Arno Elias' "The Lost Series" Opening Exhibit

Art and photography aficionados gathered at a special and never before seen exhibit by renowned French Artist Arno Elias, who is also known for his exemplary work as composer, producer and musician of Buddah Bar music. The exclusive cocktail event and art exhibit featuring his new work, The Lost Series, was held at Markowicz Fine Art Gallery, located at 114 Northeast 40th Street, in Miami's Design District.

Art collectors, gallery clients, special guests and the media attended the event on March 5th. Elias' thrilled those in attendance with his beautiful display of images from his solo world photographic tour of countries such as Kenya, Guatemala, Thailand, Egypt, India, France, England and the USA. "I want people to see the beauty of those cultures, to feel the depth of their people, the mixed emotions of pain and joy, and the diversity of our world", said Elias about his work. The “Lost Series” is a crystallization of Elias' mixed-media techniques and features powerful images he captured while he was "lost" in different cultures from the five continents.

"The expressions on the images Elias' captured transport us and make us feel as if we're there, sitting right next to a subject who's halfway around the world", said Bernard Markowicz, owner of Markowicz Fine Art Gallery. From Sari-clad women on the streets of India, to a boy in the mountains of Tibet, to an elephant on Africa's Savannah, Elias' images evoke emotion and capture a montage of his adventures.

Guests toasted with champagne and enjoyed appetizers during the event. They also got to meet and interact with Elias, whose artistic career began as a teenager. His work is on permanent exhibit in a number of art galleries around the country such as Pop International Galleries in Soho NYC and Mouche Gallery in Beverly Hills, California. Elias' paintings and photographs have been featured in prestigious art fairs such as Art Basel in Switzerland, Art Chicago and San Francisco Art Market. Elias has also worked with fashion icons, Jean Paul Gaultier and Mario Testino.

Elias is known as a world-renowned artist, not only for his photography, but for his work in new age, Buddha Bar music. Elias has worked with Latin recording artist, Shakira, and composed the score for multiple worldwide campaign videos for UNICEF.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ARNO ELIAS

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE EVENT

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

Miami Wine & Spirits Expo Media and VIP Event - The Video

We are thrilled to share with you the great work done by our clients Miami Wine & Spirits Expo at the special media and VIP reception and luncheon that they hosted, to formally announce their alliance with Miami Dade College’s Miami Culinary Institute. The new partnership will result in the creation of scholarships for culinary students from the US and Latin America, who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to have access to it. Enjoy the video...

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Miami Wine & Spirits Expo Media and VIP Event

A next generation of culinary chefs is getting a helping hand thanks to a new partnership between The Miami Wine & Spirits Expo and Miami Dade College’s Miami Culinary Institute. The new alliance was announced during a special media and VIP reception and luncheon on Friday, February 22, 2013 at Miami Dade College’s Miami Culinary Institute in Downtown Miami.

Miami Culinary Institute’s Wine Theater hosted the first part of the event; this state-of-the-art facility with its stadium style seating and high-tech AV system welcomed over 60 media representatives and special guests who listened to the event hosts as they shared with the audience details on the alliance, their vision and goals. Ferllen Winery welcomed everyone with a glass of their fine wines, while hors d’oeuvres from Tuyo Restaurant were passed butler style, which were created by guest chefs Victor Passalacqua, Phillipe Ruiz, Michel Chiche, Mauricio Gutierrez and Jose Casals.

Once all guests were seated overlooking the restaurant-style kitchen, which normally serves as classroom for the Miami Culinary Institute students, Jorge Quiroz – Director of Business Development for the Miami Wine & Spirits Expo - greeted guests and acknowledged co-hosts and partners. Quiroz shared their vision for this new alliance: a portion of the funds rose from the Miami Wine & Spirits Expo 2014 will go towards the Expo Foundation, whose goal is to support the Miami Culinary Institute. This will result in the creation of scholarships for students from the US and Latin America, who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to have access to it.

“We feel we are on the brink of something really special for Miami, the Miami Culinary Institute and our affiliated organizations; the vision is clear and authentic” said John Richards, Director of the Miami Culinary Institute; who emphasized on the importance of properly training future generations of professional chefs, not only with theory but also hands on experience, tasks that are achieved everyday at the MCI, thanks to the perfect blend of technology, sustainability and world-class education that it delivers.

Other speakers included Victor Passalacqua, Managing Partner of By Wines, who is already onboard to support the educational programs; “We are excited to be part of this great new initiative to help students to make their dreams come true by providing them with the tools to build a promising future, while building cultural and educational bridges between South Florida and Latin America” he said. Special guests included Ximena Hernandez, representative of the Ministry of Tourism of Colombia, and Juan Manuel Barrientos, Owner and Executive Chef of El Cielo Restaurant in Colombia

When the speeches concluded, guests were prompted to move on to the 8^th floor at Tuyo Restaurant to enjoy a special lunch menu created by Tuyo’s director, renowned chef Norman Van Aken. The food was paired with fine wines from Matarromera, Les Jamelles and Domaines Rollan, along with cocktails by Aguardiente Real 1493 and Ron Medellin.

Some of the distinguished guests who attended the affair include Maria Isabel Castro-General Consul of Colombia, Carolina Villarrubia-General Consul of Uruguay, Maximiliano Vaccaro-Director Digital Media Discovery Latin America, Ana Cecilia Velasco-COO Miami beach Chamber of Commerce, Doreen Colondres-Host of Utilisima/Fox en Español, representatives of all the supporting and sponsoring brands and organizations, as well as several media representatives.

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"The Lost Series" by Arno Elias at Markowicz Fine Art

Once again, Markowicz Fine Art will host a wonderful, private event for another great artist...

THE "LOST SERIES" IS A CRYSTALLIZATION OF ELIAS' MIXED-MEDIA TECHNIQUES AND REFLECTS THE POWERFUL IMAGES HE CAPTURED DURING HIS SOLO WORLD PHOTOGRAPHIC TOUR OF COUNTRIES SUCH AS KENYA, GUATEMALA, THAILAND, EGYPT, INDIA, FRANCE, ENGLAND AND THE AMERICAN WEST.

THE SERIES FEATURES EXQUISITE MOMENTS FROM EXOTIC LOCATIONS, AND THROUGH IT, ELIAS IS "LOST" IN THE CULTURE AND CONTEXT OF FIVE CONTINENTS. ARNO RETURNS WITH SPECTULAR IMAGES AND A PHOTOGRAPHIC MONTAGE OF HIS ADVENTURES AND WE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO SHARE THEM WITH YOU.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ARTIST AND THE GALLERY PLEASE CLICK HERE

Louis XIII Experience at Fendi Casa

Upon the opening of the high season in Miami, luxury brands look for opportunities to reach out to their consumers, and private events always seem to be the perfect outlet to mingle with them.

On Wednesday, November 7th, 2012, Louis XIII cognac (by Remy Martin) hosted one of their classic event series, The Louis XIII Experience, in partnership with FENDI Casa, at their Miami Design District showroom. The affair was an intimate champagne reception for 60 VIP guests, including residents from some of the top luxury condominiums in town, socialites and philanthropists.

“The concept behind these events is to invite a very targeted and exclusive guest list to partake of a social event without exposing them to aggressive marketing or sales pitches; these events are a subtle “match-making” of luxury brands with their consumers” says Marcelo Rivero, principal of Star Services Events & Public Relations.

Guests enjoyed exquisite hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of champagne was poured, but the highlight of the evening was a private tasting of Louis XIII; a cognac manufactured using grapes from the Grande Champagne territory of Cognac, France. It is blended from 1200 eaux-de-vie, some more than a century in age, then it is aged in tiercons, oak barrels that are several hundred years old, in its own cellar.

The average price range is between $1,800 to $2,500 per bottle. Mathieu Levy, brand ambassador for Louis XIII, guided guests through the history of this exclusive cognac/champagne while engaging them in a group tasting that ended in a toast to celebrate life and luxury.

The event was co-hosted by luxury real estate impresario Carlo Gambino, VP of Duglas-Elliman, Vanessa Nunez, principal of Nunez Interior, a boutique high end interior design firm, and South Florida Opulence Magazine.

TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT CLICK HERE

The Lounge & Shop Experience by Anya Ponorovskaya



New York based designer Anya Ponorovskaya brings to the Miami Design District a weekly rendez-vous well acclaimed in her New York City boutiques, started with a launching event on Saturday, January 12, 2013, coinciding with the 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk.

Obe Santos and Anya Ponorovskaya

The “Lounge & Shop Experience” is a series of weekly informal events to gather friends and clients to enjoy drinks and light bites while perusing through the designer’s latest collections. Each time will feature a unique and fun element, such as complimentary make-over sessions, samplings of cosmetics or other products and accessories. For the occasion, the designer flew to Miami to meet with the media and to make a cameo appearance as the host of the event.

Located in the block of the Miami Design District with the highest concentration of luxury fashion, Anya P. adds glamour and personal touch with the weekly appointment “Lounge & Shop Experience”. With nibbles and wines, clients and friends were invited to experience the femininity, elegance and retro flair of the line.

Known for bringing to modernity an almost forgotten generation of fashion, Anya Ponorovskaya is willing to share her inspirations and introduce her tailoring touches, handmade originality and impeccable fit to clients, friends and visitors. The designer’s retro flair has ideally blended with the cosmopolitan lifestyle of her local clientele since the opening of the boutique. Her Miami client is genuinely sensual and feminine, yet refuses to pay for fashion trends and finds in her creations the appropriate balance of looks for leisure and work.

WWW.ANYAPONOROVSKAYA.COM

TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT  CLICK HERE

Calligaris Miami - Art Basel 2012

Owners of Calligaris Miami, Liliana Silva and Agustin Aguera with
artist Pablo Atchugarry (center)

On December 8th, 2012 Italian furniture and home décor purveyor, Calligaris, celebrated the works of acclaimed Uruguayan sculptor and artist, Pablo Atchugarry and mixed media artist, Lara Campiglia, with a cocktail reception during the Art Basel week. Atchugarry unveiled five new creations specifically designed for Art Basel Miami Beach 2012, hosted by one of Uruguay's finest modern and contemporary art galleries, Galeria Sur. Atchugarry was in attendance at Calligaris Miami to showcase one of his sculptures, a 240 cm tall, Portugal bronze contemporary masterpiece.

Uruguayan artist, Lara Campiglia, featured exhibit pieces from her "City from The Sky" series. An aerial perspective of men on Earth inspires the mixed media artist's latest series created in Miami. Campiglia's contemporary artwork has been on exhibit in Uruguay, Miami, Los Angeles, New York City and Vienna.

The host of that evening is a leader in Italian home design since 1923, Calligaris has grown from a small, family-owned operation to an international name in modern furniture. Calligaris prides itself on creating stylish and adaptable chairs, tables, sofas, beds and accessories for any contemporary home by combining sleek Italian design with the highest level of functionality. Calligaris incorporates its four pillars of Italian style into each piece of furniture - modern design, excellent craftsmanship, ingenuity and everyday appeal. Based in Manzano, Italy, Calligaris products are available at retailers in 95 countries worldwide.

WWW.FUNDACIONPABLOATCHUGARRY.ORG/EN/

WWW.LARACAMPIGLIA.COM

WWW.MIAMI.CALLIGARIS.US

TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT CLICK HERE

"Post-Millenial Jonah" Exhibit at Williams McCall Gallery - Art Basel 2012

Enveloped in a sea of turquoise blue, visitors to The Williams McCall Gallery enjoyed a special, multi-media exhibit during the debut of "Post-Millenial Jonah" on December 7th. The art installation, on display at the first fine art gallery South of Fifth on South Beach, is the creation of artist Dorothy Palanza.

Palanza successfully set out to bring a different perspective of the ocean and the union of air and water space by creating a multi-sensory installation for people to walk through. Her work, which is deeply rooted in the experiential, includes drawings and paintings of migratory Right Whales. Art enthusiasts praised the exhibit, which took place during Art Basel Miami 2012, the most prestigious contemporary art show in the Americas.

Artist Dorothy Palanza and gallery owner Gail Williams

Those who attended the opening reception were not only treated to a cascade of flowing champagne, but to a unique, multi-sensory experience. That's because the installation included a video by Elizabeth Bradfield and poem by Demet Taspinar. Bradfield is currently the Poet-in-Residence at Brandeis University. Demet's work has been shown in galleries from Turkey to the Tate Modern in London.

"The synthesis of these three mediums perfectly came together to allow our guests to experience the union of the elements of water and air," said Palanza. "What an incredible opportunity this has been, to not only bring the plight of the Right Whale to life, but to allow guests to embrace this important part of our world."

Palanza and Bradfield were among those in attendance, Richard Delaney, President and CEO of the Provincetown Center of Coastal Studies in Provincetown, Massachusetts, also attended the event. A portion of the sales at the exhibit will benefit the Center, whose mission is to conduct scientific research and preservation of marine mammals, habitats and whales in the western North Atlantic Ocean.

Palanza was born in Massachusetts and is a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (BFA) and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (MFA). Palanza's work reflects the personal, environmental and socio-cultural influences from her life experience and extensive history of exploration and collaboration in the arts. Palanza has had numerous group and solo shows. Her work is collected by private patrons internationally.

WWW.WILLIAMSMCCALLGALLERY.COM

TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT PLEASE CLICK HERE

Maurice Renoma Exhibit at Markowicz Fine Art - Art Basel 2012



The compliments flowed as much as the champagne at the exclusive opening exhibit 'Story of the Stories', for France's premiere designer and photographer, Maurice Renoma. Renoma mingled with celebrities and signed autographs during the exclusive opening on Friday, December 7th, at the Markowicz Fine Art Gallery at 1114 NE 40th Street in Miami’s Design District. Renoma's exhibit included a number of the artist's most iconic pieces from his Mythology Collection and Dean Collection. The exhibit coincided with Art Basel, the most prestigious contemporary art show in the Americas.

A number of notable faces took part in the exclusive opening. Famed rock and roll photographer, Bob Gruen, paid a visit to the gallery. Gruen has photographed artists such as: Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Green Day and was once John Lennon's personal photographer. Local fashion designer Samy Gicherman and Bravo's Real Housewives of Miami star and art dealer, Adriana De Moura, were also in attendance.

Adriana De Moura and Maurice Renoma

"I am much honored to have had so many people come visit my exhibit and praise my work," said Renoma, whose very appearance in the U.S. is rare. Guests got to meet the artist, admire his series and enjoy wines and champagne at the evening event.

Bob Gruen and Maurice Renoma

Maurice Renoma began his career in the 1960's as a fashion and furniture designer. In the early 1990's, Renoma developed his passion for photography. From the human body, to life on the streets, to clothing, Renoma captures the beauty of the moment in photographs. Besides clothing, furniture and photography, Renoma's name can also be found on watches, eyewear, tableware, and even in the restaurant business through the Renoma Cafés in Paris, France and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Markowicz Fine Art is owned by French gallerist, Bernard Markowicz. The Markowicz Fine Art Gallery is home to the Mourlot estate in Florida. The Atelier Mourlot, located in Paris, is one of the largest printers of artistic posters in the world and widely visited by artists who create original graphic works of art there. The Markowicz Fine Art Gallery also features works by Pop Art legends such as Andy Warhol and Tom Wesselmann.

WWW.RENOMA-PARIS.COM

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

Design District Private Tour 2012

Story by Carissa Chesanek / Design District Magazine
Photos by Silvia Brasil and Sarah Stramel

Over the Summer 2012, the Miami Design District Marketing Council (MDDMC) partnered with Design District Magazine to give a private tour of some of the most exclusive showrooms that the artsy Design District scene has to offer. Planning and coordination was also provided by Star Services Events who helped make all of this happen.

Tour guests at Marni

In efforts to bring more foot traffic to the area and to help reach potential buyers, the MDDMC were able to bring in over 60 guests, residents of luxury condominiums thanks to the relationship built with the concierges of such buildings who fully supported the event by inviting their valuable clients. Those residents who attended were from all over the elite areas of  Miami including Icon South Beach, Icon Brickell, Portofino Towers, 1500 Ocean Drive, 900 Biscayne Bay, Continuum South, and The W Residences.

Andrea Minnucci, Director of FENDI Casa
and Sofia Joelsson, Creative Director of SOJO Design

Attending residents were picked up at their homes by specific area designated limo-buses provided by Worldwide Limousine. There were two groups of roughly over 30 people and were split between South Beach residents and Brickell with Downtown patrons.

                                           

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