A Brief Retrospective
Adelson Cavalier Gallery
ERNEST HEMINGWAY and His Last Muse
ANDREA DI ROBILANT
Human Puppy Mill in existence in the United States
Upon hearing the plight of so many young men, women and children trapped as modern day slaves Diana Davis felt compelled to create a film calling attention to the victims. Using her film as a fundraising tool to rescue the survivors, and fight modern day slavery, MoviesMakingADifference was born.
“When I found that no one was doing anything about this wide-spread atrocity in our own country, where so-called “church” elders were claiming young girls as their wives in order to have them give birth to as many babies as possible. The boys would be used for child labor and the girls would be human puppy mills. I was horrified that they could get away with this by calling it a ‘religion’. Then when I started meeting these amazing survivors, I couldn’t just make a movie to raise awareness and leave them to fend for themselves. So I created the 501c3 to use proceeds from the film along with private donations to directly help these heroic people out of their horrific circumstances,”said Diana Davis.
With their first feature film “Cathedral Canyon”, winner of the “Audience Choice for Best Feature Film”, at the Palm Beach Film Festival 2014, the team shed light on the plight of the child brides from these current day polygamist sects who have little resources to escape.
Because of the generosity of viewers that were outraged by what they saw, they found homes and vocational training opportunities for the escaped “Child Brides” and “Lost Boys”, (teenage boys as young as 12 tossed aside by the elders when seen as competition). They have assisted over 50 young women, men and children and many have now joined our organization to give back and help others like themselves.
Their co-founder Chip Williams, of Lake Worth, FL a Certified Addictions Professional and Recovery Support Specialist, opened his home as a ‘Safe House’ welcoming those in need on a temporary basis who are in immediate danger, until proper treatment is found, most often at Faith Farm in Boynton Beach, Fern House in WPB or PAX Campus in Lake Worth, FL. He has traveled to Colorado City and such places to educate and give counseling for drug and alcohol which so many turn to as a means of escape.
Please join
Debra Tomlin, Theresa Gaugler, Xiomi Penn and Diana Davis
Sunday January 27, 2019 6-8 PM at Contessa Gallery.
Catering by Maven; Entertainment by DJ Lex
$75 in Advance, $100 at Door.
Palm Beach Philanthropists and Hollywood stars participate in upcoming film ‘Cult Cartel’.
MoviesMakingADifference is currently in post-production of their next feature film “Cult Cartel”, exposing even more than they were able to present in their award winning “Cathedral Canyon”. Filming started in and around Palm Beach last March and included many of their local supporters. They also filmed in the actual town of Colorado City, (home of self-proclaimed prophet Warren Jeffs that is doing life in a TX prison for crimes against underage girls) to shoot the majority of the film with the blessing of the townspeople. They also employed many of the actual survivors behind and in front of the camera, giving them an outlet to express themselves and tell their stories with the care and support of those of us that love them and brought $25,000 into the destitute community of Colorado City where the average annual income is $6,228.
The film stars Donny Most (Happy Days) and Jud Tylor (That 70s Show and Charlie Wilson’s War), Winsor Harmon (The Bold & The Beautiful) and Young Barlow (real life survivor of Warren Jeffs brutal regime, excommunicated at age 14 to the streets of Las Vegas). Executive Producers are Conrad N. Hilton III and Julia Rosengren.
To learn more about MoviesMakingaDifference, please join:
Debra Tomlin, Theresa Gaugler, Xiomi Penn and Diana Davis
Sunday January 27, 2019 6-8 PM at Contessa Gallery.
Catering by Maven; Entertainment by DJ Lex
Bid on original oil painting designed by acclaimed NY artist Hakob Hakobyan specifically for MoviesMakingADifference to support survivors of child Slavery, Child Labor, Child Marriage and Trafficking in the US & Canada.
(painting featured below)
Donation $75 Please Click Here to Register
Modern Day Slavery
Through Film
Groundbreaking contemporary works by Brendan Murphy and Mr. Brainwash are among the highlights at the prestigious and much anticipated ‘tent site’ art fair
By Brandy Guthrie
South Florida art enthusiasts recovering from their annual Art Basel come downs, have another weekend to absorb some of the planet’s best contemporary art–courtesy of Art Miami. This time, it’s the 3rd edition of Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary, a world class fair poised for a breakout year in 2019. Palm Beach’s Contessa Gallery, still glowing from a fabulously successful exhibit during Art Basel, will feature works from renowned artists Mr. Brainwash, Hijack, Maria Svarbova, Daniele Sigalot, and Cayla Birk, as well as the world premiere of Brendan Murphy’s latest sculpture series.
Brendan Murphy, War and Peace Series: Warrior 1 Pose
Brendan Murphy’s most recent works are the result of a pivotal period of personal stress and hardship, namely, the destruction of his Malibu neighborhood caused by devastating wildfires. Artists often produce their most poignant work during dark times, and Murphy’s “War & Peace Series” (pictured above) are no exception. Created using an exclusive process which generates a vibrant chrome-based painted finish, the series of large-scale soldiers in yoga poses garnered national attention when premiered at Art Miami 2018. New “War & Peace Series” poses will be debuted at Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2019. Do not miss!
Mr. Brainwash, Believe in Magic
Brendan Murphy, Lightning
Following up another blockbuster solo exhibition at Art Miami 2018, Contessa Gallery will bring the electrifying works of Mr. Brainwash to West Palm Beach. This brilliant artist with roots in the world of street art was eventually introduced to Bansky, arguably the most famous street artist alive, and has continued to blaze a path of artistic experimentation throughout his career. This year, the gallery will showcase his new paintings consisting of neon light bulbs, paper collages, and fiberglass, as well as his newest broken vinyl record collages which give both material and subject a new life by, “making singers live forever with what they sold.”
Hijack, Balloon Head
For more detailed information about the artists or gallery, which will remain open during the week of the art fair, please visit www.contessagallery.com or contact Steve Hartman at 216-956-2825 or via email at art@contessagallery.com.
Learn more about Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2019 at https://www.artpbfair.com/
Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2019
Jan 10-13
Mr. Brainwash continues to be highlight of Art Miami
Last year Mr. Brainwash painted Contessa Gallery’s booth causing quite a stir, this year Contessa’s Mr. Brainwash caused a media frenzy. The solo exhibit was highlighted on CBS Evening News and Miami Herald.
Mr. Brainwash (born Thierry Guetta in 1966) began his artistic career over 17 years ago documenting the underground world of street artists. Eventually this endeavor introduced him to Banksy, who is arguably the most anonymous and famous street artist living today. With the encouragement of Banksy, Guetta began creating his own street art.
In 2008, Mr. Brainwash produced an explosive first solo show, Life is Beautiful. The epic display hundreds of breakthrough works revolutionized the art scene not only in Los Angeles, where the show was held, but worldwide. This phenomenal exhibition skyrocketed Mr. Brainwash’s popularity. His artistic evolution is chronicled in the Academy Award nominated documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop, coincidently directed by Banksy. Known for his stylistic combination of pop and street art, Guetta creates his works by brilliantly fusing together historical pop imagery with contemporary cultural iconography. This year, the special exhibition showcased energetic and never before seen works by Mr. Brainwash at Art Miami which employed neon light bulbs, paper collages, broken vinyl records, metal and fiberglass.
Chaplin Subway, Original Stencil and Mixed Media on Metal, Plywood an Fiberglass
Mr. Brainwash, Life is Beautiful, 2018
Enameled Steel Sculpture
Mr. Brainwash, Imagine, 2018
Neon Light Bulb on Paper Collage
Mr. Brainwash, Marilyn Monroe, 2018
Broken Vinyl Records on Canvas
About Contessa Gallery
Founded in 1999, Contessa Gallery offers artworks of exceedingly high quality as well as art acquisition counsel to collectors, museums and institutions. Areas of expertise include pre-20th century, Modern and Contemporary sculpture, paintings, photography and works on paper. While many galleries focus primarily on artist representation and promotion, Contessa Gallery is collector focused. The gallery’s mission is to assist clients in developing collections that have deep personal meaning. Contessa encourages its clients to view their collections as a legacy that can be passed down through generations or to institutions.
The gallery continues to expand its clientele and reputation through its participation in prestigious art fairs, such as; Art Miami, Art New York and The Armory Show – Modern. At the philanthropic level, Contessa Gallery aims to make a difference in the community through the contribution of time, expertise, sponsorship and educational programming for museums and organizations dedicated to the arts.
For more detailed information about the gallery or artists please visit their website: www.contessagallery.com or contact Steve Hartman at 216-956-2825 or via email: art@contessagallery.com
Creates Media Frenzy
at Art Miami
Unpublished letters reveal an unknown love story, the torment of Hemingway’s young muse and the resuscitation of the aging writer’s career.
Andrea di Robilant, acclaimed author of A Venetian Affair, now gives us the remarkable story of Ernest Hemingway’s love affair with both the city of Venice and the muse he found there—a vivacious eighteen-year-old who inspired the man thirty years her senior to complete his great final work. The author attributes his research experience as a journalist to his use of letters in his writings. “You know them closely, you understand what they know. Perhaps, more importantly”, he continues, “You accept them. You don’t judge them as immoral or obnoxious.” The author Di Robilant will preside at the unveiling of the book on June 6th at Rizzoli, 1133 Broadway, New York. Andrea will also be discussing his book in Washington DC at a private venue on June 5th. (Please email me to request an invitation to the exclusive book-signing and conversation with Andrea di Robilant)
Autumn in Venice: Ernest Hemingway and His Last Muse
In the fall of 1948 Hemingway and his fourth wife traveled for the first time to Venice, which Hemingway called “a goddam wonderful city.” He was a year shy of his fiftieth birthday and hadn’t published a novel in nearly a decade. At a duck shoot in the lagoon he met and fell in love with Adriana Ivancich, a striking Venetian girl just out of finishing school. Di Robilant—whose great-uncle moved in Hemingway’s revolving circle of bon vivants, aristocrats, and artists—re-creates with sparkling clarity this surprising, years-long relationship. Hemingway used Adriana as the model for Renata in Across the River and into the Trees, and continued to visit Venice to see her; when the Ivanciches traveled to Cuba, Adriana was there as he wrote The Old Man and the Sea. This illuminating story of writer and muse—which also examines the cost to a young woman of her association with a larger-than-life literary celebrity—is an intimate look at the fractured heart and changing art of Hemingway in his fifties.
The hardcover will be released and available for purchase June 5. List price $26.95 Pre-order now at $12.99 on Amazon
About the Author
ANDREA DI ROBILANT was born in Italy and educated at Columbia University, where he specialized in international affairs. He worked for decades as a journalist for Italian newspapers in America, including a stint as bureau chief of La Stampa in Washington, D.C. Though he has homes in Venice and Rome, he spends most of his time in the latter, in an apartment he shares with his wife near the MAXXI museum. He teaches four classes a week at two American universities in Rome and reserves two days for researching and writing his books.
He is the author of A Venetian Affair, Lucia: A Venetian Life in the Age of Napoleon, Irresistible North: From Venice To Greenland on the Trail of the Zen Brothers, and Chasing the Rose.
Some early reviews
“Rich with new material, some based on Italian sources, di Robilant’s lively and affecting double portrait brings a fresh perspective to the much-examined life of an all-too-human writer.” —Steve Paul, Booklist (starred review)
“A sensitive recounting of a writer’s doomed fantasy.” —Kirkus Reviews
“One of the most wrenching and scandalous love stories in all of literary biography . . . di Robilant reconstructs their tale with remarkable precision and a wealth of unpublished materials . . . what emerges is an ample, finely detailed fresco of the last stage of Hemingway’s life, a kaleidoscopic succession of relationships, passions, trips, editorial disputes, drinking binges, set against the backdrop of northeast Italy . . . [Autumn in Venice] has all the intrigue and emotion of a novel.” —Pietro Spirito. Il Piccolo (Italy)
“An evocative and alluring tale of love and death . . . In his effusive letters to Adriana, Hemingway laid bare his extremely passionate, generous, and contradictory nature.” Mirella Serri, La Stampa (Italy)
Ernest Hemingway and His Last Muse
Hijack Bubble Gum Girl, 2018
Oil, Stencil and Mixed Media on Cement
48 x 60 inches
Complimentary Passes to Art New York, courtesy of Steve Hartman, President of Fine Arts Dealer Association (FADA) and owner of Contessa Gallery
If you happen to be in New York when you receive this email, then you may want to accept the complimentary passes courtesy of Contessa Gallery and visit the 2018 Art New York at Pier 94. Art New York has established a well-known reputation for providing fine art collectors with the latest in high quality Contemporary and Modern Art. The fair will begin on May 3 and run through May 6, 2018. Contessa booth is ANY142. Email Anna to request complimentary passes.
Contessa Gallery will be unveiling new works by Brendan Murphy, Hijack, Daniele Sigalot, and Mr. Brainwash
Hijack is one of the most talked-about, up and coming artists in today’s contemporary art scene. Hijack’s works are a revelation in street art. His imaginative and brilliantly constructed pieces are seen globally, from Los Angeles to London. Contessa Gallery will be showcasing many of Hijack’s powerful works at Art New York 2018, including his ever-popular Bubble Gum Girl in an updated version incorporating more detail and oil paint. (featured above). These new works by Hijack create colorful and meaningful perspectives on life, and Contessa Gallery is excited to highlight them in this exhibition.
Static Attraction, 2018, Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas by Hijack
Brendan Murphy (B. 1971) is a popular California Artist well known to collectors from Art Basel to Silicon Valley. Using a wide range of different materials and tools in his work, Murphy goes beyond traditional painting technique. In doing so, Murphy has developed his own unique style, dynamic in its combination of the abstract and the figurative. Murphy is well-known for his chalkboard series, and Contessa Gallery is proud to showcase a brand-new piece in this series at Art New York 2018. 1 View Inside is a monumental work created on a silver metallic chrome background. Murphy’s new use of chrome appears in another groundbreaking work that will be on view at Art New York, entitled Squeeze.
Brendan Murphy (B. 1971 – ) 1 View Inside, 2018
Oil, Acrylic and Gouache on Silver Metallic Chrome Background
60 x 96 inches
Daniele Sigalot (B. 1976) born in Rome, has had a powerful career focusing his works on big aluminum installations and unconventional mosaics. Sigalot is most well-known for his massive paper plane installations, which he has exhibited in more than thirty cities to the four corners of the globe. Upon first glance, the individual plane components of the installation are made of paper, but in actuality are each carefully hand crafted out of metal. For Art New York 2018, Sigalot has installed a brand-new installation at Contessa Gallery’s Booth,Unsent Poems. This piece is a striking addition to the exhibition. Collectors will also find a unique engraved metal piece, A Portrait of You in New York City. This piece allows the viewer to engage with and become part of the artwork.
Daniele Sigalot (B. 1976 – )
Unsent Poems, 2018
Acrylic Varnish on Aluminum
35 x 82 inches approximately
Mr. Brainwash (B. 1966 – ) is an internationally-known Pop Artist whose street art and Contemporary pieces are highly valued by collectors. Mr. Brainwash utilizes popular artistic and historic icons, including Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, Mickey Mouse, and Andy Warhol, and alters them in significant ways. Mr. Brainwash also partnered with famous street artist, Banksy, to collaborate on work and film a documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop based on Banksy’s secretive life. Contessa Gallery will be exhibiting a variety of works by Mr. Brainwash at this year’s Art New York, including a few brand-new pieces. Contessa Gallery is privileged to world premiere the first ever Mr. Brainwash Balloon Girl as the central icon of a painting.
Mr. Brainwash (B. 1966-)
Balloon Girl, 2018
Stencil and Mixed Media on Metal, Street Signs and Fiberglass Brick Wall
85 x 68 inches
About Contessa Gallery
Founded in 1999, Contessa Gallery offers artworks of exceedingly high quality as well as art acquisition counsel to collectors, museums and institutions. Areas of expertise include pre-20th century, Modern and Contemporary sculpture, paintings, photography and works on paper. While many galleries focus primarily on artist representation and promotion, Contessa Gallery is collector focused. The gallery’s mission is to assist clients in developing collections that have deep personal meaning. Contessa encourages its clients to view their collections as a legacy that can be passed down through generations or to institutions.
The gallery continues to expand its clientele and reputation through its participation in prestigious art fairs, such as; Art Miami, Art New York and The Armory Show – Modern. At the philanthropic level, Contessa Gallery aims to make a difference in the community through the contribution of time, expertise, sponsorship and educational programming for museums and organizations dedicated to the arts.
For more detailed information about the gallery, artists, exhibition history, art fair schedule and philanthropic support, please visit our website: www.contessagallery.com or contact Steve Hartman at 216-956-2825 or via email: art@contessagallery.com
Contessa Gallery’s booth for Art New York 2018 is #ANY142
For a complimentary pass email Anna@ContessaGallery.com
Groundbreaking New Works
at Art New York 2018
Ali MacGraw transcends borders and empowers women
All my life I’ve had respect for this fabulous down to earth and generous woman. So when I received an invitation from Lars Bolander, Nadine Kalachnikoff and Todd Hase to meet her and learn about Ibu movement, I was thrilled! After further research, I learned about her instrumental role in this fabulous organization and my admiration grew to a whole new level. I look forward to meeting Ms. MacGraw next Thursday, adding fabulous unique and affordable pieces to my wardrobe and more importantly, I look forward to supporting such an important and often too forgotten cause: empowering women most in need. All proceeds from sales will benefit Ibu Movement.
Ibu Movement
In the Malay language of Indonesia, Ibu means a woman of respect. The Ibu movement celebrates the imagination and skill of women from around the world, while empowering them and putting money back in to their hands. As an Ambassador 
designer, Ali Macgraw collaborates with 71 artisan groups in 38 countries, bringing elegant, bold, and powerful handmade luxury for the rest of the world to enjoy.
“When a woman brings money into the household,” says MacGraw. “Suddenly she can’t be treated quite the same way as before.”
The Artisans
Artisans spanning the globe from Guatemala, to Nepal to create, spin, dye and weave their stories in cloth. They create more than beauty as they craft their own independence, educate their children, lead communities and change futures. Just one of these 71 groups crafts and designs in-house about 70% of Ibu’s products, offering unique items found nowhere else. The artisans buy the remaining 30% wholesale, and at a more than fair trade price. This dynamic creates livelihood, collegiality, and bonds of friendship between Ibu allies and artisans.
Ali MacGraw Ibu Movement Collection
Ali’s chic sense of style takes traditional craft from 23 countries around the world, including Ali’s native New Mexico, 
Uzbekistan, Brazil, to Pakistan to the South Sudan, to a whole other level. “My whole life I have been crazy about wearing and collecting textiles from the four corners of the earth.
In many cases, these things have been passed down for generations. Or at least, the craft has been taught by generations.
So these women live in a cultural continuum that the West doesn’t often see. Our society changes everything immediately, outsourcing things, making things quickly and cheaply. It’s so unappealing in comparison to something made by hand, something that joins you to a group of women from around the globe,” says MacGraw during an interview for interior monologue.
Nadine Kalachnikoff, Lars Bolander & Todd Hase will host Ali MacGraw and her collection at 5013 S. Dixie Highway, WPB Thursday March 29th, 10-5 PM. Ali MacGraw will be speaking at 3pm (All proceeds from sales will go to Ibu movement).
View video below to fully appreciate Ibu movement. To view runway show of ali’s collection, fast forward half-way!
brings Ibu Movement to Palm Beach
Ballet Florida presents ‘Reawakening’ on March 24th
For those who revered Ballet Florida as a vibrant player in the local arts scene since it was founded by Marie Hale in 1985 and mourned its closing in 2009 after 23 seasons of well received performances in West Palm Beach as well as New York and Europe – there is great news! Ballet Florida is back!
Lauren Carey, 28, of West Palm Beach, an alumnus of both Ballet Florida and Dreyfoos School of the Arts, is the president and artistic director of the newly resurrected local dance company. Joining her in the effort is Guy Palmer as creative director and her sister Lyndsey Carey, as director of outreach.
Ballet Florida’s mission is to create new work while performing a selection of timeless classics. By housing collaborative projects between dancers, choreographers, visual artists, musicians, composers, multi-media artists, designers and other art forms, we develop and showcase a versatile dance medium.
Dance as an art form is changing and evolving,” Carey continued. “It is unrealistic to think that a company will survive merely 
by producing performances audiences have seen time and time again in the same venues. Ballet Florida will complement the classics with new offerings designed to stretch the artistic boundaries of our company.”
Programs by Ballet Florida include full-length evenings performed in traditional theaters,contrasted by intimate non-traditional environments. “We hope to reach all generations and cultures through our dancing while opening the minds of those who have not yet had the opportunity to experience this spectacular art form,” Carey said.
The Ballet Florida company will perform a mixed program “Reawakening” on March 24 at 8 p.m. at The Kravis Center’s Persson Hall. The program will feature home grown artists such as Kyra Jean Green, now of Montreal Canada, Guy Palmer a former Ballet Florida scholarship student under the direction of Marie Hale and now Ballet Florida’s Creative Director, Artistic Director Lauren Carey, and former Ballet Florida company member (under the direction of Marie Hale) Jerry Opdenaker, among other guest artists. Carey’s new work “Vessel” features a collaboration with local visual artist Charles Bane who has created an original creative set for the piece. All of the dancers, choreographers and collaborating artists in this upcoming performance have a connection to South Florida.
Tickets are available online at www.kravis.org
Mr. Brainwash booth blockbuster attraction at Art Miami
Contessa Gallery will be participating in the 28th annual Art Miami Fair, December 5- December 10. Contessa Gallery will hosts two booths, one entirely dedicated to Mr. Brainwash’s electrifying works. The brilliant artist will design the booth, and it is sure to be a blockbuster attraction at Art Miami. Mr. Brainwash began his artistic career over 17 years ago documenting the underground world of street artists. His artistic evolution is chronicled in the Academy Award nominated documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop, directed by Banksy. Known for his stylistic combination of pop and street art, Brainwash creates his works by fiercely fusing together historical pop imagery with contemporary cultural iconography.
Contessa Gallery sets up roots on Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue
Steve Hartman, current President of FADA (Fine Art Dealers Association) and owner of internationally renowned Contessa 
Gallery, experienced first-hand the depth of the local Palm Beach area arts and cultural scene when he experimented with a West Palm Beach satellite gallery last year. This year a unique opportunity fell into his lap: A high-prized locale on Worth Avenue belonging to well-known art collector and Andy Warhol muse, Jane Holzer (AKA Baby Jane) unexpectedly became available. Contessa Gallery is up and running at 247 Worth Avenue (former Calypso space).
Contessa Gallery’s Current Featured Exhibit
Currently on display is a specially curated collection of works by leading contemporary artists, including a very extensive 
selection by pop and street art sensation, Mr. Brainwash. Contessa Gallery is excited to showcase the artist’s continual revolutionary experimentation with new techniques, media, materials and subject matter. The Palm Beach gallery also features major artwork by Chuck Close, Hanneke Beaumont, David Drebin,Hijack, Gilles Cenazandotti, Cayla Birk., Jasper Johns, Louise Nevelson, Daniele Sigalot (Blue and Joy), Tom Wesselmann and most recently, Brendan Murphy.
“The response we’ve seen to our presence in the South Florida art scene is off the charts. We’ve experienced a phenomenal welcome from Collectors. We think our highly curated collection of impressive artists will continue to attract important patrons.” explains Steve Hartman.
For detailed information, contact Steve Hartman at 216-956-2825 or via email: art@contessagallery.com
Art Miami (December 6-10)
One Herald Plaza at NE 14th Street on Biscayne Bay. Contessa Gallery’s booths for Art Miami 2017 are #A137a & #A137b.