires.

Did we mention that they did all of this while traveling onboard a luxurious, Millennium-class cruise ship all the way? Sounds pretty special, right? And we haven’t even mentioned the art or artists yet!

Park West and Sitter curated an unbelievable line-up of artists for this VIP expedition. The guests were joined by famed artists like Michael Godard, Scott Jacobs, Csaba Markus, Orlando Quevedo, Peter Nixon, and new kid on the block Donovan Fitzgerald.

“There was just something really special about this group,” said Sitter. “It was the perfect mixture of collectors and artists and adventure… this was a fun one. The atmosphere was so positive and wild!”

Scott Jacobs, Csaba Markus, and Michael Godard laugh it up for the collectors

One of the big highlights was a series of private lectures from Celia Garland, a renowned expert on Antarctica, who gave the crowd a wonderful introduction to the continent, its history, and its wildlife. “It’s one thing to read about Antarctica,” said Sitter. “But to learn all about it from someone like Celia while you’re right there staring at it was incredible.”

In between marveling at the landscape and wild animals—guests were delighted by all of their penguin and seal sightings—the collectors had a blast dining with their favorite artists and getting into the spirit at the electrifying onboard auctions.

Interested in penguins? We know where you can find some.

Poor Peter Nixon lost his luggage on the way in from England, so he had the crowd in stitches as he stood on the stage at his auction, showing off his paintings while wearing a neon pink penguin t-shirt from the gift shop.

Pink might be Peter Nixon’s new signature color.

Csaba, Orlando, Fitzgerald, and Scott Jacobs also all got to debut new original paintings on the voyage, which delighted their long-time collectors and kicked off more than a few rounds of competitive bidding.

Scott Jacobs shows that Godard isn’t the only guy who can paint olives.

However, one of the most magical moments of the cruise came courtesy of Michael Godard. During the voyage, Godard did a fantastic live drawing in front of the crowd. Once he was done, they decided to auction off the drawing and donate all of the proceeds to the crew welfare fund for Celebrity Infinity.

The Park West VIPs embraced this opportunity to thank their amazing crew, throwing out bid after bid until the artwork finally sold. When it did, the guests gave the crew and the senior officers a standing ovation.

The Celebrity Infinity crew poses with Michael Godard’s live drawing and the collectors who purchased it

“That sort of thing doesn’t happen on every cruise,” said Sitter. “It was such a singular, beautiful moment. I think it was a real reflection of how happy we all were to be there—our friends, artists, and crew—sailing into one of the last true frontiers together. We talk a lot about the ‘Park West Difference.’ How we sell art in a way that no one else does. This voyage was the perfect encapsulation of that ideal. Through our art and through the experiences we help create, we build memories that last forever. And I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Peter Nixon is still looking for his luggage. Maybe Orlando Quevedo can help him.

If you’re interested in becoming a Park West VIP, collecting works of art, and joining us for future fabulous weekends with our artists, contact our gallery consultants today at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

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Meet Nicholas Yust, a true innovator in the world of contemporary metal art. With years of study and a Masters of Science in metallurgical engineering in his background, Yust brings his unparalleled knowledge to every work of art he creates. As a result, his original metal artwork has a level of detail, color, and technical brilliance that has set him apart from his contemporaries and has thrilled collectors around the world.

You can watch Yust’s explosive creativity on display in this exclusive video from Park West Gallery.

According to Yust, “There’s a bit of chemistry in what I do: fusing chemicals and heat to create a unique signature style that brings metal to life.”

After studying art and engineering at college, Yust began working for the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB, researching superconductivity and thin film-coated conductors, and graduated with a B.S. in materials engineering and an M.S. in metallurgical engineering.

Returning to his interest in art, he developed his first few wall sculptures from aluminum panels and began working with other kinds of metal art, creating over a dozen unique grind patterns which have become signature characteristics of his work. To add color to his creations, he experimented with transparent coatings to allow his unique grind patterns to be seen through a spectrum of colors. This evolved into the invention of an atomized acrylic painting process for metal, and he remains the only metal artist in the industry with this capability.

The singular way Yust creates his art means that he doesn’t normally work with traditional artist tools like paintbrushes or palette knives. Instead, Yust is more likely to use plasma torches, power hammers, grinders, welders, and other tools that one would normally find in a tool & die plant rather than in an artist’s studio.

And Yust even has one more extremely non-traditional tool in his artistic toolbox—fire. “Sometimes I use fire to bring out texture,” Yust said. “I splash a flammable solvent on the surface of the artwork and ignite it, and that creates an organic texture in the chemical patina.”

With all of the fine detail, creative structure, precise symmetry, and contemporary appeal that has become synonymous with Yust’s work, perhaps the most impressive, defining element is the more than 50 unique, signature grind patterns that really give his art the “WOW” factor.

No one creates metal art like Nicholas Yust does, and the thrill of his intricate process keeps Yust (and his collectors) coming back for more.

“The best part of my job is there is no plan,” Yust said. “I get to come into work, I’m surrounded by endless creativity, and I never know what I’m going to come up with next.”

To collect the art of Nicholas Yust, register for our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (866) 654-2882 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

Follow Park West Gallery and Nicholas Yust on Instagram!

The post Watch How Nicholas Yust Brings His Explosive Chemistry to Contemporary Art appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery has announced their first annual “Painted in New York” artist competition, searching for the best artists in New York. The lucky winner will be offered a year-long contract and, upon mutual agreement, the opportunity to showcase their original art at the Park West SoHo location for a special three-month exhibition.

“Park West is enthusiastic about art awareness and supporting local artists where our galleries are located,” said John Block, Executive Vice President of Park West Gallery. “This competition provides the opportunity for New York-based artists to potentially showcase their work in our gallery alongside masterpieces by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt van Rijn and other staples of art history. I can’t wait to see the incredible submissions we receive!”

To further open the competition up to all interested local artists, Park West has extended the submission deadline to Sunday, April 16 at 11:59 pm ET.

To enter the competition, New York artists only need to email 3 images of their original art to paintedinnewyork@parkwestgallery.com

It’s that easy to enter. Submission emails must contain no more than 3 examples of their art and the email (with attachments) cannot be more than 15 MB. Emails that do not follow these guidelines will be deleted. The full contest rules and regulations are available to review on the Park West New York website now at https://www.parkwestgallery.com/newyork/

Once the submission period is over, representatives from Park West Gallery will select the contest’s Top 10 semi-finalists. The New York public will then have the chance to decide the next round of the competition—all 10 artists will be displayed at Park West SoHo, and the public will be able to visit the artwork in-person and vote for their favorites. The three artists with the most public votes will become the contest’s Final 3 artists. The ultimate winner will then be selected by a panel of judges, including Park West executives, current Park West artists, and New York dignitaries. A reception at the SoHo gallery to celebrate the winner and all the finalists will follow.

Park West Gallery SoHo, located at 411 W. Broadway St. between Spring St. and Prince St., is open daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, visit www.parkwestgallery.com/newyork/ or call 917-287-4351.

The post Park West Gallery Launching First Annual “Painted in New York” Artist Competition: Deadline April 16 appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Established over 50 years ago, Park West Gallery understands just how personal art collecting can be—an experience highlighted by the attention our clients receive from our incredible onboard art teams. Park West takes great pride in our personal approach to art, that’s why, every month, we take time to recognize some of our top auctioneers.

In our February spotlight, we’d like to introduce you to Auctioneer Tyron “Ty” Wilson, who is currently delighting passengers onboard Carnival Glory!

Previous ships as an Auctioneer: Carnival (CCL) Sensation and CCL Spirit

Current ship: CCL Glory

Carnival Glory

Where is your hometown? 

I am from a small little town called Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa. Best known for being the birth place of Charlize Theron.

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer?

I started this incredible journey with Park West Gallery in 2019 and became Principal Auctioneer at the beginning of 2022. Before joining Park West, I worked as a production quality control manager for heavy-duty and decorative coatings. Working with various types of paint, I gained a lot of knowledge about pigments and their use in acrylic and oil paints. I have always loved music and art, and through this passion, I started to gain a deeper appreciation for the world of fine art. A good friend who is also an auctioneer told me about the gallery, and I knew this was the perfect job for me—helping others dive into the beautiful world of fine art.

Who is your favorite Park West Gallery artist and why?  

This is the most difficult question I get asked by collectors simply because Park West has such a beautiful collection featuring the best of the best. However, I would have to say that Peter Max is my favorite. His understanding of color and ability to blend 4 to 7 colors in a single brush stroke is mind-blowing. What he has achieved throughout his career, his dedication to helping humanity through his artwork, and his humility puts him at the top of my list.

What is your favorite client memory? 

Meeting new people is one of my favorite parts of the job. One memory that stands out to me was with a couple from Australia. It was a 14-day cruise, and we had built a strong friendship over the course of the sailing. They invited me to join them on a sunset cruise during a late sail away in Aruba. It was amazing to learn about their travels around the world (not to mention their fantastic art collection) while sipping on cocktails and watching the most beautiful sunset. They inspired me to live life to the fullest, and it’s a time I will never forget.

Out of all of your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port?

My favorite port is Juneau in Alaska. I absolutely love the local nature and all the activities around the port—from fishing for King Salmon to playing a quick round of golf (or trying to) in front of the Mendenhall glacier.

What does life look like when you’re at home or not working?

When I am back home, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and catching up on all that happened while I was away. South Africa is a beautiful country, and I love exploring its beauty. Fishing is a big passion of mine, so a lot of time is spent on the banks trying to catch a big one.

Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

All the delicious food that’s available onboard 24/7, and the self-control one needs to still fit in a suit. Also, the interior workings behind-the-scenes of these massive ships is something amazing.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or share with collectors?

If there is one thing I have learned coming out of the pandemic, it’s the urgency to do things we want while we still have the chance. If you want to eat the ice cream, eat the ice cream. If you want to go on the cruise, go on the cruise. Live life to the fullest and enjoy it. All in moderation, of course.

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Abroad on Facebook and Instagram.

Interested in learning more about starting a career hosting art auctions on cruise ships? Visit Art Auctions Abroad for more details.

Related Articles:

• Park West Auctioneer Spotlight: Wade Rynhoud and Shannon Burmester
• Park West Auctioneer Spotlight: Vlad and Carola Popescu
• Park West Gallery Auctioneer Spotlight: Werner Smith

The post Park West Auctioneer Spotlight: Tyron “Ty” Wilson appeared first on Park West Gallery.

“Sometimes art imitates life, or is it life imitates art? My artworks can’t be described in simple words or expressions. My inspiration comes from deep emotions and life experiences.”

That’s how artist Tim Yanke describes the origins of his creative drive in this exclusive video profile from Park West Gallery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aizKAdkDTDQ

Yanke is well known by art collectors for his bold experimentation with innovative art mediums. He paints in a variety of styles, ranging from Expressionist to Abstract. His graphic works often incorporate groundbreaking elements, including emerging formats like augmented reality or holographic lenticulars.

It’s hard to categorize Yanke’s art as just one type of expression, which is exactly what the artist is going for. Throughout the video, Yanke discusses some of his most popular themes and motifs.

Tim Yanke on the set of his new video

Yanke loves playing with iconography, constructing unique new spins on familiar images. He paints dragonflies and the symbology of the American West alongside vibrant, music-inspired abstract canvases. Among his most sought-after creations are his “Yanke Doodles,” colorful, expressionist takes on the American flag that bring a warm and welcome new color palette to Old Glory.

Yanke is so devoted to innovation that he’s one of the few living artists who have had two museum exhibitions of his work that feature completely different art styles. In 2018, the prestigious Monthaven Arts Center in Tennessee hosted a show titled “Abstract Musings,” highlighting Yanke’s brash and energetic abstract paintings.

Art from the Tim Yanke exhibition “Abstract Musings”

In 2022, Yanke returned to Monthaven with a new show—“Call of the American West”—which collected his trademark “Neo-West” paintings, all of which captured icons of Western culture in eye-popping colors and compositions.

Art from the Tim Yanke exhibition “Call of the American West”

His art truly never stops changing or evolving, a trait that speaks to his dynamic personality as well.

To collect the incredible art of Tim Yanke, register for our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (866) 654-2882 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

Follow Park West Gallery and Tim Yanke on Instagram!

The post Learn How Tim Yanke’s Amazing Art Imitates Life and Vice Versa: VIDEO appeared first on Park West Gallery.

For over 50 years, Jim Warren has weaved together ethereal paintings that transport viewers to dreamlike worlds. He’s created album covers, book covers, and has even designed movie posters. In 1981, Warren won a GRAMMY Award for his cover art for Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind” album, and his career hasn’t slowed down since.

Take a look inside Warren’s studio and his astonishing career in this exclusive video from Park West Gallery.

As an artist, Warren has always been inspired by music. In 2017, he told Park West, “One of the first things I ever wanted to do as an artist was, back in high school, I really wanted to paint album covers because, in the 1960s, album cover art was a big thing. So, some of the best artists or best art I’ve ever seen came from album covers.”

A self-taught artist, Warren first began painting with oil on canvas as a teenager. While he was definitely influenced by his favorite album art, Warren also quickly became enamored with iconic artists like Salvador Dalí and Norman Rockwell. Though he was still developing his own personal artistic spin, Warren felt a strong connection to Dalí’s penchant for free expression and Rockwell’s unparalleled ability to tell a story through his art.

“Multi-tasking,” Jim Warren

Warren’s first paintings had a strong surrealistic feel, capturing fantastic landscapes and imagery, though his artwork continued to evolve in theme and perspective throughout the next several decades.

During the 1970s and ’80s, he was commissioned to paint hundreds of magazine illustrations, movie posters, and book covers. Warren also fulfilled his childhood dream by becoming a popular album cover artist for a variety of musicians ranging from Prince to Alice Cooper.

“Wise Old Owl,” Jim Warren

Perhaps the pinnacle of his album career, however, happened relatively early on when his original cover art for Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind” album won a GRAMMY award for Best Album Package in 1981.

“Wild Spirits,” Jim Warren

Since then, Warren has continued to experiment with realism, abstraction, and other artistic forms. But music still plays a huge role in his artwork.

“Probably the biggest inspiration for my art comes from music,” Warren says. “Because, in my youth, I was more into the music of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, anything like that, than art itself. I was inspired by that lifestyle. I just conveyed it with a paintbrush and a canvas.”

To collect the surreal art of Jim Warren, register for our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (866) 654-2882 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

Follow Park West Gallery and Jim Warren on Instagram!

“All Dogs Go to Heaven 3,” Jim Warren

The post See How Jim Warren Won a Grammy and Kicked Off a 50-Year Career in Fine Art appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Every year, Park West Gallery hosts exclusive art collecting events all over the world. They’ve spanned all seven continents—yes, even Antarctica—and, in January, Park West hosted the highest selling VIP cruise in the company’s history, sailing the seas along the majestic shores of Africa.

Racing toward Norwegian Jade, the fabulous host ship for Park West’s record-smashing VIP cruise

This two-week adventure was an invitation-only event for many of Park West’s top collectors. They departed from Cape Town, South Africa, sailed through Port Elizabeth and Richards Bay, cruised past Namibia, and eventually returned to South Africa after days filled with relaxation and fine art.

How wild do Park West VIP cruises get? Pretty wild. (Photo credit: Brian Stumm)

“I knew that our collectors would love coming to Africa,” said Park West Gallery Executive Vice President John Block. “But I had no idea just how magical this trip would be. Everyone had the time of their lives, and our collectors got so much personal interaction with our artists during the voyage that it really doesn’t surprise me that this cruise shattered our previous sales records. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience on many different levels.”

Tim Yanke reveals a massive new painting specially created for the voyage to Africa

The Park West collectors were joined on the cruise by some of the biggest and most talented artists working today, including Las Vegas superstar Michael Godard, famed photorealist Scott Jacobs, French icon Bernard Louedin, acclaimed Abstract Impressionist Tim Yanke, wood-grain painting expert Matt Beyrer, and even Africa’s own Andrew Bone.

Superstar Michael Godard poses with African art icon Andrew Bone

What can an art collector expect on a Park West VIP cruise? The best of everything. The guests were treated to fine dining, thrilling live auctions, meet-and-greet experiences with the artists, and breathtaking excursions, including a private group safari in South Africa.

“One of the best things about traveling with Park West’s VIP program is that the group really does begin to feel like family,” said Block. “We’re not just collecting art together—we’re making memories together.”

Park West collectors with famed photorealist Scott Jacobs (Photo credit: Brian Stumm)

That family atmosphere also resulted in the collectors teaming together to make an incredible donation to a charity that’s very near and dear to the heart of one of the featured artists.

African-born artist and conservationist Andrew Bone does more than create stunning, photorealistic paintings to bring about awareness of African wildlife—he actively tries to save it.

One of Andrew Bone’s amazing paintings, inspired by his firsthand experience in the wild

Bone and his non-profit organization, the Forever Wild Foundation, work tirelessly to protect endangered species in Africa. During the VIP cruise, 25 different collectors donated $1,000 each to sponsor tracking tags for endangered animals and another collector made a remarkable $50,000 donation to the Forever Wild Foundation as well.

You can learn more about Bone’s conservation work here and follow the Forever Wild Foundation on Facebook here.

Michael Godard revealed his own Africa-inspired artwork during the cruise

“I am so proud that our collectors raised $75,000 for such a worthwhile cause,” said Block. “There was something special about being in Africa and seeing the animals in their natural habitat that really moved everyone on the cruise. That’s the Park West difference. We’re not just helping people decorate their homes. We’re helping them make friends, love art, see the world, and have these experiences they’ll treasure forever.”

If you’re interested in becoming a Park West VIP, collecting works of art, and joining us for future fabulous weekends with our artists, contact our gallery consultants today at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

The post Park West Gallery Has Most Successful VIP Cruise Ever in Africa appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Park West’s cruise ship art teams take great pride in the meaningful relationships they build with our collectors. As the world’s largest art dealer, we’ve experienced how personal art collecting can feel firsthand. That’s why, every month, we take time to shine a light on some of our top onboard auctioneers!

For our first spotlight of 2023, we’re pleased to showcase the extraordinary partnership of married couple Wade Rynhoud and Shannon Burmester. We invite you to learn more about this dynamic duo, including their favorite Park West moments, collector memories, and life on land.

Previous ships as an Auctioneer:  CCL Elation, CCL Imagination, RCI Majesty, CCL Valor, PCL Grand, and NCL Pearl

Current ship:  NCL Escape

Where is your hometown? 

Both Shannon and I are from Durban, South Africa.

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer?

We started working for Park West Gallery back in 2015 and became Principal Auctioneers in 2018.

What did you do before auctioneering?

Before Park West, I worked for an architectural sales and marketing company which helped me start in sales. Shannon was studying when we met, and she decided to join me on this amazing journey and we sailed off together.

Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?  

There are definitely too many to narrow down, but both of us love Peter Max. We love his style, color, and the influence he’s had in the art world.

What is your favorite client memory?

Over the years we have met so many amazing people and made a lot of great memories. Our favorite of all time would have to be running into former collectors by years later by chance on another cruise ship. Our favorite part on each individual cruise is when our collectors come and chat with us every night about their day and what they got up to around the ship.

Out of all of your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port?  

Our favorite port without a doubt is Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It’s where Shannon and I got engaged!

What does a day/life look like when you’re at home or not working?

We take it super easy. Most mornings we go for a walk along the beachfront to grab a coffee. We love trying new restaurants, but most of all we enjoy hanging out with friends and family.

Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

People are always surprised that we actually live onboard for months at a time. The ship becomes our home during a contract. We get asked about it a lot.

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Abroad on Facebook and Instagram.

Interested in learning more about starting a career hosting art auctions on cruise ships? Visit Art Auctions Abroad for more details.

Related Articles:

• Park West Auctioneer Spotlight: Siobhan “Ellen” Kehoe
• Park West Gallery Auctioneer Spotlight: Werner Smith
• Park West Gallery Auctioneer Spotlight: Nicholas Mitchell

The post Park West Auctioneer Spotlight: Wade Rynhoud and Shannon Burmester appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Popular Las Vegas artist Chris Elliman was the champion of Park West Gallery’s Made in Vegas artist search competition last year, and Park West is proud to announce the launch of Elliman’s debut exhibition at our Las Vegas museum and gallery.

From now until March 31, you can see an exclusive collection from this award-winning artist on display at Park West Gallery on the Las Vegas Strip—inside the fabulous Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

Made in Vegas winner Chris Elliman poses with his artwork at Park West Vegas

Any art lovers in the area should definitely come explore Elliman’s unique Surrealist vision brought to life through his exquisitely detailed paintings. Elliman is a true original, and his exhibition will be on display at Park West’s upper-level location inside the Forum Shops, near the spiral escalator and above Joe’s Seafood.

There will also be a special chance to meet Elliman and watch him paint live on Saturday, January 28 from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Elliman recently appeared on Las Vegas’ Las Vegas’ KSNV TV talking to LaToya Silmon all about his art and his new Park West exhibition.

While discussing the influences behind his surrealist works, Elliman told KSNV that “people” are his primary source of inspiration. “I’m a people person. I’m kind of a voyeur,” Elliman said. “I love to see people from a distance. Not obviously everyone gets to be my particular choice of inspiration, but people in general are just awesome.”

Elliman said that he was happy to be selected as Park West’s 2022 Made in Vegas champion and that it was a real thrill to have his work displayed alongside masterworks by artists like Pablo Picasso and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. “I’m so honored to be a part of all the artists at Park West, both the living and the dead,” Ellman said. “It’s like, ‘Oh my God,’ we’re all in the same room. It’s incredible.”

Elliman—who often paints under the pseudonym DaftPixel—is a modern Surrealist who has attracted an international following for his uncanny ability to construct entire worlds within his intricately crafted paintings. A master storyteller, Elliman creates extraordinary narrative throughlines for each painting he creates, constructing layer upon layer of commentary through his own distinctive brand of visual language.

Park West Gallery has two locations inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip. For more information about visiting, go to https://www.parkwestgallery.com/lasvegas/

If you’re interested in collecting the artwork of Chris Elliman, you can contact Park West’s gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

The post Made in Vegas Winner Chris Elliman Opens Park West Vegas Art Exhibition appeared first on Park West Gallery.

When guests attend Park West art auctions, they not only walk away with a newfound appreciation of art—they also walk away with lasting friendships.

It takes a special kind of person to head off onto the high seas to spread their love of art to travelers around the world. Siobhan “Ellen” Kehoe is one of those rare individuals, which is why she’s a perfect fit for Park West.

This December, we are spotlighting the amazing Ellen Kehoe, an auctioneer who has been with Park West for 6 years. Enjoy this interview where Ellen discusses her favorite places to travel, artists, and memories!

Previous ships: Coral Princess, Celebrity Eclipse, Grand Princess, Celebrity Silhouette, Norwegian Breakaway, Carnival Spirit, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape.

Where is your hometown?

I live in the beautiful city called Blouberg, about 30 minutes from Cape Town. South Africa. It has one of the best views of Table Mountain.

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer?

I joined the Park West family in 2016 and stepped up as an auctioneer on the Carnival Spirit in 2018.

Before I joined Park West, I worked as a professional photographer for Princess Cruise Lines. It was on my second contract that I befriended the Park West auctioneer onboard and he opened my eyes to the world of art collecting. It made complete sense for me to join this career considering I have been studying art since I was 13. My BFA in graphic design and theory of art is not only my passion but has also come in very handy with collectors since I have physically practiced most of the techniques within our collection. I am one of the few people that can genuinely say “I love my job and my life.”

Who is your favorite Park West artist and why? 

This question is unbelievably difficult to answer. It’s like being asked to choose your favorite child. All our artists truly have something in their work that I admire or enjoy. If I had to choose, I would base it on one of my favorite artworks, “Olivia.” Nano Lopez’s “Nanimals” intrigue me with all their elegant and nuanced beauty. The intricacies of the statue’s details bring me so much joy, and I see the same reaction from the collectors. I do have to add that Francisco de Goya is my favorite old master. He is such a genius in my eyes and thanks to him, the concept of modern art was born for future artists as well.

What is your favorite client memory? 

Working on cruise ships gives you the opportunity to interact with so many phenomenal people. On this past contract, I had a guest sailing whose story behind collecting art was so beautiful and touching. It was her first time collecting and she immediately fell in love with a Britto and a Kostabi. The Kostabi was the image of two people passing while their shadows met. Her husband unfortunately recently passed away, and her view of this artwork was that even though he wasn’t physically with her anymore, his spirit will always be with her. It was a heartbreakingly beautiful moment to witness her connection with the image and I was over the moon that she had something to visually explain her feelings of love.

Out of all of your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port? 

Again with the favorite child thing. I’ve been to about 50 different countries in my life and each of them have something enchanting. That being said, there are a couple of ports that I find extra exciting. On this last contract my favorite port, hands down, was the port of Valletta in Malta. This small island in the Mediterranean has so much more to offer than people realize. From blue lagoons and magical old cities to amazing food on rooftop restaurants, it is truly a hidden gem that I would go back to without a second thought.

What does a day/life look like when you’re at home or not working?

I try to live my life to the fullest every day! When I am not relaxing or doing normal house chores, I  spend as much time with my family and friends exploring the beautiful surroundings and activities of Cape Town. Being a tourist in your own country is an art form that I am so happy to have unlocked.

Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

I don’t think it would come as much of a surprise, but we don’t always look perfect in our professional attire during gallery hours. There are a lot of things that happen in the background to make a well-rounded, informative, and fun art cruise for the collectors to enjoy. All the hard work always pays off when a collector walks away with a huge smile on their face and a lifelong memory they can hang on their walls.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or share with collectors?

Working for Park West is one of the most amazing and life-changing experiences I’ve ever had. Changing or enhancing people’s appreciation of art has been one of the biggest honors of my life.

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Abroad on Facebook and Instagram.

Interested in learning more about starting a career hosting art auctions on cruise ships? Visit Art Auctions Abroad for more details.

Related Articles:

• Park West Auctioneer Spotlight: Vlad and Carola Popescu
• Park West Gallery Auctioneer Spotlight: Werner Smith
• Park West Gallery Auctioneer Spotlight: Nicholas Mitchell

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Last night, Park West Gallery had the chance to say “Mahalo” to all of the artists who participated in its 2022 Made in Hawaii artist search competition. The popular gallery on Waikiki Beach held an invite-only gala to honor all of the Top 10 finalists of this year’s contest and, in particular, shine on a light on their 2022 grand prize winner, Oahu native Crissia Vaughn.

Made in Hawaii 2022 Champion Crissia Vaughn

The invitation list included local collectors, US and Japanese media, Hawaii-based influencers, and several of the Top 10 finalists from this year’s competition.

Vaughn attended the event with her mother and three sisters. She was born and raised on Oahu and graduated with her BFA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2021. She describes herself as a photo-realist oil painter, and her winning paintings wonderfully capture dreamy, intricate portraits of her local spearfishing dives.

Crissia Vaughn (center) with her mother and three sisters

When she was announced as the winner, Vaughn said, “Thank you, Park West, for this gift of an opportunity! I am so excited and honored to share more of my work with the community and represent women spearfishers, along with the sustainable harvest through my art.”

Many of the contest’s other Top 10 finalists also made appearances at the Made in Hawaii 2022 party such as Jay Dee, Michael Jimenez, Rusty Johnson, Kayla Napua King, and Kristine Provenza.

Finalist Michael Jimenez poses with one of his custom surfboards

Park West Gallery Director Arturo Torrez served as the master of ceremonies for the evening, introducing all of the artists to the assembled crowd and giving an impassioned speech about Park West’s commitment to becoming a part of the local Hawaii art community.

As a jazz quartet played throughout the evening, guests were able to have a cocktail, enjoy appetizers, and mingle with this year’s semi-finalists. Many of the artists met for the first time at the event and truly enjoyed networking, swapping stories, and even posing for a selfie or two.

Jay Dee, Crissia Vaughn, Rusty Johnson, and Kayla Napua King

As the ultimate winner of Made in Hawaii 2022, Vaughn will be offered a one-year contract with Park West and will be given a three-month exhibition in the gallery, which is scheduled to debut in 2023.

Vaughn’s winning artwork is currently still on display at the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery, located at the famous Waikiki Beach Walk, which is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm. For more information, visit www.parkwestgallery.com/hawaii or call 808-859-4871. You can see more of Vaughn’s extraordinary artwork on Instagram here or on her website here.

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Park West Gallery, the international art dealer, which has for over fifty years introduced millions to the joys of collecting art, today announced its New York City gallery opening.

Park West’s global art brand is distinctly known for hosting one-of-a-kind live auctions and exhibitions on the world’s leading cruise ships, partnering with cruises operated by Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, and many others. Its unique and lasting success in the art business has also evolved through Park West’s highly curated VIP program designed for art enthusiasts interested in a more elevated collecting experience with events held around the world.

More recently, Park West has turned its attention and set its sights on an exciting and innovative brick and mortar brand build-out. The much-anticipated New York City gallery opening follows the introduction in the last two years of notable galleries in Honolulu and Las Vegas. Park West has long maintained a fine art museum and gallery in Southfield, Michigan, just outside Detroit, where it is based.

“Park West has always had strong ties to New York,” said John Block, Park West’s Executive Vice President. Starting with our remarkable founder and CEO Albert Scaglione, Park West has from its beginnings been drawn to the nothing-else-compares energy and vitality of New York City.”

Park West’s new space on 411 West Broadway, in the heart of SoHo, spans 4,000 square feet and two levels, showcasing its pride and commitment to the idea that art is for everyone. On view for gallery-goers will be an impressive collection of works by some of history’s most regaled artists like Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Joan Miro, and Francisco de Goya, among others.

Additionally, the gallery will also show compelling contemporary collections from such artists as Michael Godard, Kre8, Tim Yanke, Hunt Slonem, Yaacov Agam, Mark Kostabi, and many others.

New art and traveling exhibitions will be featured in the gallery on a regular basis, allowing visitors to always see and learn about a wide range of new and varied artists every time they visit Park West’s flagship New York City location.

“Park West has thousands of collectors in the tri-state area, and many of our artists call themselves New Yorkers. We are thrilled to be opening now and be part of New York City’s art and culture comeback,” added Block.

For more information about visiting Park West Gallery in New York, please visit https://www.parkwestgallery.com/newyork/

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On November 29, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, in partnership with Washington, D.C. officials, Festival sponsors, and other stakeholders, gathered at The University Club of Washington, DC to share plans for the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival, being held March 20-April 16. The 2023 official artwork was unveiled, and the grand marshals for the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, presented by Events DC, were announced at the event.

One of the biggest announcements was the reveal that Park West Gallery artist Orlando Quevedo will be the official artist of the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival!

With “Cherry Blossoms,” Orlando has painted a three-dimensional masterpiece as the spectator is encouraged to look into the painting to spot the beautiful Tidal Basin covered in blossoms. His work reminds us of the magic that surrounds the blossoms.

“I was honored to be able to create this piece for the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said Quevedo. “As the 2023 Festival Official Artist, I am proud to be a part of this longstanding tradition through my artwork.”

The gala unveiling was hosted by Queer Eye and RuPaul’s Drag Race icon Carson Kressley (seen here with Orlando) at the historical University Club

A limited edition 2023 Commemorative Poster featuring Orlando’s artwork is available for purchase in the Festival’s online shop. The official artwork will also be on display through December 7 at the Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), part of the Embassy of Japan, which is committed to enriching the relationship between Japan and the United States through an active, vibrant cultural exchange.

There will also be an auction for two limited-edition giclee prints, with funds directly supporting the Trust for the National Mall’s Adopt a Cherry Tree Campaign, to help the National Park Service care for the 3,700 iconic cherry trees on the Tidal Basin and the National Mall and ensure they continue to bloom for generations to come. Bids can be made here through December 14, just in time for the holidays.

A special print of Orlando’s painting was presented to the National Park Service to hang in their regional office.

“The National Cherry Blossom Festival is spring’s biggest welcome party—spanning four weeks and reaching from D.C. to Maryland, Virginia, and beyond,” said Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. “Spring’s arrival is only 16 weeks away, and we plan to present a host of traditional favorites and new experiences that will unite communities and bring friends and families together to make wonderful memories.”

Ambassador Tamaki Tsukada, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan; Kimberly Bassett, Secretary of the District of Columbia; Diana Mayhew, President & CEO, National Cherry Blossom Festival; and Orlando Quevedo

In another exciting announcement, the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC will have a pair of very special Grand Marshals.

“We are delighted to present the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade with Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse as they bring the magic of Walt Disney World® Resort to our nation’s capital,” said Angie M. Gates, president and CEO of Events DC. “We invite everyone to join us April 15th on Constitution Avenue for what is sure to be a spectacular celebration of spring.”

The site of today’s preview event has its own roots to the Festival. The University Club’s first president was former President William Howard Taft. In April 2005, a Yoshino cherry tree was planted near the entrance to the Club and dedicated during a special ceremony at an event honoring former First Lady Hellen “Nellie” Taft, wife of President Taft. First Lady Taft helped champion the first cherry trees being planted at the Tidal Basin in 1912.

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The Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery in Waikiki is proud to announce Oahu native Crissia Vaughn as the grand prize winner of its 2022 Made in Hawaii artist search competition.

Vaughn has won the offer of a year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, and an exclusive 3-month exhibition at Park West’s Waikiki gallery where her artwork will hang next to masterworks by artists like Pablo Picasso and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

“We were blown away by Crissia’s paintings,” said John Block, Park West’s Executive Vice President. “The level of photorealism Crissia brings to her subjects is incredibly impressive. We look forward to bringing Crissia’s art to the rest of the world and exhibiting a homegrown Oahu talent in our gallery.”

“004” by Crissia Vaughn

Vaughn was born and raised on Oahu and graduated with her BFA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2021. She is a photo-realist oil painter, and her winning compositions wonderfully capture dreamy, intricate portraits of her local spearfishing dives.

Vaughn was selected out of hundreds of submissions from fellow Hawaiian artists as one of the contest’s Top 10 semi-finalists. After two weeks of public voting, Vaughn and two other finalists moved onto the final round of the competition. Ultimately, Vaughn was awarded the final prize by a panel of distinguished judges, which included Block, Arturo Torrez, Park West Hawaii Director, Morris Shapiro, Park West’s Senior Gallery Director, Pam Davis, Publisher of Oahu Concierge Magazine, Trini Kaopuiki Clark, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish® Hawaii, and others.

“Huntress” by Crissia Vaughn

Upon winning, Vaughn said, “Thank you, Park West, for this gift of an opportunity! I am so excited and honored to share more of my work with the community and represent women spearfishers, along with the sustainable harvest through my art.”

Last year’s Made in Hawaii winner, Oahu artist Chris Sebo, signed with Park West Gallery, and his artwork is now regularly on display at the Waikiki gallery.

“Circulation” by Crissia Vaughn

Vaughn’s winning artwork is also currently on display at the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery, located at the famous Waikiki Beach Walk, which is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm. For more information, visit www.parkwestgallery.com/hawaii or call 808-859-4871. You can see more of Vaughn’s extraordinary artwork on Instagram or on her website.

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When Park West Gallery’s Executive Vice President John Block was contacted about hosting a charity art auction for Tennessee’s Children Are People (CAP), he knew he wanted to make it something special.

So, for the charity’s annual HOPEFest fundraiser, Block organized an exclusive collection of art that would be auctioned off both online and in person by Park West VIP Auctioneer Erhard Vermeulen.

The results were impressive—the event raised over $300,000 for Children Are People, completely breaking the organization’s previous fundraising records and bringing in over $100,000 more than the prior year’s event.

“Not only is CAP a fantastic organization, but it’s a charity in an area that means a lot to me personally and a lot to Park West. So many of our collectors live here, we do so much work with the Monthaven Arts Center, so this was just a perfect fit for us.”

Park West VIP Auctioneer Erhard Vermeulen gets the bidding started

For more than 20 years, the volunteers, staff, and donors of Children Are People have worked together to serve and support at-risk youth in the greater Nashville area and throughout Tennessee.

HOPEfest 2022 allowed interested parties to bid online for Park West artwork or they could bid during the organization’s live gala. The host for the gala was Tennessee’s own Rashad Rayford, a.k.a. Rashad thaPoet., who has been featured on NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, The Tennessean, and The Nashville Scene. The live event was attended by local dignitaries, CAP graduates, and even former Congresswoman Diane Black.

CAP Graduate Manmer Chol, Mike Wetherington, former Congressman Diane Black, CAP Graduate Chol Rambang. and CAP parent John Maleak

Vermeulen took over as the master of ceremonies for auction portion of the evening, and the bidding quickly became fast and furious. The available art included works by Kre8, Romero Britto, Peter Max, Marcel Mouly, Daniel Wall, Autumn de Forest, James Coleman, Anatoly Metlan, Wyland, LEBO, Duaiv, and other incredible artists.

In addition to the art, HOPEfest’s online auction also featured a seven-day cruise package, autographed memorabilia from Jon Bon Jovi and Morgan Wallen, and a resort vacation in Panama City, Florida.

Once the gala got started and the in-person and online bids began coming in, CAP Executive Director Susan Superczynski knew that this was going to be a record-breaking event.

Monthaven Arts Center Executive Director Cheryl Strichik, Yuki Block, and Joe Strichik

“Park West’s involvement in this event took our fundraising to over $300,000, which is unheard of for a local nonprofit event,” said Superczynski. “The vast majority of the online bidders were Park West collectors, and they are really nice people. I’ve enjoyed each one of them. Park West’s support took our event to new heights, and Park West’s collectors made a big difference in the lives of our kiddos.”

As the event’s live auctioneer, Vermeulen called HOPEfest an “eye-opening experience.” He said, “CAP’s HOPEfest was such a touching and heartwarming evening to be a part of. It was remarkable to witness the generosity of these communities and a true honor to be a part of this event.”

You can find more information about Children Are People and their incredible mission at https://childrenarepeopletn.org/

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The Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery in Honolulu has announced the top three finalists of its 2022 Made in Hawaii artist competition!

These three local artists now have the chance to win a year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, and a 3-month exhibition at Park West’s gallery in Waikiki. Hundreds of art submissions were narrowed down to a list of Top 10 semi-finalists, and two weeks of public voting determined the Top 3 finalists.

The 2022 Made in Hawaii Top 3 finalists are:

Hilton Alves – https://www.instagram.com/artisthiltonalves/

Kristine Provenza – https://www.instagram.com/kristineprovenza/

Crissia Vaughn – https://www.instagram.com/crissiascreations/

A panel of judges will now evaluate the submitted artwork from all three finalists and announce their final selection for the 2022 Made in Hawaii grand prize winner the week of November 28.

In addition to receiving the once-in-a-lifetime contract offer, the grand prize winner will also have the opportunity to display their artwork alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and other art icons inside the more than 3,000-square foot gallery located at Waikiki Beach Walk.

Last year’s Made in Hawaii winner, Oahu artist Chris Sebo, has signed with Park West Gallery, and his artwork is now display at the Waikiki gallery.

The Top 3 contender’s works of art can still be viewed at the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery, located at the famous Waikiki Beach Walk, which is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm. For more information, visit www.parkwestgallery.com/hawaii or call 808-859-4871.

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Park West believes that art is for everyone, and there’s no one who embodies that belief more than our onboard art auctioneers and gallery teams. When our collectors board a cruise ship with a Park West art gallery, they know they’re going to meet an exciting, passionate team of art lovers.

That’s why we take time every month to recognize one of our brightest auctioneer teams working today. This November, we’d love to introduce you to Vlad and Carola Popescu, an auctioneer duo who are currently onboard Discovery Princess!

Previous Ships:  Norwegian (NCL) Sky, NCL Sun, Celebrity Silhouette, Carnival (CCL) Magic, CCL Breeze, CCL Conquest, Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas, Holland America New Amsterdam, Royal Princess, Regal Princess, and Sun Princess.

Current Ship: Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess

Where is your hometown? 

Brasov, Romania

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer? 

I met Carola, I fell in love and starting that moment my life changed. I was working with numbers before I joined Park West, and Carola was writing and taking interviews for a women’s magazine. But we were both young and ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

My brother was already working with Park West as an auctioneer for a while already. He was the one that brought his passion for the job home and introduced Park West Gallery to us. And what better reason to live on the seven seas than to share work, adventure & travel with your better half.

Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?  

Romero Britto, the martini glass sculptograph is the first work of art that captured our attention when we began our first contract on Carnival Freedom. We both grew up surrounded by art, but when we came to Park West, we discovered a fascinating world of color and textures that we had never seen before. Through the years (11 to be exact), Britto’s works are still the most treasured in our home.

Kathy and Bill, two of Vlad’s favorite Park West collectors

What is your favorite client memory?  

We have a lot of Park West collectors that have cruised with us and still keep in touch, but one couple in particular will always remain in our hearts. We met Bill and Kathy on one of the Carnival ships. We started talking about art on a cruise, and suddenly one year later we were showing them around Dracula’s Castle and dancing together at our wedding in Romania.

We met another couple, Carl and Helen, some years ago on a Princess ship, and then they kept reappearing on ships throughout our career! Actually the photo below is from the Discovery Princess in 2022.

Vlad and Carola posing with Helen and Carl and the collectors’ newly acquired Kre8 artwork.

Out of all of your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port?  

New York City is our favorite port. We loved it so much that we vacationed in the Big Apple in our free time! It’s got the best burgers, coldest beers, and best entertainment shows I’ve ever seen. It’s also the place where I asked Carola to marry me, so for us, it’s always going to be special.

My second favorite is Key West. That key lime pie and music playing everywhere makes me want to move there forever.

What does a day/life look like when you’re at home or not working?

First thing I do when I go home is take my car for a ride. The guys out there will definitely understand this. Driving is what I miss most while living on a floating hotel. We do a lot of road trips around Europe when we are home, going to festivals, concerts… we do a lot.

We are so used to travelling that even when we go home, we are already booking flights to somewhere

Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

Deck 4 does not look like the servants area in the Titanic! It’s an entire deck designed for the staff where we have decent staterooms, a bar, and a restaurant where we take our meals. It’s a place where we can feel comfortable and create friendships and memories amongst ourselves. And no, at night we don’t disembark and sleep in hotel rooms—we work and live 24/7 on the ship.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or share with collectors?

Since we started our journey with Park West in 2012, we’ve been on 5 continents and seen more than 200 cities. It’s been an incredible ride and we are looking forward to our next contract where we will make new memories and meet new friends.

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Abroad on Facebook and Instagram.

Interested in learning more about starting a career hosting art auctions on cruise ships? Visit Art Auctions Abroad for more details.

Related Articles:

• Park West Gallery Auctioneer Spotlight: Werner Smith
• Park West Gallery Auctioneer Spotlight: Nicholas Mitchell
• Park West Gallery Auctioneer Spotlight: Lloyd Flay

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Children Are People, Inc. (CAP), a Tennessee nonprofit organization inspiring character development, academic achievement and community involvement in at-risk youth, recently received a 35-piece art collection worth more than $100,000 that will be auctioned during HOPEfest, the organization’s annual capstone fundraiser on Saturday, November 12.

Leading up to the event, you can bid on works from the collection online at: https://one.bidpal.net/caphopefest22/browse/14

The collection includes art by Kre8, Romero Britto, Peter Max, Marcel Mouly, Daniel Wall, Autumn de Forest, James Coleman, Anatoly Metlan, Wyland, LEBO, Duaiv, and other incredible artists.

The donation comes from Park West Gallery and includes a striking array of impressionist landscapes, vibrant pop art, and colorful still life paintings. Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Park West Gallery is the world’s largest art dealer, bringing the experience of collecting fine art to more than 3 million customers since 1969.

John Block, Principal Auctioneer and Executive Vice President of Park West Gallery, has more than 20 years of industry experience. He plays a leading role in the gallery’s sales and operations management, strategic planning, training, development and more.

Park West Executive Vice President John Block

Block is also serving as one of the auctioneers for HOPEfest—along with Park West VIP Auctioneer Erhard Vermeulen—which takes place on Saturday, November 12, at 6 p.m. in the Premier Centre Banquet Hall at Hendersonville Expo Center.

“For more than 50 years, Park West Gallery has helped art lovers and collectors around the world enjoy beautiful works from the world’s most talented artists,” said Block. “We feel blessed and honored to help raise funds for a wonderful organization like CAP, whose students have shown no shortage of artistic talent themselves.”

Susan Superczynski, Executive Director at CAP, said she was floored when she first saw some of the pieces that will be up for auction during HOPEfest, including a piece from Wyland—a world renown artist and conservationist known for his breathtaking outdoor murals featuring life-size whales and other sea life.

“Our Radiant Reef” by Wyland is just one of the artworks being auctioned off for HOPEfest 2022

“The brilliance and beauty captured in this collection is truly remarkable,” said Superczynski. “We are so thankful for Park West Gallery’s generosity and assistance in making HOPEfest an event that will benefit our students, staff members, and volunteers for years to come.”

In addition to the art, HOPEfest’s online auction features a wide variety of sought-after items, including a seven-day cruise package, autographed memorabilia from Jon Bon Jovi and Morgan Wallen, and a resort vacation in Panama City, Florida.

“Kre8ed By Power” by Kre8 is another amazing work that will be available to bid on at HOPEfest 2022

CAP’s annual fundraiser is a foundational event that fuels the organization’s mission to unlock the potential of at-risk youth, to remove barriers to their success, and to inspire character development, academic achievement, and community involvement. Last year’s fundraiser generated more than $220,000, which CAP will use to help furnish its new building.

To learn more about CAP, buy HOPEfest tickets and register for the online auction, visit childrenarepeopletn.org.

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We’ve officially entered “the holiday season,” so prepare yourself for weeks of songs, decorations, and extensive preparations. Our year-end holidays have made such an indelible cultural impact that it comes as no surprise that imagery from this special season has featured prominently in artwork throughout history.

Thanks to its evocative winter weather, joyful family gatherings, good tidings and cheer, and abundance of color inside and out, the holiday season has been offering artists a treasure trove of inspiration for many centuries.

Park West Gallery artists too have expertly captured the magic of our year-end winter holidays. Let’s take a look at 6 works of art that each portray the festive season in a unique light.

“Memories of Christmas” by Thomas Kinkade 

It can be argued that no modern artist is more synonymous with the holiday season than Thomas Kinkade. This lithograph from the Painter of Light is wonderfully warm (despite being snow-covered), thanks to the soft yellow light gently emanating from the welcoming homes along a street in this idyllic village. We also see a young child, ribboned bundles, familiar relations, and the emergence of a horse-drawn sled onto this picturesque scene.

“Flowers of Christmas” by Michael Milkin

No stranger to boldly colored still life, Milkin’s “Flowers of Christmas” is striking in size (30” x 12”) and conjures fragrant thoughts of year-end holidays drenched in reds, greens, and the blue-grey sky of winter’s early nightfall.

“Holiday with Friends” by Anatole Krasnyansky 

The year-end holidays mean different things to different people, but one reality is shared by many: celebrations! In this unique artwork, Anatole Krasnyansky’s busy ink tells a story of parties, late-night revelry, joyful conversations, jazz music, and the merriment of a holiday spent with friends.

“Central Park – Winter” by Peter Max 

A Christmas spent in New York City, with snow on the ground and still falling gently from the sky, is a dream shared by Pop artist Peter Max and holiday lovers alike. In this mixed-media work, Max deftly captures the duality of a frenetic metropolis and the stillness of the season, together in the city that never sleeps.

“Washington Square Park” by Alexander Chen

Looking south through the marble triumphal arch in Washington Square Park in Manhattan’s famed Greenwich Village, we see the World Trade Center towers in the distance. In the foreground, hyper-realist Alexander Chen gives us a merrily lit Christmas tree, children playing, cross-country skiing, and putting the finishing touches on a happy snowman all while a nearby Santa Claus is at the helm of a sleigh filled with toys being pulled by huskies.

“Venice Snow” by Daniel Wall 

The truth is that it rarely snows in Venice, Italy but the holiday season is all about big dreams, enduring hope, and the promise of something wonderful. In this stunning work, Daniel Wall’s Intense Impressionism captures a narrow canal and even narrower streets in Venice as few have ever experienced it: as a warm and fuzzy winter wonderland.

If you are interested in bringing any of these year-end holiday-themed works into your home, register for our exciting weekly online auction, contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4, or email us today at sales@parkwestgallery.com.

Follow Park West Gallery on social media

Related Articles

• 8 Thomas Kinkade Christmas Paintings That Perfectly Capture the Holiday Spirit
• 8 Breathtaking Works of Winter Art to Put You in the Holiday Spirit
• Celebrate Snow with Winter Artwork from Park West Gallery

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The Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery in Waikiki has announced the Top 10 semi-finalists for its second annual Made in Hawaii artist competition! Hundreds of Hawaiian residents submitted their artwork for consideration, and these ten talented artists will be moving on to the next stage of the contest. They now have the chance to win an offer for a year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, and an exclusive three-month exhibition at Park West Gallery on the Waikiki Beach Walk.

The 2022 Made in Hawaii Top 10 Semi-Finalists are:

Hilton Alves

Jay Dee (ESK8)

Michael Jimenez

Rusty Johnston

Kayla Napua Kong

Nathan Neil

Kealoha Pa

Kristine Provenza

Beth Stephano

Crissia Vaughn

The next step is to determine the contest’s Final 3 contestants by popular vote.

An exhibition featuring artwork by all 10 semi-finalists will open at Park West Waikiki on Tuesday, November 1 and close on Tuesday, November 15. Visitors to the gallery can browse original works from these incredible local artists every day from 11 am to 10 pm and vote for their favorites on convenient digital kiosks.

The three artists with the most votes from the public by the time the gallery closes on Tuesday, November 15 will be the Final 3 artists for Made in Hawaii 2022. They will move on to the final round of the competition where a panel of local and international judges will select the ultimate winner.

Last year’s Made in Hawaii winner, Oahu artist Chris Sebo, has signed with Park West Gallery and an exhibition of his art is now on display at the Waikiki gallery.

“There is an incredible talent pool in Hawaii,” said John Block, Executive Vice President for Park West Gallery. “Our annual Made in Hawaii contest has been a great way for us to engage with and support the local artist community, and we can’t wait to share the works of these 10 amazing artists with our collectors.”

Park West Hawaii, located at the famous Waikiki Beach Walk, is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm. For more information, visit www.parkwestgallery.com/hawaii or call 808-859-4871.

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Last week, some of the best artists in Las Vegas gathered at Park West Gallery to celebrate one of their own.

Chris Elliman, an acclaimed contemporary surrealist, was recently named the grand prize winner of Park West’s second annual Made in Vegas artist search competition. That’s why Park West held a gala event at its primary location inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace to honor Elliman and the contest’s nine other semi-finalists.

2022 Made in Vegas winner Chris Elliman

While Elliman’s art was the star of the show, the party itself was worthy of the Las Vegas Strip. Guests enjoyed live music, food and drink, and the opportunity to meet all of the semi-finalists from Made in Vegas 2022.

In addition to Elliman, the other nine local artists on display were the Art of Oz and Ziggy O’Leary—the other 2 artists in the 2022 Made in Vegas’ Final 3—and the rest of the semi-finalists, including John Gamble, Ken Flanagan, Lidia Kirov, Benjamin Lerman, Kayla Patriquin, Cody Munier, and Dray Wilmore.

Left to right: Cody Munier, Benjamin Lerman, Kayla Patriquin, Lidia Kirov, Park West Executive Vice President John Block, Chris Elliman, Ziggy O’Leary, and Ken Flanagan

The artists all posed for photos with guests and with Park West’s Executive Vice President John Block, who was in town to host the event.

Left to right: Kayla Patriquin, Cody Munier, Lidia Kirov, Chris Elliman, Kat Tatz, Dray Wilmore, John Gamble, Ziggy O’Leary

Everyone was also treated to an appearance by Kat Tatz, the winner of 2021’s inaugural Made in Vegas contest, and Melanie Stimmell, a 2021 Made in Vegas finalist who, like Tatz, has since become a popular Park West artist.

Made in Vegas 2021 artist Melanie Stimmell and 2021 grand prize winner Kat Tatz

As if that wasn’t enough artistic star power, acclaimed art prodigy, internationally best-selling artist, and Las Vegas native Autumn de Forest also attended, making sure to spend time chatting with the collectors and aspiring artists at the party.

Made in Vegas 2022 Final 3 finalist The Art of Oz

Made in Vegas 2022 Final 3 finalist Ziggy O’Leary

When Elliman was originally announced as the 2022 winner, Block said “We were blown away by Chris Elliman’s artwork. His signature style is unique, bold, and completely its own. With Made in Vegas, we were looking to shine a light on the immense talent in Las Vegas’ art community. I think Chris is a perfect ambassador for that community and we couldn’t be happier that he’s our 2022 winner.”

Park West’s Associate Vice President of Merchandising Michael Karay with Chris Elliman

This year’s Made in Vegas winners gala was a fantastic way to celebrate both Elliman and the accomplishments of local Las Vegas artists while also introducing Park West collectors to some truly impressive emerging names in the contemporary art world.

Park West Gallery has two locations at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Current hours of operation are 12 pm to 8 pm Sunday to Thursday and 12 pm to 9 am Friday and Saturday. For more information, please visit ParkWestVegas.com or call 702-630-1037.

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Artist Jeff Vermeeren is having a very big October.

This emerging artist, known internationally for his trademark “Extreme Abstract” style, has only recently begun appearing at Park West Gallery events, but his debut has been pretty amazing so far.

Jeff Vermeeren

At his first Park West VIP event on October 9, Vermeeren had his first sell-out show with the gallery. After the last of his 58 paintings sold, the accumulated crowd, including Principal Auctioneer Jason Betteridge and fellow artist Kre8, gave the artist a standing ovation.

Jeff Vermeeren and Kre8

Collectors absolutely fell in love with Vermeeren’s signature style, in which he uses fire, freezing, pressure, and volatile chemicals to create vibrant, color-soaked works of breathtaking metallic art.

In a recent interview, Vermeeren said, “Some people think I spray it, or drip it. But, in actuality, I have tons of different techniques. It almost looks ceramic, some say. Others are sure it’s glass, or plastic, or that there’s a light behind my painting. It’s interesting because everybody has their ideas and thoughts on how it’s produced. For now, it’s my little secret and for me, definitely, I can stand out with it.”

“Mystic Day” by Jeff Vermeeren

However, just a few weeks later, it was obvious Park West collectors still wanted more from Vermeeren. The artist made his online premiere at Park West’s live-streaming art auctions during the weekend of October 14.

Jordan Sitter showcasing Vermeeren’s art during the online auctions

Principal Auctioneers Jordan Sitter and Morris Shapiro showcased 20 new works from Vermeeren, and it quickly became apparent that another sell-out was on the way.

Morris Shapiro shows off a Vermeeren original at the online auctions

In fact, as his last painting of the weekend came up for bidding—a painting titled “Golden Days”—Sitter actually called Vermeeren live on air as the final work was being sold.

In front of the international viewing audience, Sitter asked Vermeeren if he wanted to hear the good news or the bad news first. Vermeeren picked the “bad news.” Sitter told him, “The bad news is… you gotta go to work. You have to paint. Because we’re selling the last painting right now and every other painting just sold, so we have zero left.”

Sitter calling Vermeeren live on air while auctioning “Golden Days”

Morris Shapiro chimed in, “That’s what we call a sellout,” as Sitter brought down the gavel and the film crew cheered.

Vermeeren was thrilled to receive the news live, having achieved the incredible honor of selling out his first in-person and online shows within less than two weeks of each other.

One thing is certain—Jeff Vermeeren has a bright future in the art world and with Park West Gallery.

If you’re interested in collecting the art of Jeff Vermeeren, you can contact Park West’s gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

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Some of the most enjoyable aspects of “life at sea” are the connections and friendships our Park West Art Teams forge with our collectors on cruise ships all over the world. That’s why, every month, we take time to recognize some of our top auctioneers. For this October’s spotlight, we’d like to introduce you to Principal Auctioneer Werner Smith!

Previous Ships:  Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas

Current Ship: Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic

Where is your hometown?

I am from a small town called Potchefstroom in South Africa.

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer? 

I started working for Park West in 2017 and became an auctioneer in 2019. Before I worked for Park West, I was working my way up to play professional golf and worked in the golfing retail industry. I have always had an interest in the art world and love to travel—so when I was introduced to Park West, it seemed like the perfect chance to see the world and work with some of the biggest names in the art world!

Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?  

As an art specialist, it is very difficult to pick just one favorite… but if I had to pick , it would be Peter Max!  Not only because of his unique style, but also because of the impact he has made on the art world and his community. I have always found him truly inspiring, and I love to see how unequivocally happy it makes people when they collect a Peter Max.

What is your favorite client memory? 

I once met a young blind boy who was cruising with his family. His parents told me that he wasn’t really interested in doing any of the activities around the ship because of his disability, but when his parents brought him to the auction and I could see how much he was enjoying it right from the start. By simply listening to the descriptions of the artworks, he fell in love with one of our artists, Slava Ilyayev, known for his bright colors and thick palette knife strokes. After the auction, they came to the gallery and he asked if he could touch the painting they had collected. As he touched the painting, I explained what he was feeling, which color he was touching, and what the image depicted. At the end of the cruise, his parents came to thank me and said how much they had enjoyed our events and how happy it had made their son. It made me realize that art truly is for everyone! It brings people together, it has different meanings to different people, and it goes beyond the image that you ‘see.’

Out of all of your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port?  

Definitely Alaska! I really enjoyed the nature, hiking, having a “braai” (aka BBQ), and seeing the incredible wildlife.

What does a day/life look like when you’re at home or not working?

When I’m on vacation, I usually spend it at home in South Africa with my friends and family. I love being outdoors, playing golf, getting together with friends, spending time with my dog, Rufus, and going to the beach.

Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

You never know what day of the week it is, only if it’s a sea day or a port day, and the worst ‘traffic jams’ you experience are waiting for an elevator.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or share with collectors?

I feel so lucky and privileged to be part of the Park West family.  I met so many incredible people over the years and it is such an honor to help people collect amazing artworks that will bring them and their families so much joy for years to come!

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Interested in learning more about starting a career hosting art auctions on cruise ships? Visit Art Auctions Abroad for more details.

Related Articles

• Park West Gallery Auctioneer Spotlight: Lloyd Flay
• Park West Gallery Auctioneer Spotlight: Nicholas Mitchell
• Park West Auctioneer Spotlight: Nilesh “Nil” Gurung

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Following hundreds of submissions, weeks of voting, and judging from a panel of world-renowned artists, Park West Gallery is proud to announce surrealist artist Chris Elliman as the winner of its second annual Made in Vegas art competition.

Elliman, who was selected from nearly 500 artists who entered, will receive a contract offer from Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, as well as a three-month exhibition of his artwork, where his paintings will hang alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and other art legends at Park West’s Las Vegas location.

“Life of Money” by Chris Elliman

“We were blown away by Chris Elliman’s artwork,” said John Block, Executive Vice President at Park West Gallery. “His signature style is unique, bold, and completely its own. With Made in Vegas, we were looking to shine a light on the immense talent in Las Vegas’ art community. I think Chris is a perfect ambassador for that community and we couldn’t be happier that he’s our 2022 winner.”

“Cola” by Chris Elliman

“This feeling is like a thousand paintings I painted trying to get to the center of a Park West Pop,” said Chris Elliman. “I am so proud of everyone who paints, looking for what I consider the ‘ultimate lick.’ This moment of joy tastes like a win, but we are just getting started on this candy lane. I want to congratulate everyone who finger paints, draws stick figures, or makes a comment when it wasn’t required. And yes, every artist in this contest deserves the win.”

The Made in Vegas judging panel consisted of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives, including famed Las Vegas artist Michael Godard, Made in Vegas 2021 Winner Kat Tatz, Executive Vice President of Park West Gallery, John Block, Park West Gallery Directors Brandon Zeadow and Isabella Kowalski, and Executive Director of First Friday Las Vegas, Corey Fagan.

“Sounds of Love” by Chris Elliman

Elliman’s work is currently on display at Park West Gallery in the Forum Shops inside Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip. For more information or to view Elliman’s portfolio of work, please visit daftpixel.com/artist-commentary.

Park West Gallery has two locations at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, please visit ParkWestVegas.com or call 702-630-1037.

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Not only is Stephen Fishwick an immense artistic talent, but the San Diego native is also a virtuosic powerhouse on stage. Anyone who has had the special opportunity to be in his presence understands this completely. His energy is intoxicating, his kindness genuine and overwhelming, and his unique ability to put on a show and tell a story will have you leaning in with anticipation.

And he does all that while painting live in front of an audience. It’s incredible.

Stephen Fishwick performs his “Art Attack” at the Waikiki Plaza

Last month, hundreds of lucky Hawaii residents and visitors were treated to Fishwick’s unrivaled artistic vigor during his live appearance at Park West Gallery’s museum and gallery in Honolulu, Hawaii. During this free event, attendees gathered outside on the Waikiki Beach Walk on a gorgeous blue-sky day and watched as Fishwick attacked black canvases with an abundance of color.

“Not a Bad Day” by Stephen Fishwick

Using both hands, he threw paint at each blank canvas, danced from side to side, bounced up and down to the beat of the music, and, throughout the entire performance, engaged with a crowd of adults and children who sat with their mouths wide open, in awe of what they were seeing take shape in front of their eyes. In just a short time, Fishwick’s blobs of color transformed into masterful paintings of a sea turtle and a majestic whale.

Acting as his own personal hype man, and forgoing brushes in favor of his hands, Fishwick also threw paint at a living canvas too—a young child who eagerly raised their hand became his lucky volunteer. Outfitted in a black Stephen Fishwick “Art Attack” t-shirt—“Art Attack” is what Fishwick calls his live performances—the paint-splattered child became part of the show much to the delight of the audience.

Once the outside performance was complete, Park West Hawaii Director Arturo Torrez invited the crowd back to the gallery where Fishwick continued painting live—albeit with marginally less dancing—and met his fans. The next day, local Park West collectors got treated to a private cocktail party with Fishwick at the gallery and a special tour of a new exhibition of his art specially curated for the Hawaii gallery.

Stephen FIshwick and Park West Hawaii Director Arturo Torrez

The next time you’re in Michigan, Las Vegas, Hawaii, or anywhere with a Park West Gallery location, be sure to drop by—you never know what artist might be appearing when you visit!

To collect the artwork of Stephen Fishwick and bring his color and energy into your life, attend one of our exciting online auctions, contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.

Follow Park West Hawaii on Instagram to stay up-to-date on future artist visits!

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It was one for the record books! Every week, Park West Gallery hosts special collecting events for our VIP clients all over the globe. Our guests might find themselves marveling at glaciers in Alaska with Mark Kostabi or touring the finest museums in Paris with Yaacov Agam. However, Park West’s VIP event in California’s Napa Valley last weekend was truly something spectacular.

September’s Napa VIP experience was the single most successful land-based event in the over-50-year history of Park West Gallery!

“It was a weekend for the ages,” said Park West Executive Vice President John Block. “Napa is always a special weekend for us. There’s just something about the romance of wine and the beauty of art that makes them a natural pairing. It was incredible seeing so many of our favorite clients mixing with some of our most popular artists.”

Park West Executive Vice President John Block

Those artists had an incredible weekend as well. The Napa event saw a complete sell-out show for 15-year-old art prodigy Sarah Wall, a near sell-out for her father, renowned Impressionist Daniel Wall, and record-breaking sales for iconic artists like Michael Godard, Scott Jacobs, and James Coleman.

Rock star artist Michael Godard talks to the crowd

The VIP collectors converged on Napa’s Meritage Resort & Spa, where they could lounge in their lavish accommodations or explore acre upon acre of sun-soaked vineyards. “There’s a reason we do an event this exclusive in Napa,” said Block. “It’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”

Scott Jacobs tells collectors about his amazing photorealist art

There were daily auctions and daily opportunities for Park West collectors to interact with their favorite artists. They got to hear stories from Michael Godard, share a glass of red with Scott Jacobs, and learn more about what inspired all of the fantastic art on display.

VIPs enjoy a wine tasting with Disney legend James Coleman

Park West VIPs are always “wined and dined” at our events, but can you imagine a better place to be “wined” than Napa Valley? Park West bought out world-class restaurants like The Brix and Tre Posti, allowing VIPs to stretch out and enjoy their meals (and wine) with their fellow collectors.

Every night, the artists and guests were treated to entertainment and some truly exceptional excursions. On Friday, they boarded the legendary Napa Valley Wine Train, where they sipped wine, mingled with artists, and enjoyed a multi-course meal as they watched the gorgeous Napa scenery roll by from an exquisitely restored vintage rail car.

On Saturday, Park West celebrated the penultimate night of the event with an exclusive evening at the Castello di Amorosa, an authentically styled, 13^th-century Tuscan castle winery replete with high walls, towers, and more than 30 acres of estate vineyards. During their night at the Castello, Park West VIPs danced the night away to live music, explored the castle, tasted wine, met with artists, ate an extravagant meal, tasted more wine… it was a night to remember!

“I’m not surprised that our Napa weekend broke so many records,” Block said. “Every year, this event feels like the best kind of family reunion. It brings together so many people who are so passionate about art in such a magical setting. It just ended, and I already can’t wait for next year!”

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Park West Gallery Las Vegas has revealed the final three artists for its second annual Made in Vegas art competition. Selected after nearly two weeks of public voting, the final three artists were selected amongst hundreds of submissions, representing some of the most talented and innovative artists living in Las Vegas.

The Made in Vegas finalists are competing for the offer of a prestigious, year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, as well as the opportunity to display their work on the walls of Park West Gallery at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and other art world legends.

The Final 3 artists for Made in Vegas 2022 are:

Ziggy O’Leary

Ziggy O’Leary is a classically trained artist who has combined the skills of a traditionalist with the humor and style of a master cartoonist.

Zoltan (The Art of OZ)

The Art of Oz is a popular Vegas artist known for blending abstraction and traditional imagery to create captivating mixed media works.

Chris Elliman

Chris Elliman (a.k.a. DaftPixel) is a modern Surrealist who constructs entire worlds within his intricately detailed paintings

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THREE AMAZING ARTISTS!

All final three artists currently have their work on display inside Park West Gallery at the Forum Shops inside Caesars Palace.

The Made in Vegas champion will now be chosen by a panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives, including world-famous artist and Las Vegas native Michael Godard, Executive Vice President of Park West Gallery John Block, Park West Gallery Las Vegas Directors Brandon Zeadow and Isabella Kowalski, and more.

Stay tuned—because we’re announcing the ultimate Made in Vegas winner NEXT WEEK!

Park West Gallery has two locations at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, please visit ParkWestVegas.com or call 702-630-1037. Keep up with Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at @ParkWestGallery.

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Las Vegas is a city of invention, a city that continues to reinvent itself on an almost daily basis. Take one look at the famed Vegas Strip and you’ll quickly realize that this glittering, remarkable oasis has never been comfortable resting on its past glories. It changes constantly—with brand-new buildings, attractions, and art arriving to this colorful city seemingly every day.

Artist Cris X knows a thing or two about color and change. His whole artistic philosophy revolves around how he can bring unexpected textures, dimensions, and hues to unexpected surfaces. His love of hot rods and the culture of automotive customization is at the heart of what he does, which is bring that same kind of bold, chromatic “WOW” to his stunning metallic artwork.

Cris X makes his memorable and radiant works of art through a painstaking process involving rounds of sanding and priming to lay the groundwork of the candy colors on his “aluminations” on metal—an art form that involves manipulating and painting real raw aluminum. The end results are simply spectacular.

“Enlightened” by Cris X

Every month, at Park West’s Fine Art Museum and Gallery inside The Forum Shops at Vegas’ Caesars Palace, a Park West artist visits for a special free fan event. Last month, Cris X stopped by to show off both his impressive artistic talent and his endearing personality to local collectors. During the three-hour event, Cris X painted live, answered questions during a fun Q&A session, and hung out with an excited crowd of collectors, fans, art lovers, tourists, and simply curious shoppers alike.

Cris told the crowd that he loves doing live and in-person art events because he longs to make lasting relationships with collectors and have the time to personally explain his intricate process and his passion for making art. Guests were also treated to a special exhibition of Cris X’s art that was curated specially for the Vegas event. The wild, innovative nature of his art is just a perfect fit for the Las Vegas aesthetic.

At the exhibition, guests were treated to up-close looks at the artist’s glowing aluminum art and were left in awe of his deft, innovative talents. Cris’ personal story of his artistic journey—how his love of cars led him into the world of fine art—delighted the crowd and, hopefully, inspired a new generation of non-traditional artists.

Cris X describes himself as “just a hard worker who paints and works seven days a week.” While that may be true, he’s also breaking new ground with his singular metallic art—bright, bold, and brash creations that radiate with the same joie de vivre you can find daily on the Las Vegas Strip.

To collect the artwork of Cris X and bring his stunning allumination into your life, attend one of our exciting online auctions, contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.

Follow Park West Gallery Las Vegas on Instagram to stay up-to-date on future artist visits!

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Park West Gallery is a long-time sponsor of Florida’s Amelia Island Jazz Festival, one of the premiere annual jazz celebrations in the United States. The festival was co-founded by Les DeMerle—an accomplished drummer and singer who has performed with greats like Frank Sinatra, Lou Rawls, Sammy Davis, Jr., Mel Tormé, and Joe Williams—and his wife, noted vocalist Bonnie Eisele.

For nearly a decade, a Park West artist has served as the jazz fest’s official artist. The Park West artists who have painted the official Amelia Island Jazz Festival poster in the past include such world-famous talents as Marcus Glenn, Peter Nixon, Alfred Gockel, and Tim Yanke.

This year, the neo-surrealist painter Jim Warren was chosen to be the official artist of the 2022 Amelia Island Jazz Festival. The artwork he created—titled “All that Jazz”—is full of movement, splashes of color, and clever nods to music history. It perfectly represents jazz music’s trademark “chaos within structure.”

“All that Jazz” by Jim Warren

Warren told us that, while creating the artwork, he “was able to think about jazz and just paint with colors and figures flowing however I felt, and I just knew somehow they will all come together like good jazz music.” Warren has a long history with music. In addition to his fine art, he’s also an acclaimed album cover artist for the music industry and even won a Grammy Award for his cover art for Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind.”

“Music inspired me to paint in the 60s, when I was influenced by The Beach Boys and the Beatles,” Warren said. “Music made me want to do album cover art—my first album cover was in 1978 for jazz greats The Billy Cobham-George Duke Band.” Warren said he was first moved to paint a poster for the festival after seeing Les DeMerle behind his drum kit at an event five years ago, noting that he was extremely impressed by DeMerle’s fun, clean style of drumming.

Artist Jim Warren at work.

This year’s Amelia Island Festival begins on October 2, with a free community kick-off concert. It’s followed over the next seven days with a jazz and wine tasting event, swing night, Latin jazz dance concert, late night jams, and mainstage concerts by Ken Peplowski and jazz legends like The John Pizzarelli Trio. The festival concludes on October 9 with a jazz brunch featuring Dixieland and swing jazz.

If you love jazz and will be in the Florida area, we can’t recommend the event enough. You can buy tickets for all of the 2022 events HERE.

Les DeMerle at the Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s Swingin’ Jazz, Wine & Dance Party in 2022.

What’s truly special about the Amelia Island Jazz Festival is that not only does it bring an array of world-class jazz music to the local community, but it also donates its proceeds to fund music education programs for children and senior citizens. Each year, the festival also awards a scholarship to a promising high school music student. Later in the year, Park West Gallery will auction off Jim Warren’s fabulous original artwork, and all of the proceeds from that sale will go to the festival and its scholarship fund.

Bonnie Eisele croons at the AIJF’s Swingin’ Jazz, Wine & Dance Party.

Park West’s Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro (who is also a musician) has said, “Education in all the humanities is so important in our schools these days, especially the fostering of an original American art form like jazz. We need to keep it alive and fresh for generations to come,” adding that, “It’s been a great honor to be a major sponsor of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival and to contribute to the support of music education.”

Warren agrees, noting the importance of jazz as an artform and how it so closely parallels his own creative process with visual art. He told us, “Jazz to me has no actual rules. It’s free to improvise and go in any direction, which, to me, is what Surrealism is all about. You just feel it and imagine it with no limits.”

You can learn more about the 2022 Amelia Island Jazz Festival HERE.

If you interested in the art of Jim Warren, contact our gallery consultants at (866) 654-2882 ext. 4, via email at sales@parkwestgallery.com, or register for our exciting online auctions.

Just one of the fabulous live bands at Amelia Island’s Big Band Bash in 2021.

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The brand-new Norwegian Prima has officially been christened after enjoying a wildly successful inaugural cruise from Iceland, complete with live performances by Katy Perry, Kool and the Gang, Chaka Khan, and more.

During that inaugural voyage, we had the chance to explore Prima with Principal Auctioneer Jared Hamer. He gave us a tour of the new onboard art gallery and talked to us all about what the Park West Art Team has planned for Prima’s guests. It involves making Park West’s art auctions at sea even more fun, welcoming, and stunning than ever before AND even some exclusive works of art that will only be available on Prima. Enjoy these highlights from our conversation with Jared—and start thinking about booking a trip on Prima soon!

Jared Hamer and Irene van Huyssteen are Park West’s dynamite team of auctioneers on board Norwegian Prima.

Who are some of the artists that Prima passengers and Park West collectors can expect to see featured prominently in the art gallery and during the auctions on Norwegian’s latest and greatest ship?

Jared Hamer: Park West has a fantastic long-term relationship with Peter Max. He’s an artist we always put front and center because people love him, know him, and are very interested in his work, his career, and his importance to the art world. Another artist we’ll be featuring on Prima is Romero Britto. He is the most licensed artist in history, having worked with brands like Volvo, Apple, Bentley, Pepsi, the FIFA World Cup (twice), the Olympics, and many more. He has a gallery in Miami but he’s originally from Brazil. Britto started on the streets than blew up into a massive icon. We have many of his paintings and sculptures on board Prima. There’s also the Colombian sculptor Nano Lopez who makes solid bronze sculptures using an age-old “lost wax” process. The details of his work are phenomenal, and people love it.

Additionally, there’s rock star artist Michael Godard, who recently cut his trademark long hair for charity—because he does a lot of great work with St. Jude—who is so well known for his paintings of whimsical olives, strawberries, and martini glasses. Prima guests will see a lot from these fantastic artists (and more) in our Deck 7 midship gallery and during the exciting auctions we have planned. We now have the largest auction space in the entire NCL fleet!

You can find art of all shapes and sizes on Prima.

How will Park West make its art auctions and collecting art accessible for every Prima passenger?

Jared Hamer:  We really work hard to make the auctions welcoming for newcomers. Even if you can’t afford a Max or a Britto, we have levels of art that are affordable for every kind of guest. That’s why we even always give away a free work of art at our events to anyone who wants one. We want people to experience collecting art no matter what.

Our “Mystery Program” is another great way we get people excited. It’s one of the most popular parts of our auction—it’s like the old “What’s Behind Door #1” game. There’s a mystery artwork that I select—it’s usually one of my best recommendations—and we bring it out on stage at auction, but it’s turned backward, so no one can see what artwork it is. I then offer a very affordable fixed price, I tease them a little, tell them the art style, maybe allude to the artist, and, if they’re interested in it, all they have to do is raise their bid cards. It just lets us know if they’re interested. If the guest likes the art once it’s revealed, they can come to the art gallery later to learn more about the artist and style, see the work up close, and decide if it is right for them. There is no obligation and, the great thing is, it gets people participating and breaks down some of their boundaries. We want to make their experience with our Art Team very pleasant, casual, and rewarding.

The Haven sundeck is one of the most impressive aspects of the new Norwegian Prima.

What kind of art seminars will be on Prima?

Jared Hamer: Art seminars are usually the first events we hold during a cruise, even before the auctions. I often start with a seminar called “30,000 Years of Art History,” which begins with cave art and goes all the way up to pop and modern art. At this seminar, we talk about artists like Vincent Van Gogh, who wasn’t a huge success during his lifetime. The great artist Monet said that “Being creative takes courage,” so we like to talk about how non-traditional artists like Van Gogh, with his radical brushstrokes, are often the ones who face adversity yet ultimately are the ones who also end up making history. A modern equivalent would be someone like Kre8, who started as a tattoo and graffiti artist—he doesn’t look like a traditional fine artist—and yet he’s now beloved, breaking records all over, and he’s one of Park West’s top sellers.

We do these seminars to give people an education on art and art history, but, when it comes to collecting, the most important thing is… people should collect the kind of art that they love. My team and I want to hear about what guests love about a work of art, what draws them to it, and then we can give them background on the artist, why they created the work, and figure out if it’s a good fit. Additionally, Prima passengers can look forward to our really special Thomas Kinkade seminar and our “Art of Collecting” seminar, which discusses the different levels of collecting, explaining the various kinds of art we offer, and what makes something a true one-of-a-kind work of art.

The Park West Prima gallery has huge video screens that play videos featuring our artists and provide updates on all the arts programming throughout the cruise.

How much artwork is on board Prima and is there any art that is exclusive to Prima?

Jared Hamer: There are currently over 600 works of art and 50 sculptures on board Norwegian Prima right now, but our collection is growing. One thing about Prima is that we have a unique collection that you won’t find on any other ship. Our Peter Max serigraph collection is totally unique to Prima, for example. We personally curate our collection, because we want to create a boutique experience for our guests. So, if you’re new to collecting or even if you have a house full of Park West art, you can come tour the Prima gallery, talk to us, and we’ll help you find something you haven’t seen before or can’t get anywhere else. And, because we have such a great collection on Prima, we will be changing out the artwork in the gallery daily, giving guests new colors, shapes, figures, and sculptures to see every single day of their cruise.

You can find new art featured every day in Prima’s onboard Park West gallery.

Where will the auctions be held on Norwegian Prima?

Jared Hamer: The art auctions will be held on Deck 6 forward in the stately and stunning Commodore Room, beneath the art gallery. We will move all the tables and chairs around in this exquisite dining room. It’s the largest auction venue we have, in fact, larger than any of the Breakaway Class ships. It’s comfortable, quiet, and beautiful—perfect for art auctions at sea!

Prima’s extravagant Commodore Room is where Park West’s art auctions at sea take place

What else is in store as Prima cruises around the world?

Jared Hamer: It’s very exciting to be on board a ship that will be visiting so many different ports—from Iceland to Alaska and, of course, the Caribbean. It’s a different experience in every port. In Iceland, you might find yourself sipping champagne after an art auction while you watch the Northern Lights! It’s incredible.

Prima’s Ocean Boulevard Concourse offers unbeatable views while at sea

We want to incorporate the feel of all the different ports in our art gallery too. For example, when we’re in Alaska, we’ll definitely be showcasing artists like Pat McManus who paints North American wildlife—eagles, caribou, and polar bears—because his art is just a perfect reflection of that environment.

No matter where we are in the world, the Prima Art Team is going to make your voyage an extraordinary experience.

Doesn’t it seem like the perfect time to book a cruise on Norwegian Prima… and visit Park West and Jared while you’re on board?

If you have a cruise booked on Prima or any other cruise ship, Park West can make your vacation at sea extra special. Simply tell us what ship you’ll be on and when you’ll be traveling, and you’ll receive a complimentary $100 art credit plus a free gift when you check-in at the onboard art gallery. Click HERE to register for your next cruise adventure!

The post Inside the Park West Gallery on Norwegian Prima with Auctioneer Jared Hamer appeared first on Park West Gallery.

The Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery in Honolulu has launched its second-annual “Made in Hawaii” artist competition, searching for the best local artists in Hawaii! The lucky winner will be offered a year-long contract and the opportunity to showcase their original art at the Waikiki fine art museum and gallery for a special three-month exhibition.

The Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery in Honolulu

“We were so delighted to see the incredible talent and creativity displayed by last year’s Made in Hawaii participants,” said Arturo Torrez, Director of Park West Hawaii. “This year, we will welcome another Hawaii artist to our Park West Gallery ohana and showcase their work in our gallery alongside masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and other giants of art history.”

Submissions are now open and will close on Sunday, October 9 at 11:59pm HST. Legal residents of Hawaii who are at least 18 years old are invited to participate. Eligible participants can enter the competition by submitting images of three original works of art—whether a drawing, painting, print, collage, or illustration—via email.

To enter, you MUST be 18 years or older and a resident of the State of Hawaii. All you need to do is email 3 images of your art to madeinhawaii@parkwestgallery.com 

Submission emails must contain no more than 3 examples of your art and the email (w/ attachments) cannot be more than 15 MB. Emails that do not follow these guidelines will be deleted.

The submission deadline is 11:59 HST on October 9, 2022. 10 finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges. The full contest rules and regulations are available to review on the Park West Hawaii website now.

Made in Hawaii 2021 Semi-Finalists on display last year at Park West Hawaii

Once the submission period is over, representatives from Park West Gallery will select the contest’s Top 10 semi-finalists. The Oahu public will then have the chance to decide the next round of the competition—all 10 artists will be displayed at Park West Waikiki, and the public will be able to visit the artwork in-person and vote for their favorites.

The three artists with the most votes will become the contest’s Final 3 artists. The ultimate winner will then be selected by a panel of judges, including Park West executives and local Hawaii dignitaries. A reception at the Waikiki gallery to celebrate the winner and all of the finalists will follow.

More Made in Hawaii 2021 Semi-Finalists on display

The winner of the inaugural 2021 “Made in Hawaii” competition was Oahu artist Chris Sebo. Chosen out of hundreds of submissions, Sebo’s vivid and surrealistic artwork is based on Hawaii’s scenery where he says art lovers will “find paradise through my eyes.”

Oahu’s Chris Sebo was the winner of Park West’s Made in Vegas artist competition

Park West Gallery Hawaii, located at the famous Waikiki Beach Walk, is open daily from 10am-10pm. For more information about visiting, visit www.parkwestgallery.com/hawaii or call 808-859-4871.

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Las Vegas artist Michael Godard knows how to make news. His exhibitions sell out all over the world, he was named the official artist for the Las Vegas Raiders, and, last weekend, he broke records at Park West Gallery’s live-streaming online art auctions.

Michael Godard during a visit last year to the Park West Museum

We’ve hosted Godard on our online auctions before, but, right from the start, there was something unique about his appearance at our September 1 auction weekend.

It all began when Godard broadcast live from his home studio dressed as TV art icon Bob Ross, complete with Ross’ giant hair and “happy trees” catchphrase. Godard was giving the audience an irreverent preview of his art collection for the weekend and, as a result, collectors turned up in record numbers.

Park West’s Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro interviews… Bob Ross… apparently

It became apparent that the weekend was going to be something special when a brand-new work by Godard titled “Balancing Act” shattered Park West’s previous record for the most works of a single image sold by any artist in a single day.

The demand for “Balancing Act” was completely unprecedented, selling 194 copies to enthusiastic collectors, and the original published painting that the work was based on sold for over $65,000 during the weekend.

“Balancing Act” by Michael Godard

Godard also used our September 1 auction weekend to debut his new “Hearts of Hope” painting. For years, Godard has regularly created new paintings featuring inspirational heart designs and proceeds from the sale of those paintings are donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The original of Godard’s new 2022 “Hearts of Hope” sold for nearly $100,000 this past weekend with over 30 graphic editions of the design selling to excited collectors as well.

“Hearts of Hope 2022” by Michael Godard

“There aren’t many artists who have a bigger heart than Michael Godard,” said Park West Principal Auctioneer Jordan Sitter. “His commitment to philanthropy is inspiring, and it’s just another reason why people love his art so much. He’s an electrifying presence, and the way the audience reacted to him this weekend proves that.”

Sitter, who’s been an auctioneer with Park West for over 20 years, also became part of the fun this weekend. Because Godard came to the preview show dressed as Bob Ross, Sitter showed up to the Saturday auction dressed as Godard complete with a wig, bandana, and painted-on tattoos.

Sitter got the “tattoos” during Michigan’s annual Arts, Beats, & Eats Festival—the designs included Godard’s signature olives and the name “Albert” in a heart as a tribute to Park West Founder Albert Scaglione.

Park West’s collectors lit up social media as the auction weekend progressed, praising Godard’s new artwork and the lively tone set by Sitter and his weekend co-host, Park West’s Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro.

“It’s always a party when Michael Godard shows up,” said Sitter. “He goes out of his way to make our online collecting events special for our guests and, as you can tell by his record-breaking weekend, they love it.”

Other artists featured at our September 1 auction weekend included contemporary artists like Ashton Howard, Hunt Slonem, and Marko Mavrovich and art world legends like Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Joan Miro.

Remember—you can easily sign up for our upcoming auction weekends by simply filling out our interest form HERE. Who knows who will show up next weekend?

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Norwegian Prima docked and ready to take on travelers in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Norwegian Prima, NCL’s latest cruise ship and the first of the company’s new “Prima” class, was christened in Reykjavik, Iceland last week, and the celebration was out of this world. Prima’s first voyage was commemorated by a series of amazing events culminating in stellar live performances from Eurovision 2021 star and Icelandic rock hero Dadi Fryer and Prima’s superstar Godmother, the one and only Katy Perry.

Park West Gallery was proud to be a part of Prima’s christening—our onboard gallery and live auction events will an essential aspect of the Prima experience as the ship sails across Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Global superstar and godmother of Norwegian Prima, Katy Perry, joins Norwegian Cruise Line executives in Reykjavik, Iceland to officially christen and name NCL’s 18th vessel in its leading-edge Prima Class.

What’s so special about NCL Prima? This first-in-class vessel takes cruising to new heights. And we almost mean that literally because there’s actually a three-deck go-kart track on top of the ship. Everything about Prima is designed to make the guest experience bigger and better. It has the largest outdoor space in the fleet, stellar a la cart specialty dining, a sculpture garden, and a world class adaptable theater, among many other amenities. It also has one of the most impressive onboard art galleries that Park West has ever created, all curated and maintained by our Prima Art Team and Principal Auctioneer Jared Hamer.

The nine-day christening cruise took industry professionals from Iceland to Cork, Ireland, the south coast of England, and to D-Day sights along the north coast of France via Le Havre, before gently turning east and heading into Amsterdam from the North Sea. Among the honored guests were John Karay, Park West’s Executive Vice President of Cruise Ship Operations, and Mandi Romine, Park West’s Director of Shipboard Operations.

The Park West team—including Jared Hamer, Mandi Romine, and John and Ann Karay—enjoys their stop in Cork, Ireland.

Throughout the voyage, Park West’s onboard gallery on deck 7 was shining like Katy Perry’s “Firework,” with a fantastic new collection of art from icons like Romero Britto, Mark Kostabi, Peter Max, Kre8, LEBO, and more.

Some of the Park West art on display during Prima’s inaugural cruising.

While Perry’s massive christening performance on the Prima Theater stage kicked off the festivities with a bang, the final evening of the sailing brought down the house with a concert by the “Queen of Funk” and 10-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan and Kool and the Gang as the Prima made its way across the English Channel.

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND: Katy Perry delights the audience at her Prima inaugural concert on August 27, 2022 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Norwegian Cruise Line)

In addition to highlighting global superstars like Katy Perry, Norwegian also showed their true commitment to authentic local arts programming before Prima even left Reykjavik during a glittering “Art of Iceland” cocktail party and performance inside the city’s fabulous Harpan concert hall. Local artist Hadda Fjóla Reykdal displayed her wonderfully evocative paintings of Icelandic nature and painted live for all to admire. Outside of the concert hall, the inaugural guests—including wide-eyed influencers, journalists, travel agents, and NCL executives—were greeted by Otto Magnusson’s shimmering ice sculptures and fire dancers Axel Diego and Alda Brynja. Together, they showcased Iceland’s famous fire and ice duopoly on the pavement outside the venue.

The main stage performances that evening consisted of Crevasses, a striking modern dance work from the Iceland Dance Company, a concert by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and a stirring finale by Bríet, a musical artist blending Scandinavian pop with country music. Her album Kvedja won album of the year at the 2021 Icelandic Music Awards and her electrifying stage show involved her rising high into the air in a 60-foot white wedding dress.

Bríet sails into the sky during her performance for Prima’s christening at Reykjavik’s Harpan concert hall.

The inaugural sailing of Norwegian Prima was a spectacular event celebrating a truly spectacular ship. Park West is thrilled to be a part of this innovative cruise ship and we can’t wait to show travelers around the world everything that Prima (and Park West) has to offer!

Want to know more about Prima? Click here to read our exclusive interview with Park West’s Principal Auctioneer on Prima, Jared Hamer, where he provides some insight into what passengers can expect from Prima’s onboard gallery and auctions on future sailings—we have big plans!

Until then, if you are planning a cruise on Prima or any other cruise ship, Park West can make your vacation at sea extra special! Simply tell us what ship you’ll be on and when you’ll be traveling, and you’ll receive a complimentary $100 art credit plus a free gift when you check-in at the onboard gallery. Click HERE to register for your next cruise adventure!

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The Park West experience is defined by entertainment, our unique collection of artists, and most importantly—our talented onboard Art Teams. This month, we’re spotlighting Lloyd Flay, a seasoned Park West auctioneer making waves on board one of the newest ships navigating the high seas, Celebrity Beyond.

Previous ships as an Auctioneer:
Carnival (CCL) Fantasy, CCL Sunshine, Carnival Valor, Royal Caribbean (RCI) Brilliance of the Seas, CCL Vista, RCI Explorer of the Seas, RCI Freedom of the Seas, Celebrity Reflection, Norwegian Bliss, and RCI Symphony of the Seas

Current ship:
Celebrity Beyond

Where is your hometown?
I’m originally from the capital of Wales, Cardiff, but now I’m lucky enough to call New York City home!

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer?
I became an auctioneer back in 2014, so soon I’ll be hitting the 10-year mark! Prior to working with Park West, I worked with brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe for nearly 7 years. Believe it or not, my aspiration was to become a watchmaker, which is in very stark contrast to what I do now. My passion for art has always been present, and I was a self-employed graphic designer. I’d never been a public speaker of any kind, but under the company’s superb mentorship, we had all of that ironed out in just three months and I was auctioneering in no time.

Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?

This is always such a challenge. I can find something I appreciate in almost every type of artwork, and those things are usually vastly different from one another. If I had to pick one artist, alive or not, it HAS to be Pablo Picasso himself. It’s a firm belief of mine that anyone who isn’t a fan of Picasso, just hasn’t found the work they love yet! He’s a true virtuoso and his influence will last an eternity.

What is your favorite client memory?

With so many wonderful clients to choose from—week-in, week-out—it’s a very tough question, but there’s one recent memory that really sticks out as special. I had a good friend that I worked with on board the NCL Bliss whose family cruised with us for one week of the charter. Since she was helping us out at the auction, her family decided to attend our events on that cruise to spend more time with her. To everyone’s surprise, her father bid on a pair of large Britto sculptures on the very last day with the plan of donating them to a children’s hospital! It’s good to know those two sculptures are going somewhere that they’ll bring joy to so many people.

Out of all of your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port?

I absolutely love some of the ports in Europe, especially Valetta and Rhodes! There’s so much to do. They’re both so unique and gorgeous with so much history. An honorable mention is the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia and its one-of-a-kind tropical paradise.

What does a day/life look like when you’re at home or not working?
I’m a very proud father to the most amazing three-year-old, so I spend as much precious time with him as I possibly can. Otherwise, I adore walking around New York City without too much planning ahead of time just to see what grabs me. I also have a huge newfound love for Broadway and musical theatre thanks to a very, very special person I’ve met on my travels. So special in fact I’ll be marrying her at the very earliest opportunity! (Don’t worry, she knows.)

Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

My concept of time at sea is completely different from what most people would consider “normal.” Without weekends to break things up, you blink, and three months have passed.

Similarly, it can go very slowly if you start making tally marks on your cabin wall (p.s. don’t do that, the housekeeping team won’t like it one bit). That, coupled with the constant changes, adventures, and challenges, makes for a somewhat different perception of time!

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or share with collectors?

There are many collectors that I’ve stayed in touch with over the years, but also many I have not. I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank every last one of them for keeping art alive and being a part of this job that I love so much.

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Abroad on Facebook.

Visit Art Auctions Abroad to learn more about careers with Park West Gallery on our exciting cruise ship programs.

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Voting is now OPEN for Made in Vegas 2022! Artwork from all of the Top 10 Finalists for Park West Gallery’s Made in Vegas artist competition is now on display at Park West Vegas in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Until September 11, Park West is inviting the Las Vegas community to visit the Top 10 exhibition and vote for their favorite local artist.

To kick off the two-week-long exhibition, Park West Vegas’ Assistant Gallery Director Isabella Kowalski appeared on KTNV’s The Morning Blend to showcase artwork from last year’s Made in Vegas winner, Kat Tatz, and encourage the Las Vegas community to come out and vote.

After reviewing hundreds of submissions from talented fine artists all over Las Vegas, our expert panel of judges hand-selected 10 finalists to exhibit for public in-person voting.

When the two-week Top 10 exhibition concludes on September 11 at 9 pm, the public’s votes will determine the Final 3 artists in this year’s competition. The ultimate winner will then be chosen by a panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives.

The winning artist will be offered a prestigious, year-long contract with Park West Gallery and 3-month-long exhibition at our Las Vegas gallery where their artwork will hang alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and other art world legends.

The Top 10 Finalists include:

• Lidia Kirov – https://www.instagram.com/lidiakirov/
• The Art of Oz – https://www.facebook.com/TheArtofOzOfficial
• Chris Elliman – https://daftpixel.com/
• Dray – https://draystudio.square.site/
• Ziggy O’Leary – https://www.ziggysartstudio.com/
• Ken Flanagan – https://www.kenflanaganart.com/
• Ben Lerman – https://www.thedreamingcanvas.com/
• Kayla Patriquin – https://www.instagram.com/rizoquinn3
• Cody Munier – https://www.instagram.com/muniertheartist/
• John Gamble – https://www.facebook.com/GambleART

The Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery Las Vegas has two locations in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. You can find our Level One location near the Casino Entrance/Valet Parking by the Spiral Escalator, close to RPM Italian. Our second location, where voting is currently being held, is on Level Two near the Spiral Escalator.

Current hours of operation are 10 am to 9 pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10 am to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. For more information, please visit ParkWestVegas.com or call 702-630-1037.

The post Public Voting Opens for Park West Gallery’s Made in Vegas 2022 Artist Competition appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Hundreds of submissions were received for the second annual art competition, with local artists competing for the chance to be offered a year-long contract with the world’s largest art dealer and the opportunity to display their winning works inside the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery on the Las Vegas Strip

The Top 10 will be narrowed down to the Final 3 with in-person voting taking place from Monday, August 29 through Sunday, September 11.

Park West Gallery Las Vegas has revealed the top-10 finalists for its second annual Made in Vegas art competition! Hand-picked from hundreds of submissions, representing thousands of works of original fine art created by the most talented and innovative artists living in Las Vegas, the Made in Vegas finalists now have a one-in-ten shot to be offered a prestigious, year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer.

In addition, the winning artist will have the opportunity to display their work on the walls of Park West Gallery at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and other art world legends.

The Las Vegas community now has the opportunity to make their voices heard, as the competition will shift to in-person public voting to narrow the field down to three. The ultimate winner will then be chosen by a panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives.

The Top 10 finalists’ work will be displayed inside Park West Gallery at the Forum Shops inside Caesars Palace with public voting taking place from Monday, August 29 through Sunday, September 11!

The Top 10 finalists are:

Benjamin Lerman

Chris Elliman

Cody Munier

Dray

John Gamble

Kayla Patriquin

Ken Flanagan

Lidia Kirov

Ziggy O’Leary

Zoltan (The Art of OZ)

Please join us in congratulating these 10 amazing artists and, if you’re in the Vegas area, be sure to drop by Park West Las Vegas to vote for your favorite from Monday, August 29 through Sunday, September 11!

Park West Gallery has two locations at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, please visit ParkWestVegas.com or call 702-630-1037. Keep up with Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at @ParkWestGallery.

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Earlier this year, one of today’s most famous contemporary artists held a special exhibition in Tennessee, and the results were spectacular.

Park West Gallery and the Park West Foundation were proud to sponsor “Mark Kostabi: Provocateur & Healer” at the Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center in Hendersonville, Tennessee this past May and June. While the Nashville area may seem like an odd fit for an artist so closely tied to New York City, even Mark Kostabi had to admit that Monthaven was an ideal venue for his artwork, calling it “the best show I’ve ever had.”

You can hear Kostabi’s thoughts on “Provocateur & Healer” and take an inside look at this fantastic exhibition in this exclusive video:

“Mark Kostabi: Provocateur & Healer” featured 42 paintings, all created in the 21st century, by the internationally recognized artist who was one of the key players in New York’s East Village art scene of the 1980s. As a young artist, Kostabi took his cues from Andy Warhol, whose “Factory” was a prototype for making art according to a business model.

Early on, Kostabi developed a practice of employing a team of creative thinkers and skilled technicians to assist him in the production of his art. Interested in getting feedback from potential audiences about “what to paint,” Kostabi conducted market research by showing his sketches around, inviting comments and suggestions about his imagery and ideas. This led to building his own style or “brand,” which consists of faceless figures who engage in allegorical or metaphorical narratives.

Park West Gallery’s Executive Vice President John Block, Park West Founder and CEO Albert Scaglione, and artist Mark Kostabi at the opening for “Provocateur & Healer”

In 1988 he expanded his enterprising approach by founding a production facility, known as “Kostabi World.” More recently, he developed a TV game show where participants title his paintings.

In “Provocateur & Healer,” Kostabi’s anonymous figures were placed in situations that invited viewers to reflect upon a wide range of topics, including art history, the art market, music, the environment, politics, technology, recreation, spirituality, and love. The works also explored human attributes such as isolation, desire, alienation, greed, and faith.

Executed mostly in bright and sometimes psychedelic colors, Kostabi’s paintings possess an aesthetic sensibility that reflects the high-tech domination of the 21st century.

By all accounts, his debut at the Monthaven Arts Center was a triumph, introducing a whole new generation of art lovers to the signature Mark Kostabi style.

If you are interested in collecting the art of Mark Kostabi, you can attend one of our weekly online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (866) 603-4499 ext. 4 during business hours or sales@parkwestgallery.com.

The post Mark Kostabi Calls Monthaven Exhibition “The Best Show I’ve Ever Had”: VIDEO appeared first on Park West Gallery.

After years spent studying around the globe, Nano Lopez emerged as one of the greatest contemporary sculptors, but Nano’s evolution as an artist began long before that – learning at the feet of his grandmother back in his home country of Columbia.

You can watch Nano describe the origins of his art career in his own words in this wide-ranging conversation with Park West’s Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro:

During the all-encompassing interview, Nano describes his grandmother as his very first artistic influence because she, herself, was an artist and even served as the director at the Museum of Art in Bogota. She loved experimenting with ceramics, wood carving, and sculpture, and had a great passion for the art of the Old Masters. This fascination meant that Nano grew up around examples of the European greats.

While Nano’s father was not an artist, his talent as a chemical engineer also contributed to the early development of Nano’s love for art. Nano credits his sense of adventure to the long trips they would take into the Amazon Forest together – often spending 15 days in the jungle at a time. These experiences instilled a deep love of nature in him, and this impactful time exploring the outside world would shape (pun intended) his career as a sculptor.

“Henry, Stella & the Twins” by Nano Lopez

Nano says that his first love was for anatomy—learning from the masters like Michelangelo and Bernini—and that, as a teenager, he too was starting to sculpt the human figure in stone. Nano began enhancing his figurative sculptures with organic elements like rocks and tree bark, strengthening his art in its creative inclusion of the natural world. He also began to add letters and numbers, elements that held no deeper meaning at first, but Nano admits that these features later served to reflect civilization and human history, noting to Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro that it now represents “literature or mathematics, it’s all of it.”

Today, Nano is best known for his bronze sculptures, lovingly dubbed “Nanimals,” that Park West collectors adore. They blend powerful animal imagery with evocative and whimsical adornments, splashes of bold, unexpected color, and joyful expression of movement. “What I really love with the animals is their sense of purity, their directness, and their innocence,” Nano explained. 

“Eighteen (Micro)” by Nano Lopez

When his human figures weren’t attracting interest at the beginning of his career, Nano made a cat—a simple cat. A gallery liked it, and so did its patrons. Once he started adding other aspects like numbers and organic elements into his work, the sculptures evolved beyond just animals.

While galleries initially urged Nano to keep his work rooted in traditional bronze colors, the artist soon began to draw on his Colombian roots and incorporated the bold, vivid colors found in his hometown.

“Bobby” by Nano Lopez

Sometimes people ask Nano, “When do you know a piece is done?” When he was asked by Senior Gallery Director Shapiro, Nano’s responded, “It’s almost like digging your hands into the earth and just feeling around until you feel what you were looking for… It’s more a feeling than a visual thing. You see the piece is finished. Why? I don’t know, I just feel, right? And it’s still an abstract feeling.”

Nano’s art is still evolving, but at the core of what he does today, there remains a deep connection to beauty, innocence, nature, and his childhood in Columbia with his adventurous father and artistic grandmother. 

“Ema Mia” by Nano Lopez

To start collecting the sculptures of Nano Lopez, attend one of our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.

The post VIDEO: Nano Lopez Talks About How He Sculpted His Art Career appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Brothers Mark and Paul Kostabi are two of the most talented contemporary artists working today. They both have had artwork exhibited across the world, but as children, their first introduction to the big wide world came from an unlikely source—the World Book Encyclopedia.

Listen to the Kostabi brothers talk about their early education and more in this new exclusive interview with Park West Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro:

Their wide-ranging conversation touches on a number of subjects, including the brothers’ childhood and the early education they received from library books and the family encyclopedia.

Reflecting on his childhood, Mark Kostabi remembers how he “scoured those books, saw drawings of [corporate] board meetings,” and began to draw those scenes in his own style. “I was developing the style I’m known for [now]. I would add irony, and people would say about my drawings, ‘How can you have so much insight for such a young person? You must have an old soul.’ I was making commentary about the corporate world, but I didn’t really know what I was doing. I just liked the way the board meetings looked in the encyclopedia. And I didn’t realize how influential those books were until now!”

Mark also noted that “our parents were both very cultured, both were musicians. Our father made thousands of drawings, and he didn’t show them in galleries, but he would draw all the time. Paul has incorporated some of those drawings in his paintings.” Meanwhile, their mother would play classical music for three hours every morning in her role as a professional piano teacher. 

After moving from California to the East Coat, Paul Kostabi mentioned that both brothers “were still battling the regular youthful [concerns] of the time while growing up. So, we learned a lot about the East Coast and the Eastern way through these books. And that’s sort of what prompted me to start playing music and learning about punk rock and rock and roll.”

“Remember When” by Paul Kostabi

The encyclopedia’s influence on Paul came to the forefront in high school where he was a cartoonist for the school newspaper. Unlike his brother Mark, who began drawing constantly at an early age, Paul was still learning to draw. So while Paul was the official cartoonist, Mark (who conveniently attended a different school) would sometimes draw the cartoons for him. This brotherly partnership would birth a comic strip inspired by punk rock fanzines that Paul titled “Polyphonic Assemblages.” Meanwhile, Mark also drew a comic strip for his own school newspaper called “Megalomaniacal Regurgitations.”

“Swift Action” by Mark Kostabi

When asked what art movements interested them as children, Paul remarked, “We probably didn’t know about pop art at that time because the encyclopedia probably did not have the term yet!” Mark Kostabi originally wanted to draw comic books for Marvel or DC, but that changed once he discovered the pre-Raphaelites. Later on, Mark learned about pop art from books he found at the La Habra Public library. He found minimalism and conceptual art appealing, but the most intrigued by, “This guy named Andy Warhol. . . That’s where I learned about pop art, not the encyclopedia.”

By the time he got to art school at Cal State Fullerton, he had immersed himself in conceptual art and already knew about Andy Warhol. Mark found him fascinating, and Warhol was one of the first icons he met after moving to New York in 1982 – two years before his brother Paul would join him in the Big Apple.

Thankfully, you don’t need an encyclopedia to discover and collect the art of Mark and Paul Kostabi.

All you need to do is register for our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (866) 648-7405 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

The post Interview: Mark and Paul Kostabi Discuss Their Introduction to the Art World appeared first on Park West Gallery.

At Park West, we hear it all the time— collectors love our onboard Art Teams!

That’s why, every month, we take time to highlight one of our most enthusiastic, entertaining, and dedicated auctioneers. In this spotlight, we invite you to meet Nicholas Mitchell, who is currently sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for art with Park West collectors onboard Norwegian Joy!

Current Ship: NCL Joy

Where is your hometown?

Cape Town, South Africa

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer?

I previously worked in business, sales, marketing, and training systems development as part of a large corporate business in the United Kingdom & South Africa. This certainly gave me the scope to see what exactly a business needs to grow and be successful.

I studied art in school and always had a passion for it, but I couldn’t paint or draw. When I learned that there was an abundance of business opportunities in the art world, it made perfect sense to combine my passions, interests, and experiences, and begin a career in art. I joined the world’s largest art dealer, Park West Gallery, in 2017 and became a Principal Auctioneer in 2019, and it has been life-changing in every way.

Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?

This is a tough question for all art dealers since we are surrounded by incredible artists every day. I need to choose two for different reasons: Peter Max for his colors and 50-year legacy as an iconic artist, and Salvador Dali for his dreamy, strange, and wonderful surrealism that he conjured up through unique methods. I really feel like these two artists are second to none in their respective styles.

What is your favorite client memory?

I really enjoy hunting for rare masterworks for collectors. I enjoy obsessing about the collection they are aiming to build.

There was one time when a collector showed interest in a Marc Chagall lithograph titled “Le Fleuve.” I researched all the provenance, broke down the subject matter, and helped the collector decide on how this artwork would be featured in their collection. Finding this artwork and seeing it proudly featured in the client’s home was the most satisfying experience.

Out of all your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port?

Without a doubt, my favorite port is Bermuda. We generally have more than one day at that port and it is charming in every way. The ocean is crystal blue, the beaches have clean sand, and it has a long-standing and interesting history.

What does a day/life look like when you’re at home or not working?

I spend my free time riding motorbikes on both dirt and road trails around the outskirts of my city. Just getting to these mountainous paths can be an adventure in itself. I also like annoying my dogs, having my family over for braais (South African barbeques), and working in my garden.

Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

Working together, living in the same traveling home, and enjoying life in remarkable destinations around the world with people from many different walks of life allows one to have an open mind. This mindset is the gift that keeps on giving and becomes profoundly impactful on your outlook on life.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or share with collectors?

I’d like to thank all our collectors for sharing their passion and energy for art collecting with us. See you at the next Park West Gallery auction!

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Interested in learning more about starting a career hosting art auctions on cruise ships? Visit Art Auctions Abroad for more details.

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While Park West’s is consistently present on the biggest, best, and newest cruise ships worldwide, each vessel’s own art gallery and unique offerings will vary.

Passengers on board the brand new Celebrity Beyond will find the fabulous Park West art gallery on deck five. Once inside, they will meet our cheerful art team who will direct their attention to a marvelous Pablo Picasso etching from his famed Vollard Suite and an array of his ceramics. Moving through the long hallway of fine art, guests will discover delightful LEBO sculptures, one-of-a-kind Michael Milkin’s masterful birch tree paintings, and Peter Max classics. 

Celebrity Beyond is one of the very first ships to be outfitted with an interactive, high-tech touchscreen in the art gallery. Using this screen, curious guests can browse the entire onboard art collection, view paintings and sculptures up close, discover the ever-growing family of Park West artists through incredible videos detailing their work and life stories, and even request works to feature at the next auction.  

As a Celebrity Beyond passenger, you can receive personalized, one-on-one art advice from Park West’s experts during a private consultation. Our knowledgeable, warm, and friendly art team will help you find the perfect work of art for yourself or a loved one.

Whether you are adding to your existing collection or just started learning about art, a free consultation will enhance your knowledge of the art world, and remind you than an art degree isn’t necessary to love fine art. Anyone can have the desire to collect fine art that speaks to you, your passions, and your interests.  

True to its name, this ship this magnificent ship truly goes above and Beyond, exceeding every expectation a traveler may have about vacationing at sea. The vessel’s design is mind-blowing in its fluidity, power, and offerings. Daniel Boulud’s Le Voyage restaurant is where guests embark on a culinary journey, the Solarium is an escape where adults can find a moment of peace, and Park West Gallery allows passengers to discover fine artists from around the world. 

Let us make your next cruise vacation extra special! Pre-register for your next cruise and receive a complimentary $100 art credit plus a gift when you check-in at the onboard art gallery. 

Follow Park West Gallery on social media and post your cruise photos with #ParkWestAbroad!

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Famed Abstract Expressionist Tim Yanke and Miami art superstar Kre8 were both appearing at a VIP collecting event in Park West’s hometown of Southfield, Michigan. The guests got a tour of the Park West Museum, they got wined and dined at the luxurious Townsend Hotel, but Kre8 and Yanke also wanted to give the collectors in attendance something they’d never forget.

Kre8 and Tim Yanke in Yanke’s studio in Birmingham, Michigan

So, they decided to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind painting that they’d offer at the event, and they even invited Detroit’s local ABC News station to help document its creation.

You can watch the full segment from WXYZ Detroit ABC News here:

How did they get started? Well, since Tim is from the Detroit area, he took Kre8 to one of his favorite local art stories to pick up supplies.

Kre8 and Tim go shopping

Next, they chose their subject matter. They decided to do a variation on one of Tim’s most iconic images—the headdress—but with a definite Kre8 twist.

Working on the design

Kre8 started by preparing the canvas. His best-selling paintings are well known for how they juxtapose their black-and-white backgrounds with vivid explosions of color. Once the canvas was set, Tim painted a spectacular version of his popular headdress design, but without the feathers that he usually incorporates into the final composition.

Preparing the canvas

Instead, Kre8 provided the feathers with his trademark blasts of color, which he applied to the canvas live during the ABC News segment.

Adding that Kre8 splash of color

Both artists tweaked and refined their additions, working side-by-side, until they were both happy with the final product. The end result was the perfect hybrid of a Tim Yanke and Kre8 painting, presenting the best of both worlds.

The final work

The VIP weekend was a huge success. In addition to Kre8 and Tim, there was also an appearance by the world-famous Michael Godard! Park West Founder and CEO Albert Scaglione even took collectors on a personal tour of the newly expanded Park West Museum.

All in all, it was an incredible weekend!

Two artists, covered in paint, at the end of a successful collaboration

If you’re interested in collecting art by Tim Yanke or Kre8, you can register for our weekly live online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.

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The art world suffered a true tragedy this month with the unexpected passing of the acclaimed French artist Emile Bellet. He passed peacefully on July 1, 2022, survived by Ile, his wife, and millions of collectors and fans.

Bellet had been a part of the Park West Gallery family for decades, and his signature style—with its trademark mysterious, ethereal women—harkened back to the work of the legendary 20^th-century Fauves like Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne, and Maurice de Vlaminck.

“Interieur Rouge” by Emile Bellet

Park West’s Executive Vice President John Block said that Bellet’s “concept of painting the ‘essence’ of woman rather than just one individual woman spoke volumes to Park West collectors around the world. Emile was a wonderful man, and he leaves behind a legacy of creativity, quality, and integrity.”

The late great Emile Bellet

Bellet was born in Provence, France in 1941. He began to paint at the age of fifteen, and by nineteen, he held his first exhibition. In 1976, his true career began when he was noticed by the prestigious Galerie Guigne in Paris. In 1978, he completed the stained-glass windows of the church “Notre Dame de Bon Voyage (Our Lady of Happy Travels)” in Port de Bouc. He was also commissioned by the Alpine Maritime Region to paint the work, “Travaux des Champs (Work in the Fields).”

He held numerous exhibitions in France—in Grenoble, Aix en Provence, Cannes, Marseille, Lyon, and Megeve—and internationally in Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Switzerland, Japan, and the United States. His impressive resume also includes illustrations for Les Cahiers d’Art (The Notebook of Art), Regards vers Ailleurs (A Look Beyond), and Empreintes (Printmaking).

Bellet at work in his studio

Bellet worked in oil on canvas and used a palette knife exclusively, preferring its expressive qualities and ability to create a heavy impasto to the more traditional approach of the brush. He was a master of the technique of original lithography and achieved an astonishing luminescence and color vitality as he interpreted his imagery from one medium to another.

“Douceur Bleue” by Emile Bellet

Park West’s Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro was a long-time friend of Bellet. He told us, “Emile Bellet was one of the most deeply artistic souls I ever met. Soft spoken, gentle, warm (like his colors), and sensitive. He radiated a peaceful calm that shined through completely in his elegant and poetic paintings.”

Park West Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro and Emile Bellet

Shapiro said, “Emile found his bliss in a manner unlike any other artist I’ve known. Gardening in the mornings, painting in the afternoons, spending time with his family, he lived a life full of creative expression and gave birth to his own artistic message. I will miss him, but I’m heartened for those who knew him, and the many collectors who embraced his work and brought his art into their lives. We are all richer for the gifts he gave us and for the life he lived.”

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Leave it to Tim Yanke to create a truly unforgettable experience for his art collectors!

The world-renowned Abstract Expressionist Tim Yanke recently invited 11 of his VIP collectors to his lively, paint-splattered studio in Birmingham, Michigan, after they privately toured the nearby Park West Museum with Principal Auctioneer Jason Betteridge.

Artist Tim Yanke proudly watches a collector add her own contribution to a work of art in his studio.

During the visit, Yanke had the brilliant idea of having his collectors create their own collaborative abstract painting right there in the studio. He enthusiastically encouraged each visitor—including Mr. Betteridge—to grab a brush and make their mark on the canvas!

Auctioneer Cole Waters (left) enjoys watching Jason Betteridge step onto the other side of the podium and try his hand at making some art.

If the personal tour and opportunity to paint with one of their favorite artists wasn’t enough, Yanke had one more surprise for this special group of art lovers.

Principal Auctioneer Jason Betteridge (left) poses with a group of Tim Yanke collectors about to take a VIP tour of the Park West Museum.

When the late master artist Itzchak Tarkay visited Detroit in 2012, he set up a workspace in Yanke’s studio to mentor the younger artist. Expecting to return later and continue his work, Tarkay left a box of art supplies in Yanke’s studio. But, as many know, Tarkay unexpectedly passed away during that trip in 2012, leaving his paint tubes in Yanke’s care.

Yanke had not touched the paint since Tarkay’s last visit, but this was a special occasion. Yanke fished out the tubes from the back of his studio to show his visitors and, while the paint had almost completely dried out, there was still enough viscosity for the collectors to dip their fingers in the pigment and even add a swipe of Tarkay’s trademark colors to their large collaborative canvas.

Tim Yanke mentors a young art enthusiast as she works on their collaborative painting in Yanke’s studio.

Park West is thrilled that we were able to create this opportunity for Tim Yanke’s collectors to spend some one-on-one time with the artist before one of our legendary VIP collecting weekends. Bringing together people who love art with the artists who create that art is part of Park West’s DNA, and we relish the chance to create art experiences that people will cherish forever.

If you’re interested in collecting the art of Tim Yanke, you can contact Park West’s gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

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PARK WEST GALLERY IS ONCE AGAIN ON THE HUNT FOR LAS VEGAS’ NEXT GREAT ARTIST, WITH THE RETURN OF THE MADE IN VEGAS ARTIST COMPETITION

Las Vegas-based artists are invited to submit original works to the second annual Made in Vegas artist competition, for the chance to be offered a year-long contract and the opportunity to display their winning works inside the new Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery on the Las Vegas Strip

Submissions to be accepted beginning July 6, 2022 and will be voted upon by a panel of renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives.

Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery is once again on the hunt for Las Vegas’ next great artist, with the return of the Made in Vegas artist competition. Beginning Wednesday, July 6, Las Vegas-based artists are invited to submit their original works for the shot at a prestigious, year-long contract with Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, and the incredible opportunity to display their work alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and more.

“We were truly blown away by the overall quality, variety, and uniqueness of the Made in Vegas art submissions in 2021,” said Park West Gallery’s Executive Vice President John Block. “We were introduced to so many talented artists throughout the competition that we were able to add multiple new artists to the Park West Gallery family.”

The contest is only open to residents of Clark County, NV. Artists interested in participating in the Made in Vegas artist competition are invited to visit ParkWestVegas.com to learn how to submit three examples of their own original works of art. Artists will be asked to submit images of their artwork and accepted formats include drawings, paintings, prints, collages or illustrations. Submissions will be accepted between July 6, 2022 and July 24, 2022, and will be judged by a panel of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives.

Participating artists must be 18 years or older at the time of submission. For a full list of rules, regulations, and guidelines for the Made in Vegas artist competition, please visit ParkWestVegas.com

Park West Gallery has two locations at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, please visit ParkWestVegas.com or call 702-630-1037. Keep up with Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at @ParkWestGallery.

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Like father, like daughter! Sarah Wall, the incredible 14-year-old art prodigy—who also happens to be the daughter of famed Impressionist Daniel Wall—wowed collectors this week with a record-shattering sell-out performance at her first-ever in-person VIP event for Park West Gallery.

Sarah Wall and her proud father, Daniel Wall

Earlier this year, Sarah made her online debut at one of Park West’s live-streaming auction weekends, where she was an enormous hit with Park West collectors, selling out of her entire collection. But, on June 2, she finally premiered at a live event during a VIP European cruise on Celebrity Apex, and people will remember her first show forever!

Sarah sold out her first auction on Apex! In fact, her first work on the auction block more than tripled its opening bid during competitive bidding, and she even broke her personal record for the highest price ever paid for one of her original paintings, with a work selling for $48,000.

The event was made even more special when Daniel, Sarah’s proud father, took the stage to bring down the final gavel on the last work in her sold-out show. Daniel had tears in his eyes as he congratulated Sarah and thanked both Park West and Principal Auctioneer Jordan Sitter.

Daniel told the crowd that his own first-ever sold-out show, which occurred back in 2014, also happened on a European cruise and, by an amazing coincidence, also featured Sitter as the auctioneer. And guess who else was a guest on that cruise? A six-year-old Sarah Wall.

Sarah Wall watches Auctioneer Jordan Sitter get the bidding started

“What a talented family,” said Sitter. “Ever since his first sell-out show, Daniel has risen to become one of the most accomplished artists in contemporary art. Now, to watch Sarah explode onto the art scene and take the same trajectory as her father, it’s unbelievable. As the father of a daughter, I think I have a sense of how proud Daniel must be right now, both of Sarah’s incredible success and of her immense skill as an artist.”

Sarah’s big debut could not have taken place in a more idyllic setting. She joined a host of Park West artists on board Celebrity Apex as it cruised throughout Europe, stopping in Amsterdam, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Oslo, and points in between. Her fellow artists on the VIP cruise included her father Daniel and other greats like Orlando Quevedo, Stas Namin, Jon Rattenbury, and Viktor Shvaiko.

Sarah is currently the youngest artist in Park West’s family of world-renowned artists. Even at her early age, she’s created her own trademark style, which she calls “Nature’s Expressionism,” where she deftly incorporates wood grain, plant-based natural dyes, rose oil, mineral powder, and pearl powder into her paintings.

If you’re interested in collecting the art of Sarah Wall, you can contact Park West’s gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

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It’s the end of an era at Park West Gallery. Lisa Hershberger, the company’s long-time Director of National Phone and Internet Sales, is retiring after 27 years with Park West. Lisa is well-known and beloved by Park West clients—many refer to her as the “the calm voice on the other end of the phone.”

“Lisa has been an integral part of the Park West family for over 25 years,” said Albert Scaglione, Founder and CEO of Park West. “She’s a consummate professional and, throughout the years, has helped thousands of clients bring home works of art that will stay with their families for generations. I will greatly miss her intelligence and kindness, and I wish her all the best on everything yet to come.”

Lisa Hershberger at the Park West Museum, May 2022

Lisa first started with Park West back in 1995. She received her Bachelor of Arts, Fine and Studio Arts, at the University of California, Berkeley, and completed a year of Special Studies in Illustration at the California College of Arts and Crafts, in Oakland, California. She worked at several art galleries before eventually connecting with Park West Gallery.

Lisa was originally hired to assist Park West with expanding its national sales department, which would be run over the phone as email was still an emerging technology at the time. So, as Lisa began to connect with collectors all over the world via phone, she became a vital part of the team that helped grow Park West into the largest art dealer in the world.

She worked hand-in-hand with every department of the company, advertising traveling auctions, helping clients secure artwork, and even troubleshooting framing or shipping issues. As the company began to expand onto cruise ships and VIP events at hotels around the world, Lisa witnessed the exponential growth of Park West firsthand. “The first year we were on ships,” Lisa remembers. “I think we tripled in size that year.”

Even with all of the advances, Lisa remained a constant for Park West clients, connecting with them over the phone or by email and helping them find the perfect work of art. For years, she coordinated international and gallery sales, acting as art consultant for collectors who visit the Michigan gallery in person, call by phone, or reach out via email.

Several years ago, Lisa was asked who her favorite Park West artist was. She replied, “I don’t have a favorite. When I stand in front of a painting, it becomes the focus of my attention and speaks to me—or perhaps doesn’t, since not every work of art is a masterpiece taking on a life of its own but is rather a point in development.

“The standard of craftsmanship of Park West artists is so high that their ability to express their vision is almost uniformly excellent. Beyond that, there is the direct impact of the image on the viewer. No matter what kind of art you may have liked when you arrived here, exposure to our gifted artists will broaden your taste widely in time.”

When asked about Lisa’s time at Park West, Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro called Lisa “one of the most extraordinary people with whom I’ve ever worked in my 40+ years in the art world. Lisa has educated countless collectors and taken them tirelessly through the labyrinthine complexities of the art world. Her knowledge is in a league of its own. Her patience and professionalism have been unshakable. I am honored, and have been blessed, to call her a friend and colleague, and she will be deeply, deeply, missed by our clients, and the entire Park West family.”

The family aspect of Park West is one that will be particularly missed by Lisa.

She told us, “This is a really special group of people here that I’ve worked with all these years. They’ve been my family this whole time. This is a family-owned business, and Albert and Mitsie have taken such good care of me. I owe this place a lot. It made my years here very heartwarming and a wonderful place to be.”

Everyone at Park West Gallery—from our staff to our clients around the globe—congratulates Lisa on her amazing career and wishes her the best of luck in her new life adventure! Thank you, Lisa!

The post Park West Gallery Congratulates Lisa Hershberger on Her Retirement After 27 Years appeared first on Park West Gallery.

There is no shortage of art in and around fabulous Las Vegas. Two of the best art galleries on the Las Vegas Strip are Park West’s free-to-the-public museum and gallery locations in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Through their shining glass doors, guests will discover a plethora of fine art (including Pablo Picasso’s ceramics, Peter Max’s Pop art, and Vegas-native Michael Godard’s devilishly playful olives), and once a month, meet famous contemporary artists face-to-face!

Marcus Glenn at Park West Vegas (Credit: Yolanda Glenn)

One of these acclaimed artists—mixed-media mastermind Marcus Glenn—recently flew west from his Detroit home to host a special exhibition at Park West Vegas. Using a sundry of paper, fabrics, and other materials (either found locally or passed down from his family), Glenn creates textured works of art that evocatively blend jazz, vibrant color, and joyful movement. He invites collectors into fascinating new worlds where piano players tickle ivories that dance across the canvas, jazz ensembles burst off the wall, and museum-goers admire the work of Itzchak Tarkay and Pablo Picasso.

Those who attended Glenn’s exhibition at Park West Vegas enjoyed a presentation of his world-famous collage paintings and brand new sculptures. They also had the chance to meet the artist, ask questions, watch him paint live, and win some incredible prizes. One lucky fan even walked away with an original limited-edition, signed artwork from Marcus Glenn!

Marcus Glenn presenting the artwork to be given away at the raffle

Opportunities to be in the presence of one of the most widely collected contemporary artists do not come along often, but when they do, Park West is usually involved! Each month, we ask one of our amazing artists to visit our Las Vegas and Honolulu galleries, allowing them to have exclusive, personal, and memorable experiences with our local communities! Our artists love to interact with their fans, talk about art, and share their talent with all of their collectors, whether they just began collecting or are lifelong art aficionados.

If you didn’t meet Marcus Glenn at Park West Vegas, don’t worry! You can still collect his artwork at one of Park West’s live-streaming online auctions and possibly find yourself at a VIP auction weekend with the artist himself!

If you’re interested in becoming a Park West VIP, collecting works of art by Marcus Glenn and other fine artists, and joining us for future exclusive weekends, contact our gallery consultants today at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

Related Articles

• Five Ways You Can Enjoy the Arts in Las Vegas
• Kre8, Marcus Glenn, and Jon Rattenbury Team Up for One Epic Collaboration
• Catching Up with Rock Star Artist Michael Godard

The post Contemporary Artist Marcus Glenn Dazzles Las Vegas Fans & Collectors appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Princess Cruises’ latest cruise ship—Discovery Princess—embarked on her maiden voyage in late March 2022 from Southern California and Mexico, but she’s since made her way up into the chilly waters of Alaska’s inside passage and is now cruising at near full capacity.

The additional passengers could be felt in the crowded Princess Live! event and art gallery space during the first 24 hours of its May 8th sailing. As soon as Discovery Princess left its port in Seattle, the art gallery was buzzing! Found on deck 7, the ornate space is overflowing with fabulous works from world-famous artists like Peter Max, Mark Kostabi, Itzchak Tarkay, and Romero Britto. 

Once sailing on the open seas, the bustling art team hit the floor running and hosted an opening-night raffle at 7:30 pm, offering complimentary artwork and bid coupons valued up to $200! Between 6 pm and 9 pm, the gallery was also the site of an entertaining scavenger hunt that had passengers deciphering riddles to uncover clues based on artwork hanging in the gallery. We could give you a few hints, but it’s more fun to ask the art team for clues and maybe learn some interesting facts about the artwork in the process.

Although this was the first art event of the voyage, first-time guests and experienced collectors cruising on Discovery Princess had likely already encountered the talented roster of Park West artists in their staterooms! Each stateroom on Discovery Princess features a large HDTV offering a bevy of content-rich, informative, and fun on-demand programming all about the onboard art program, including the free seminars offered during each cruise and beautifully produced videos for artists like James Coleman, Stephen Fishwick, Marcus Glenn, Autumn DeForest, Lebo, and many more.

After a shrimp curry lunch at World Fresh Marketplace, a guest can lie in bed and discover Lebo’s fantastical reverse plexiglass artwork and how they transport people into new, playful dimensions. Captivated by the concept of reverse plexiglass painting, the guest could then visit the art gallery and see Lebo’s artwork—all of its small details, vibrant colors, and cartoon animals the artist uses to tell unique stories—in person.

On the morning of Discovery Princess’ first auction, deck 7 was full of art (of course) and eager passengers waiting to lay their eyes on the awe-inspiring landscapes of Jon Rattenbury, learn about the modern-day impressionism of palate knife maestro Slava Ilyayev, possibly win a bottle of bubbly or vouchers to the spa, and, of course, to bid on and win remarkable works of fine art!  

Every seat in the auction room was occupied, and a crowd had even gathered in the walkway to listen to the hilariously energetic auctioneer Dimitri unveil mystery art and one lucky guest got to walk on stage to smell the paint Ilyayev used to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The entire Park West art team—Reece, Naeem, Gideon, and Kim—traversed the half-moon shaped room helping collectors reserve pre-auction prices on dozens of artworks, handing out raffle prizes, and answering any questions. Bid cards were flying into the air for well over an hour as collectors bought works by Kre8, Kinkade, Ratternbury, Max, and so many more. 

Judging from the positive reception of the first auction, it’s clear that guests onboard this glittering new Princess vessel have discovered the fun and pleasure of collecting art they love… and it’s only the first day of the voyage!  

To learn more about buying art during a cruise vacation, register your voyage on our easy-to-use pre-registration page.  When you let us know which ship you’ll be on and which sailing, we’ll make sure your vacation is EXTRA special. Everyone who pre-registers will get a complimentary $100 art credit and a free gift when they check-in at the gallery during their voyage! Click HERE to register for your next cruise vacation!

Related Articles

• What It’s Like to Collect Fine Art on Cruise Ships
• Onboard the Largest and Most Cutting-Edge Cruise Ship at Sea
• For the Love of Tarkay: Meet a New Park West Gallery Collector

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It takes a special kind of person to head off onto the high seas to spread their love of art to travelers. Auctioneer Nilesh “Nil” Gurung is one of those rare individuals, so he’s a perfect fit for Park West.

Park West employs teams of enthusiastic art auctioneers all over the globe, and Nil is one of our most passionate. Originally from Uttarakhand, a state in Northern India, he’s spent years working with collectors on cruise ships all over the world.

This month, we’re turning our spotlight on Nil, allowing our collectors to get to know him better and learn about some of his favorite memories of his career as an auctioneer. Enjoy!

Previous ships as an Auctioneer:  CCL Paradise, CCL Valor, RCI Liberty OTS, RCI Anthem OTS, RCI Oasis OTS, Coral Princess, Ruby Princess, NCL Star, and NCL Epic.

Current ship: NCL Bliss

Norwegian Bliss Ketchikan, Alaska 2018

Where is your hometown? 

A small town called Dehradun in Northern India.

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer?

I started my career alongside Park West in 2012. Interestingly enough, I started working on cruise ships as a security officer on Carnival in 2010. I had always been passionate about art, but unfortunately, I didn’t have too much exposure to the field in my home country. When I learned about Park West’s art auctions on cruise ships, I instantly knew I’d want try my hand at becoming an auctioneer—so I did—and it has been the best decision I’ve made for my career.

Who is your favorite Park West artist and why? 

I have several. I love Peter Max because of his impressive journey through life. His use of color is beautiful, and so is his outlook on art. He doesn’t just create for himself—he constantly gives back to charities around the world. He sets an example that we should always help others in need.

I also really like Kre8 & Lebo’s work because they are very eye-catching and can match any décor.

What is your favorite client memory?  

I have many, but one of the most recent would be of an aunt and a nephew on my ship. They had been on over 30 cruises but had never been to an art auction. I invited them to one of my auctions so they could see what it’s all about. They enjoyed the auction so much that they decided to come to another. The auctions ignited a new passion for art within them and, by the end of the cruise, they left the ship with two original paintings—one of them was a Peter Max. That is the best part of my job. We help people discover their passion for fine art.

Out of all of your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port?  

Cozumel, Mexico. There is so much to do.

What does a day/life look like when you’re at home or not working?

I like to travel and explore new places with my wife, Meghna.

Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

There are no days off.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or share with collectors?

I never thought I would be doing this for so long, and the longer I have been with the company, the more I enjoy it. I can proudly say that I love my job.

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Interested in learning more about starting a career hosting art auctions on cruise ships? Visit Art Auctions Abroad for more details.

The post Park West Auctioneer Spotlight: Nilesh “Nil” Gurung appeared first on Park West Gallery.

For many people, a mother is the steady rock, the calming influence, and how beauty is first framed in their mind. Throughout time, moms and motherly themes have been used by artists to evoke love, protection, and calm in the face of challenging situations. For Mother’s Day this year, let’s take a look at how 5 Park West Artists have masterfully incorporated moms into their stunning works of art.

“A Mother’s Hand” by Jim Warren

“A Mother’s Hand” by Jim Warren

Some childhoods are blessed with bold color, while others are unfortunately bleak. Hopefully, in the best situations, a loving, caring mom is there to lift up and protect their child. Here, the surrealist Jim Warren paints a mother’s hand raising their youngster high up above the fray, into a brighter world full of possibility, hope, and love. The color on these hand-signed, hand-embellished canvases is magnificent and, whether this artwork is given as a gift to a new mother or from a mom to their child as a way of always remembering her love, “A Mother’s Hand” will illuminate the unending bond between a mother and child.

“A Mother’s Touch” by Andrew Bone

“A Mother’s Touch,” by Andrew Bone

Is there a more enduring image than a motherly animal caring for, sheltering, and protecting their baby in the wild? This marvelous giclee in color on paper from artist and conservationist Andrew Bone shows a cub with his mom, her tail forming a barrier in the desert grasses, with a mountain range making a border in the background, and an ominous sky looming overhead. She’s looking back, fearful but resolute in her determination to not let the danger touch her baby. This is motherhood summed up perfectly, and beautifully in an artwork that feels like real life.

“Mother’s Touch” by Guy Harvey

“Mother’s Touch,” by Guy Harvey

We may never have the privilege of seeing with our own eyes the loving, mother’s touch of a humpback whale, but with marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey’s stunning, sunlight kissed underwater scene on aluminum through dye sublimation, Park West art collectors can own and hang this touching parental scene in their home. Near the surface of the water, on a bright, sunny day, a mom and her baby calf embrace in their own special way, in a way that shows loving affection and exudes a concern for safety that whale calves need to grow up safely in the deep, wide waters of the world.

“Mother Tucking Child into Bed” by Norman Rockwell

“Mother Tucking Child into Bed,” by Norman Rockwell

This seriolithograph, included in Rockwell’s “The Nostalgia” suite, was originally a Literary Digest cover in March 1921. After focusing his artwork on WWI service men and women, Rockwell trained his eye on the relationships between children and their parents and grandparents. Here, we see a mother, wearing a fine wristwatch to tell her that it’s time for sleep, delicately tucking her two cherub-faced, precious toddlers into bed, along with a classic teddy bear, beneath a patterned quilt, with sleeping heads resting atop well-fluffed white pillows. This idyllic scene is classic Norman Rockwell and will complete any new mom’s nursery at home.

“Mother Nature” by Jim Warren

“Mother Nature,” by Jim Warren

No one can buy Mother Nature a Mother’s Day gift, but for moms who spend quality time in the great outdoors, in National Parks, on hiking trails, sleeping under the stars at campsites, or simply enjoying the serenity of their own backyard gardens, this fabulous giclee on canvas from Jim Warren depicting Mother Nature in a colorful and mystical scene will make a wonderful present. As waterfalls, an erupting volcano, mountains, a magical trail, an arch of greenery, flowing river, sunshine, and a noticeable slice of human life all interact, collectors are reminded that mom is always watching, providing, and protecting us all.

“Treasured Moments” by Pino

“Treasured Moments,” by Pino

Moms take their children to the beach all the time, but rarely is the trip ever for them. This is because to be a mom with young kids on a beach means worrying about the undertow and the waves, fearing the power of the water, and to be on high alert. Moms make these fun but stressful outings for their children to play in the sand, splash in the water, and make memories to last a lifetime. This giclee with hand-embellishments on canvas from Pino captures beautifully the conclusion of a typical beach day, as a young mom and her children step away from the waves to head back into everyday life full of meals to prepare, lessons to impart, and baths to give. The work of a mother is never done, and a beautiful work of art is never a bad choice for a memorable Mother’s Day gift.

To collect artwork for yourself or purchase a work of art as a gift, attend one of our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.

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The post How 5 Park West Artists Pay Homage to Moms In Their Artwork appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Artist Michael Godard, the man behind those famously precocious olives, is already known as the “Rock Star of the Art World,” but he’s also become a Hall of Famer after signing a massive deal with Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas! Not only is Godard curating the arena’s entire art collection, but he is also hard at work creating and designing art for the Las Vegas Raiders football team, including their 2022 season tickets!

Although already successful with thousands of licensed products and the paintings and sculptures that Park West collectors simply cannot get enough of, the future still shines bright for Michael Godard. Park West Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro recently sat down with Godard, live and in person, to discuss his amazing art career and find out what he will be doing next. 

After spending his early years manifesting all that he wanted to happen in his life and career, Godard has focused the last couple of years on simply following his unique path, letting things happen to and around him. Stopping short of calling it a belief in fate, the wildly popular artist has seen a meteoric rise in acclaim, interest, and in people across the globe wanting to collect his eye-popping art. 

“Piano Keys” by Michael Godard

During this insightful interview, the artist who is currently at the top of his game, admitted to being in a headspace of trying to determine, “Who exactly is Michael Godard?” He is peeling away layers of himself that he had created, like his digital avatar for example, in order to share his art with the world. Now that he is doing that successfully, he wants to find out where his soul wants to go next with his art.

While admitting that he is no home chef, he compared this journey of discovery to turning on a flame and heating a pan to cook some food. Once you have the heat going steady and the pan hot, you don’t need to worry about that stuff anymore. Now, it’s time to decide what to cook, how it will taste, look, and how it might please others and yourself at the creator. You will want to begin to play with flavors and techniques, knowing that your foundation is solid. This is where Godard is today. It’s a particular place that he believes Pablo Picasso also spent a lot of time in, thinking about where to go next to push himself and his abilities, and frankly, to shock the world with his art.

“For Those Who Gave All” by Michael Godard

Godard is excited about where the art world is going in the future and how he, a self-proclaimed “old-timer,” will fit into it. He is going to strip the layers away, saying, “Ok this is what you expect from me, but I’m going to shock you!” He says that one of the original, one-of-a-kind paintings Park West just sold recently, is from a new retro series. It was a mid-century modern artwork that was challenging for him to create. It’s clean realism that thinks about all the fun things we used to do as kids.

But Godard says he approached it without a care in the world about if these new artworks would sell, but of course, he still put his unique elements of style into it—the colors, composition, the math of it, and plenty of storytelling—but Godard remarks that it was like learning a whole new language. The artist hopes to tell great stories and says that despite his success, he is still waiting to make his masterpiece, the one artwork that will be the ultimate culmination of all the hours, learning, and all of the sacrifices. 

“The Conflict” by Michael Godard

Whatever he creates next, whatever envelopes he pushes and challenges he takes on, we know that our collectors will be clamoring to see and collect more evocative Michael Godard artwork!

To collect the art of Michael Godard, register for our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (866) 648-7405 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.

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The post Catching Up with Rock Star Artist Michael Godard appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Do you remember the couple we featured on our Facebook page and blog recently? Jeff and Lorelei Bogle cruised with Royal Caribbean in January and despite never having bought fine art before, ended that weeklong Caribbean holiday with not one, not two, but four vibrant Itzchak Tarkay paintings! When we saw Jeff posting photos of their Tarkays arriving, reframed, and packaged perfectly, we reached out to see how and where the couple planned on displaying their new art collection in their East Village apartment. Turns out, tough choices had to be made to fit everything they bought on the walls!

“Colorful Pose” Delivered

Jeff notes that the conversations about where to hang these paintings began during the cruise, with the couple disagreeing about potential placement. 

“Lorelei’s entire life is built around books,” Jeff said. “From escaping into books as a child to a 20-year career at Barnes & Noble, culminating with a multi-store manager role in NYC, books are quite literally the biggest part of her story.” 

In the couple’s apartment hang a handful of massive canvas artworks depicting book covers — V, The Iliad, To Kill a Mockingbird, This Side of Paradise, Under the Volcano, and more, from Lorelei’s Barnes & Noble stores. While overjoyed about how their four Tarkay hand-embellished paintings will soon come to illuminate the apartment’s two bedrooms and living room, she is also clinging tightly to the book art she has cherished for many years. But something has to give when you add four new works of art to your collection!

In their second bedroom hangs a world map tapestry that Jeff’s youngest daughter loves, some of his kid’s own paintings, and on one wall, a wealth of art and soccer memorabilia from his many trips to England. Neither Lorelei nor Jeff are eager to put any of their Tarkay paintings in this spare bedroom. This back room is Jeff’s office and the designated guest room for either of his two daughters when they come to the city. It’s not the perfect place for fine art. It would be like putting a basket over a shining light!  

Jeff and Lorelei’s Living Room

This leaves the bedroom and the living room. Lorelei briefly suggested swapping Jeff’s framed map of football clubs in Great Britain that hangs in the kitchen directly next to the sink where Jeff spends a fair bit of time as the head cook and hand-dishwasher of the apartment. There’s simply no way he was willing to give up that precious space. 

“Number one, it is kind of silly to hang fine art near a sink,” Jeff remarked, “And two, it’s my favorite thing to look at while doing dishes – scanning all the cities and football club logos, remembering my trips to see matches and the century-old stadiums.”

Jeff and Lorelei Bogle’s Bedroom

The decision was finally made to remove four book-art canvases—two each from the bedroom and living room. Above the dark wood headboard in the bedroom will hang Itzchak Tarkay’s “Autumn in the Country,” while the To Kill A Mocking Bird canvas—with its thematically appropriate tree image and deep red and black design—moves left to hang above Lorelei’s chest of drawers. 

In the living room will go “Colorful Pose,” the bright, bold, and vibrant Tarkay hand-embellished serigraph on canvas that started the couple on this art collecting journey. It will hang beside “Cozy Bench for Two,” with its glass protection warding off curious kitty cat claws, beneath “Joanna,” the 10×10 masterpiece Jeff first fell in love with after reading this story about Itzchak Tarkay.

“Cozy Bench for Two” by Itzchak Tarkay

Always wanting his wife to be happy, Jeff suggested placing one of the book-art canvases in the guest bedroom and one in the entryway to ensure that these important pieces of Lorelei’s life stay alive in our home. In the end, the best of both worlds was achieved. Books will still play a supporting role in their decor, but the four Tarkay artworks will be front and center, capturing the couple’s attention daily and making visitors’ jaws drop upon entering their home.

Lorelei looking at “Cozy Bench for Two”

What are the difficult decisions you’ve had to make to hang your Park West art? Show us on social media by sharing your photos using #parkwestgallery! 

To add works of art by Itzchak Tarkay to your own collection, register for our exciting online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

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The post Making Tough Decisions About Where To Hang New Artwork appeared first on Park West Gallery.

The Easter season is a sacred time for people all around the world, but two long-time Park West collectors in Minnesota found an extraordinary way to make Easter even more special for their church this year—they gave them a Rembrandt.

The Rembrandt in question is a stunning antique intaglio of one of the artist’s most iconic images “The Descent from the Cross,” showing Jesus being taken down from the cross by his friends and family on Good Friday.

Scott and Terry Jurek made the decision years ago that they wanted to donate a historically significant work of art to their church, St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Eagan, Minnesota, but it wasn’t until recently that they finally found the perfect work and the perfect time to donate it.

Scott and Terry Jurek present “The Descent from the Cross” to Fr. Tony O’Neill at St. John Neumann in Minnesota

“I’m a four-time survivor,” Scott said. “Two times for cancer and two times for my heart. And, during my recovery, I drew a stronger connection to my church, and I was also really touched by all of the cards and flowers and outreach I received from my friends at Park West. I wanted to honor those relationships.”

Scott and Terry started collecting art over five years ago during a Panama Canal cruise where they first encountered Park West. Since then, the couple has turned their home into a veritable museum, featuring works by over twenty artists. Terry describes their taste in art as “eclectic.”

“Once we got the idea, we started asking ourselves ‘Is there a special artwork we could present to the church itself for Easter?’” Scott remembers. “We immediately started thinking of a Rembrandt or Albrecht Dürer. They both created graphic series about the Passion of the Christ. So, we started working with Park West to find what we were looking for.”

The couple credits Park West’s Senior Gallery Director Morris Shapiro for all of his hard work in helping them find an ideal Rembrandt to present to their church.

“There were several others Rembrandts that I initially had some interest in,” Scott said. “I explained to Morris our intent to locate one. So, he tirelessly started going through Park West’s archives until he found this ‘Descent of the Cross,’ and immediately we knew we had found the right one.”

Detail from Rembrandt’s “Descent from the Cross”

The “Descent of the Cross” they found was a heliogravure, which was the first marriage of photography and intaglio printmaking, created in 1822. The heliogravure produced the finest quality of interpretation of painting in printing, available at the time and, as it employed the intaglio printing process and fine art printing papers, yielded qualities comparable to fine art etching, a technique of which Rembrandt also mastered.

The Jureks’ “Descent” was printed between 1897 and 1905 and comes from an eight-volume set, The Complete Works of Rembrandt—History, Description, and Heliographic Reproduction of All the Master’s Pictures with a Study of His Life and His Art. The heliogravure was accompanied by descriptive text from the National Gallery in London, and Jureks felt strongly that the text had to accompany the image.

“We actually went back and forth with Park West several times trying to figure out the best way to frame the image and text together,” Scott said. “The text brings out the detail so well. When we showed it to our pastor, he was, of course, drawn to the image, but when he read the National Gallery description, he stopped talking. It was an emotional experience.”

Photo of the final framing that the Jureks decided on for “Descent from the Cross”

The National Gallery summary of “The Descent from the Cross” reads as follows:

“The body of the Saviour lies stretched on a cloth at the foot of the cross; his friends bewail him. The upper part of the body rests on the lap of the Virgin, who sinks back in a swoon, supported by several women; the Magdalen clasps the feet ardently. Other persons stand weeping and lamenting beneath the cross on the left; two ladders rest against it. Between them the crosses of the malefactors, who are still hanging on them. Jerusalem is indicated in the distance. Night begins to fall; a subdued light illumines the principal group.”

Now that the Jureks knew what Rembrandt they wanted to share with their church, they only had one problem—they wanted to present it before Easter 2022.

“After being 23 years in the military,” Scott said. “I understand a lot about the logistics involved in framing and shipping art that a lot of common collectors might not totally realize. I gave Morris and Park West our critical timeline and, even with our framing and re-framing to get things just right, they still found a way to ship the artwork to us overnight to make sure that we could present it to our church before the Easter celebration.”

The pastors at St. John Neumann were overwhelmed by the donation, particularly with the artwork’s deep connection to the Easter story. Scott and Terry made sure that the church has complete ownership of the work, and the pastors and the church’s senior council will be deciding how the Rembrandt will be permanently displayed in the near future.

Scott and Terry noted that there are 3,600 families in the St. John Neumann parish, and they’re looking forward to sharing “The Descent from the Cross” with their larger community.

On the day of the donation, Scott sent a “thank you” email to Park West. It read, “Only with the personal attention, dedication, and professionalism from your incredible staff were we able to make this donation in time for Easter. Terry and I wanted to make sure you know the absolutely wonderful efforts that Morris, the VIP framing department, the shipping department, and many others involved with expediting this piece. There were numerous challenges involved with its content, matting, and framing, but these were all overcome with great attention to detail to create the final display.”

Park West was proud to help Scott and Terry bring such an Easter miracle to their faith community, and we look forward to seeing them again soon at another collecting event!

The post Park West Collectors Donate Rembrandt Work to Local Church for Easter appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Park West Gallery is helping bring art to the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC—specifically, the art of famed contemporary Impressionist Daniel Wall. Park West, the world’s largest art dealer, is one of the sponsors of this year’s festival and also contributed two art installations to the 2022 Petalpalooza Art Walk.

Original painting created by Daniel Wall for the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The Petalpalooza Art Walk is a series of immersive, “Instagrammable” art installations that residents and visitors can enjoy 24/7 through April 17 throughout DC’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood.

Two Cherry Blossom fans pose in front of outdoor art installations for the 2022 Petalpalooza. The Yards Park Bridge behind them features the artwork of Park West favorite Daniel Wall (Credit: National Cherry Blossom Festival)

Both of Park West’s installations feature the art of Daniel Wall, the popular Chinese-American artist known around the world for his signature style of “Intense Impressionism.”

Wall’s artwork in featured on family-friendly Art Maze at Yards Park in Washington, DC.

Wall’s luminous artwork can be seen wrapping DC’s Yards Park Bridge and featured in a fun, family-friendly Art Maze also in Yards Park. Wall designed a series of brilliant paintings for the installations showing cherry blossoms in bloom throughout iconic locations in DC.

DC’s iconic Yards Park Bridge is wrapped in cherry blossom designs by Daniel Wall

The Art Walk culminates in the annual Petalpalooza celebration on April 16, when hundreds of thousands of visitors experience a full day of live music and engaging activities.

This day-long all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a beer garden, hands-on activities, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening is capped by a dazzling 15-minute choreographed fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30 PM.

Spectators flock to the DC waterfront for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and Petalpalooza. (Image from 2021 Petalpalooza. Credit: National Cherry Blossom Festival)

Park West Gallery’s installations—showcasing the art of Daniel Wall—can be seen throughout the Art Walk leading up to the Petalpalooza and will be on full display during the Petalpalooza itself.

The art of Daniel Wall can be found at two different art installations at this year’s Petalpalooza

“Park West is thrilled to bring Daniel Wall’s breathtaking artwork to the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said John Block, Park West Gallery’s Executive Vice President. “This is such a fantastic celebration of nature’s beauty, and we hope that everyone visiting DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival has the chance to experience the Art Walk and see Daniel’s artwork up close.”

You can find more information about visiting the Petalpalooza Art Walk here: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/petalpalooza-art-walk/

You can find more information about April 16’s massive Petalpalooza festival here: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/petalpalooza/

The post Park West Gallery Brings the Art of Daniel Wall to the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival appeared first on Park West Gallery.

What happens when 3 Park West artists team up on 1 incredible work of art? Something truly SPECTACULAR.

Check out this extraordinary painting titled “Love in Triple Time” that brought together three contemporary art superstars—Kre8, Marcus Glenn, and Jon Rattenbury!

“Love in Triple Time” is a collaborative painting created by Kre8, Marcus Glenn, and Jon Rattenbury.

How did this Avengers-style art crossover happen? It all started thanks to a schedule change during a Park West VIP cruise on the beautiful Celebrity Silhouette.

According to Principal Auctioneer Jordan Sitter, “We had an itinerary change which gave us an extra day at sea. Artist Stephen Fishwick was on board earlier and did some live paintings, but left behind his paints and one canvas. I had the idea to do a collaborative painting with the extra supplies, and approached the other Park West artists on board—Kre8, Marcus Glenn, and Jon Rattenbury—who all eagerly accepted the challenge. Each artist took the canvas to their room and completed a portion, then signed the canvas together while their fans watched!”

Miami art superstar Kre8 poses with “Love in Triple Time”

The collectors on board loved watching this once-in-a-lifetime collaboration, and their enthusiasm carried over to the bidding as well. As soon as Sitter brought “Love in Triple Time” up to the auction block, the competitive bidding got fast and furious. (You can watch some highlights from the bidding below.)

After several minutes of back-and-forth, the 22×36 painting ended up selling for $21,000! It went home with two lucky Park West VIPs—Glenn and Vickie W from Texas.

Park West VIPs Glenn and Vickie W from Texas are the proud owners of “Love in Triple Time.”

“The creation of this painting is such a great example of what we mean when we talk about ‘The Park West Experience,’” said Sitter. “We offer our collectors experiences that they can’t find anywhere else, and that’s what happened here. They were present for a singular moment when these three creative geniuses decided to work together and make something new, and our collectors got to be a part of that. No one on that cruise will ever forget it.”

Marcus Glenn and Jon Rattenbury show off their back-of-the-canvas signatures on “Love in Triple Time”

If you’re interested in collecting art by Kre8, Marcus Glenn, Jon Rattenbury, or any other Park West artist, you can register for our weekly live online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.

Also, be sure to click on their names and follow Kre8, Marcus Glenn, and Jon Rattenbury on Instagram! (Follow Park West Gallery on Instagram too!)

The post Kre8, Marcus Glenn, and Jon Rattenbury Team Up for One Epic Collaboration appeared first on Park West Gallery.

We love any opportunity to get our collectors and artists together in the same room. While this has become more challenging over the past two years, our exclusive VIP auction weekends are stronger and more lively than ever! Just last month, we held the largest VIP event in Park West history!

Executive Vice President John Block welcomes collectors to Orlando

This most exclusive of weekends took place in sunny Orlando, Florida, and was jam-packed with art, leisure, entertainment, and excitement! Over 400 passionate Park West art collectors were in attendance for three all-expense-paid nights at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Not only did they each experience the first-class service Park West is famous for, but they also had the rare opportunity to meet and interact with a foursome of fabulous Park West artists and enter the intimate world of fine art.

Park West Executive Vice President John Block welcomed the crowd of collectors and introduced the four featured artists that weekend: Stephen Fishwick, Scott Jacobs, Daniel Wall, and 20-year-old Autumn de Forest. Each artist had their moment in the spotlight and collectively sold over 500 individual works of art by the end of the weekend! Other prominent sales included the Picasso linocut “Faunces et Chevre,” and a Picasso etching titled “Famile de Saltimbanques.” 

Artist Stephen Fishwick speaks to his collectors

Because Park West understands that the art world expands beyond what can be framed or displayed beautifully on a pedestal, the 400 collectors were also treated to a private Cirque du Soleil performance at Disney Springs! The performers and acrobats of Cirque du Soleil dazzled the crowd, helping each guest realize the many perks of being a Park West art collector! 

In keeping with Park West’s philanthropic mission and core belief that art can make a difference, artist Stephen Fishwick created a special painting featuring a soaring eagle set atop the blue and yellow of the Ukraine flag to raise funds for the Ukrainian Red Cross. This gorgeous, one-of-a-kind artwork raised $4,500 to support Ukrainian citizens through the current humanitarian crisis. These funds are in addition to the half a million dollars Park West raised for Ukraine already!

Yes—our remarkable collectors do thoroughly enjoy exclusive events, meeting artists, fine dinners, cocktail parties, taking selfies through a glamorous frame, and adding new works to their collection—but they also have enormous hearts and jump at the chance to support critically important charitable causes. There truly is no limit to the inherent power of art!

Artist Stephen Fishwick and the collectors who purchased his painting to raise funds for the Ukrainian Red Cross

Park West’s VIP events are the stuff of legend. When you collect art with Park West, you may be invited to experience an all-expenses-paid weekend that you and a guest will remember forever! These events include a 3-night hotel stay for two, a trio of all-inclusive dinners, complimentary cocktail parties with an open bar, breakfast buffets, artist meet & greets, seminars on collecting art, raffles, live music, the chance to watch an artist work, and so much more!

Park West’s David Gorman hosts an art history seminar for Park West VIPs

If you’re interested in becoming a Park West VIP, collecting works of art, and joining us for future fabulous weekends with our artists, contact our gallery consultants today at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com

Follow Park West Gallery on social media to see more behind-the-scenes photos from Park West VIP events!

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The post Look Inside the Biggest VIP Art Auction Weekend in Park West History appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Park West Gallery’s art auctioneers spend their days traveling from port to exotic port, holding auctions and art history seminars to get people excited about art. That sounds like a pretty amazing career, right?

Laura Cocos and her partner Alexandru Preduna would agree with that statement—they’re two of Park West’s cruise ship auctioneers currently stationed onboard the Emerald Princess.

Laura and Alex make a tremendous team. Their depth of knowledge and passion for art have endeared them to passengers around the world. For our April 2022 Spotlight, we sat down with this dynamic duo to talk about how they got started, some of their favorite client memories, and what it’s like working on a luxury cruise ship. Enjoy this introduction to Laura and Alex!

Previous ships as an Auctioneer:  CCL Fantasy, RCI Brilliance OTS, RCI Mariner OTS, RCI Freedom OTS, PCL Emerald.

Current ship: Emerald Princess

Where is your hometown? 

Laura: Constanta, Romania

Alex: Bucharest, Romania

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer? 

Laura: I started back in July 2013. Before I began this unimaginable journey, I was an entrepreneur in the wellness industry and also volunteered at an animal shelter. My background in management and marketing helped me adapt faster to ship life.

Alex: I joined Park West in September 2017. Before that, I used to work as an AV Technician—8 years on land and 2 years on one of the cruise lines. When I first joined ship life, I was fascinated to see art galleries onboard. I remember the first time I walked into one, I was amazed by all the colors, styles, and artists that were on display. Now looking back, I can actually say that yes, we do have something for everyone! I have to admit that the first moment I saw the art gallery, I felt drawn to the idea of working there. Then I met Laura and everything came together!

Who is your favorite Park West artist and why? 

Laura: Peter Max without a doubt. My collectors always tell me that when I talk about him on the stage my eyes light up. I never realized what a huge impact Max had on me until one day in 2017 when one of his works went to its forever home and I was so sad thinking that I would never see that artwork again. Luckily for me, the new owners were fabulous people and they sent me a couple of pictures of the art hanging on the wall! I could write pages on why I respect and admire Max’s work.

Alex: There are so many, however, I have to say Chris DeRubeis because of the unique way he sees the art world, his talent for manipulating metal, and his unique style, “Abstract Sensualism.” I also like Michael Godard because of all the funny messages hidden in his art and also because of his philanthropy. Lastly, Romero Britto … what’s not to love about his “Happy Art” style? Every work brings a smile to your face, that’s why we decided to purchase two of his sculptures for our own collection!

What is your favorite client memory?

Laura: Back in 2015 I had the pleasure of meeting a very special soul. An older man decided to come on a cruise alone in remembrance of his late wife. He booked every shore excursion and went to each place that they had visited on their last cruise together. I remember he was in the art gallery every day and would tell me all these fascinating stories about himself and his late wife. He ended up collecting a Peter Max “Vase with Flowers” painting, as his wife loved flowers. It always amazes me how the memory of one person can stay with you forever.

Alex: I recently met an outstanding couple who are part of Park West’s VIP program. Whenever you think you’ve seen it all, the universe proves you wrong.

I have always wanted a Navigational Chart mapping out all of the ports Laura and I have visited together while on a ship and display in our home. This amazing couple already owned four different Navigational Charts from their previous cruises, however, they decided to bid on this ship’s Chart and at the end of the cruise and gifted it to me! I was so surprised and grateful. I asked them to sign it, and now whenever I am home I will look at that chart and always remember them.

Out of all of your adventures around the world, what has been your favorite port?  

Laura: Istanbul, Turkey. I am fascinated by their culture and their history. I found Istanbul to be a magical place. Maybe it has to do with the fact that cats are sacred there. You will always find a cat or two in every store or restaurant, and I am obsessed with cats and dogs!

Alex: Again, very hard to choose! First, I will say Yucatan, Mexico as it is surrounded by history and legacy. I am fortunate that I had the opportunity of seeing one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Chichen Itza, with Laura on our first excursion as a couple! My other favorites are the Greek Isles of Mikonos, Santorini, and Lefkada. The islands are amazing with clear blue waters and gorgeous food.

What does a day/life look like when you’re at home or not working?

Laura: I love spending time with my mom, dog, and four cats. I love my family and try to spend as much time with them as possible.

Alex: I am very passionate about motorcycles, cars, and every sport that involves adrenaline—sky diving, bungee jumping, zip-lining, etc. When I’m riding my motorcycle, especially on mountain roads, I forget about the quotidian life and enjoy every second. I also like going to the gym, running, and skating.

Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.

Laura: Working and living at sea made me miss doing the dishes or even cooking—things I hated doing before I started working on cruise ships!

Alex: You learn to appreciate the internet speed back home. You could easily take a power nap while waiting for a small app to download.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or share with collectors?

Laura: I’ve been working for this company for almost 9 years, and I can honestly say it has been a unique experience that has changed me in so many ways that never would have been possible in a job on land. I think I am part of that small percentage of people who can say that they truly love their job. That is something to be proud of and grateful for.

Alex: As Laura said, working on ships for so many years has changed the way I see life. I’ve learned that you should live every day to the fullest and do the things that you love—buy the things you want and enjoy every encounter because you never know what tomorrow might bring.

For the latest art and auctioneer news, follow Park West Gallery on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Interested in learning more about starting a career hosting art auctions on cruise ships? Visit Art Auctions Abroad for more details.

Read about more of our incredible art auctioneers:

• March 2022: Liza Swart and Amba Irving
• February 2022 Spotlight: Lloyd Rose
• January 2022 Spotlight: Mate Mateescu and Carina Wagner

The post Park West Auctioneer Spotlight: Laura Cocos and Alexandru Preduna appeared first on Park West Gallery.

Spring has sprung, and with it comes new hope and possibilities, bright colors, warm light, and a fresh lease on life! Artists have long drawn inspiration from the spring season as they put paint to canvas.

Let’s take a look at how 10 Park West artists incorporate springtime in their original creations. Some may use spring in obvious ways (blooming flowers or spring sports, for example), while other artists sneak fragments of the season into their subtle compositions.

“Spring Showers” by Slava Ilyayev

“Spring Showers” by Slava Ilyayev

The wonderfully talented Slava Ilyayev produces a quintessential spring work of art with this gloriously bright, hand-signed serigraph in color on paper. The vibrant blooms on the trees, the people out and about enjoying longer days and warmer air, and the glow of spring shower reflections on the roadway coalesce into this absolutely stunning work depicting the best aspects of springtime.

“Atlantic Emotion” by Romero Britto

“Atlantic Emotion” by Romero Britto

No stranger to vibrant colors, hope, and positivity, Romero Britto brings all of those qualities to “Atlantic Emotion,” a 3-dimensional serigraph that literally leaps out of the frame, like tulip buds bursting out of the ground! It embodies springtime energy with playful flowers in the right-hand corner and new love blossoming between two multicolored fish. Also, spring does happen to be the start of fishing season across much of the country – so those puckered-up cuties are sure to make eager anglers dream of time spent on the water beneath the warm sun after a long, cold winter.

“Dreaming of a Garden” by Maya Green

“Dreaming of a Garden” by Maya Green

If we were to ask you what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about spring, you’d likely respond with “Flowers!” Your next response may very well involve dreams of a garden full to the brim with colorful petals and lush green foliage. Maya Green’s blooms explode off the canvas in this unique work, evoking everything beautiful and brilliant about springtime.

“Bugs Baseball Mini” by Warner Bros Studio

“Bugs Baseball Mini” by Warner Bros Studio

For a sports fan in America, few things are more magical than Spring Training baseball, with the hope that your team might gel over the course of 162 games and play deep into October, claiming a World Series trophy. In Spring, the pitchers are still fresh and the batters are still smashing the ball over the fence. In Arizona and Florida, the hot dogs are juicier, the cold beverages more delicious, and the stadiums are smaller and more intimate. This Bugs Bunny baseball sericel will transport any art collector back to their childhood memories of ballparks where the smell of fresh-cut grass and the loud crack of a bat deliver positive memories of Spring.

“Polo Panorama” by Leroy Neiman

“Polo Panorama” by Leroy Neiman

Legendary artist Leroy Neiman knew his way around the sports world, capturing many prestigious sporting events with his keen eye throughout his career including this delightful panoramic scene straight from a polo match on a gorgeous spring day. The fancy hats, green grass, and blue skies of this beautiful 40-inch wide serigraph will bring the outside in when hung in your office or home.

“Le Golf a Cannes” by Jean-Claude Picot

“Le Golf a Cannes” by Jean-Claude Picot

As the snow melts, temperatures rise, and the sun hangs in the sky longer into the night, many people are drawn to the game that some consider “a good walk spoiled” … golf! Jean-Claude Picot’s golfing foursome seen in this giclee in color on canvas are working on their short game, as one of the players clearly lines up a chip shot from the short rough on the fringe of the green. One of his friends stands with his hand on the pin, a hopeful act in and of itself, assuming the ball will roll toward the hole. Anyone who has ever golfed will see themselves in “Le Golf a Cannes,” and would love to have this fabulous artwork in their home or office to remind them of spring, hitting the links, and spending time outside with friends.

“Hope Springs Eternal” by David (LEBO) Le Batard

“Hope Springs Eternal” by David (LEBO) Le Batard

Playful Park West artist LEBO delivers all the fragrant, flowery goodness of spring in this hand-signed dye sublimation on wood caldograph. There are flowers in bloom, the warm sun, flying critters looking for nectar, and beams of sky blue sky. If you have a space that needs to be brightened, the fabulous “Hope Springs Eternal” from LEBO will do the trick!

“Giverny Spring” by Marko Mavrovich

“Giverny Spring” by Marko Mavrovich

Even if you’ve never heard of or have visited Giverny, you will likely still recognize this quaint French village. This is because the great impressionist Claude Monet lived and painted his famous “Water Lilies” here on his property, which still stands and accepts visitors every day. Marko Mavrovich’s “Giverny Spring” transports you all the way to this special place without having to pass through airport security. The delicate purples and red flowers, white water lilies, and reflection of a springtime sun exude a familiar warmth that will light up any room in your home.

“Springtime Splendor” by David Najar

“Springtime Splendor” by David Najar

Ah, the cherry blossoms of spring and the rising Japanese sun! David Najar’s gorgeously tall and narrow giclee in color on paper is a powerhouse of bold, rich tones and intense seasonality. Spring is on show every day of the year when you collect this splendid Najar artwork.

“Central Park – Spring” by Peter Max

“Central Park – Spring” by Peter Max

Our final work in this spring art collection comes from the one and only Peter Max, who serves up a delightfully classic NYC springtime scene. There’s no place like Central Park, and no better time than spring to visit for a picnic, a nap, a relaxing place to read a book, a carousel ride, or a pedal-boat ride on the lake. Max’s cheery serigraph will ensure that no matter the weather, it’ll always be Spring in New York City.

If you are interested in collecting Spring artwork from any Park West artists, register for our exciting weekly online auctions, contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4, or email us today at sales@parkwestgallery.com.

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The post 10 Park West Artists Who Let Springtime Bloom in Their Art appeared first on Park West Gallery.

The Park West Museum is located right outside of Detroit, Michigan… but with our brand-new virtual tour, you can visit the museum’s world-class exhibitions without leaving your home!

Our new online museum experience with its easy-to-use controls creates an incredible “virtual” museum experience that can be enjoyed by art lovers worldwide. Visitors even have the choice to enjoy the 28 exhibits through all-encompassing VR (if they have a compatible device)!

Digitally wander the halls of the Park West Museum and see our exhibitions featuring original work from world-famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, Albrecht Dürer, Francisco Goya, Yaacov Agam, Salvador Dalí, Marcel Mouly, Michael Godard, Mark Kostabi, and more.

CLICK HERE to experience a full-screen look at the virtual tour!

You’ll find that you still have the ability to get up-close-and-personal with the artwork despite the barrier of your computer screen. The dramatic impasto of Slava Ilyayev and Alexandre Renoir’s impressionist oil paintings do not get lost in the digital translation.

One of the major highlights of Park West Museum is the expansive set of Picasso ceramics that we have built up over the past four decades. Park West Gallery has developed the largest collection of Picasso ceramics anywhere in the world. The vast display spans TEN salons!

The museum’s historical collection is joined by artworks from Park West Gallery’s Museum Spotlight program, sponsored and presented by the Park West Foundation. The exhibitions from Park West’s Museum Spotlight program currently on display are:

• From Renoir to Kostabi
• Alexandre Renoir’s Beauty Remains
• The Artistic Evolution of Autumn de Forest
• Autumn de Forest’s White Room
• Lebo’s A Notational Guide to the Universe
• Tim Yanke’s Abstract Musings
• The Life and Work of Anatole Krasnyansky
• Michael Godard’s the Secret Life of Olives
• Yaacov Agam: Special Exhibition in Advance of the Official Museum Opening
• Salvador Dali’s Stairway to Heaven
• Peter Max: A Cosmic Christmas
• Peter Max: 50 Years of Cosmic Dreaming
• Marcel Mouly’s From Clay to Canvas
• Mouly on the Move