About the Artists
Kurt Merkel
Witness the union of the inherent beauty of natural wood
with the rhythm and flow of dynamic energy and intuitive expression.
Kurt’s artistic direction has been transformed into 3-dimensional, mixed media works of art. The complement of wood, metal, acrylic glass, stone, and various textures brings his expressive artworks to life in a more complex, visual and tangible way.
Kurt Merkel has transformed, creating an artistic style that is unmistakable and truly original. His new mixed media artwork is derived from the deepest creative elements of human nature. He creates from intuition and self expression, letting the rhythms and flows of energy reveal what he calls “The Language of Poetic Line”. In paintings Inner Dialog, In a World of Mysteries & Soulmates, Kurt speaks of the human psyche, experience & relationships. Composed with a sense of natural materials, these lyrical compositions resonate with the viewer on a conscious and subconscious level.
Intrinsic to Kurt’s art is the visual transparency: beautiful, calming and deep with imagery and emotion. To see, hear, and feel beneath the painted surface, allows the viewer to bond with the subject with increasing intensity. Be assured, each painting will draw you back again and again... as fresh, and as deep as you’re willing to go. And with a unique blend of aesthetics, inspiration & intrigue, it’s no mystery why his art is so appealing.
“Pablo Picasso believed that his paintings must awaken something, even in the man who doesn't ordinarily look at pictures. In each painting, he wanted to provide something for every level of thinking. I share this view and my intent is to communicate with you, through this universal language of poetic line... through imagery and emotions... offering you a part of me, that you may find, is a part of you. Enjoy!”
Kurt Merkel grew up on Long Island, NY. He received a degree in Advertising Art & Design, and worked in New York City as a creative director, illustrator and calligrapher. Kurt Merkel is an award-winning artist with an unmistakable, original style. Since debuting his new mixed-media artwork, Kurt was recognized by the interior design firm, Collins-Dupont, as their featured artist. A collector of Kurt‘s work has commissioned a 9’ x 6’ painting. And, based on his reception during Art Basel Miami 2009, there is growing anticipation for these new, dynamic works of art.
Kurt Merkel can be viewed at:
www.KurtMerkel.com
www.discoveredartists.com/kurtmerkel
Sweet Art Gallery, Naples, FL
Gallery 101, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Esther Wertheimer was recently chosen to display her sculpture “The Visionaries” by the City of Boynton Beach, Florida for their Art in Public Places program. The sculpture will be located in downtown Boynton Beach and will be on display there for a year.
At the end of last year, Esther Wertheimer was invited by the City of Florence to participate in the 2009 Florence Biennale with her sculptures. “Invictus, Five Dancers, and Madre Gambe Incrociate” were on display. At the end of the exhibition, the Biennale awarded her the “Gold Medal of Lorenzo il Magnifico” and a certificate to honor her career and work.
Esther Wertheimer’s sculpture, “Invictus”, was accepted and won the Honorary Nathaniel Kaz Award at the 67th Annual Audubon Exhibition which was held at the Salmagundi Club in New York, New York. The sculpture was on display through the month of October 2009.
She was invited to exhibit her work at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, which will begin in May and continue until October of 2010.
Wertheimer was recently awarded by the National Association of Professional Women from 150,000 members to receive the “2010-2011 Executive and Professional Women of the Year award in Cultural Arts & Sculptures.” It is the most exclusive and prestigious award of the NAPW organization. It is important to mention that based on all her achievements, talent, hard work and dedication to her career, this is an honor that is so very well deserved.
On September 4th, 2009 Esther Wertheimer was invited to attend the 4th Annual “100% Pure Florida” Exhibition that was held at the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery in Melbourne, Florida. Wertheimer’s colored sculpture, “Madre Gambe Incrociate”, won Best in Show out of 99 artists and 277 pieces of art. Fifth Avenue Art Gallery will be featuring a solo exhibition for Wertheimer in June of 2010. She will also be lecturing at The Brevard Art Museum during the spring of 2010.
The artist will be giving a lecture on the History of Sculptures, dating from the first Greek sculptures before our era, through the Renaissance, all the way up to the Modern Art period at the Museum of Brevard at 2:30 to 4:30pm. Their address is 1463 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32935. Telephone number is: 321-242-0737. The Museum is just across the street from the Fifth Avenue Gallery which is located at 1470 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32935. Telephone number is 321-259-8261.
For more information concerning Esther Wertheimer’s famous sculptures, please visit her website at www.ewertheimer.com . Her phone number is: 561-392-3503.
Gallery at Avalon Island is located at 39 S. Magnolia Ave., in downtown Orlando at the corner of Magnolia and Pine. Convenient parking is available in the library parking garage, adjacent to our gallery. Hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday from 11 am – 4 pm and by appointment. Contact gallery director Jeffrey W. Shonkwiler at 407-803-6670 or by email at Jeff@GalleryatAvalonIsland.com. www.GalleryatAvalonIsland.com
Music provided by Joseph Martens
Beer provided by City Beverages
Gallery Hours
11 AM – 4 PM Thurs. – Sat.
Gallery at Avalon Island is located at
39 S. Magnolia Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32801
Phone: 407-803-6670
Jeff@GalleryatAvalonIsland.com |
