Artist Craig Gould has auctioned a number of original oil paintings in 2008 to benefit multiple charities, including the North Texas Food Bank and the Dallas Mavericks Foundation. The proceeds of these donations have been used to fund after school programs, finance mission trips and provide up to 5,000 meals for at-risk children.

On March 21st, an original oil painting of Dirk Nowitzki was auctioned as part of the Dallas Mavericks Foundation’s Tux & Tennies Gala at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas, Texas. The event raises funds that are distributed to local charities that provide development and support for needy children in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Craig’s portrait of the league MVP was signed by Nowitzki and included in the evening’s silent auction.

On April 13th, an original oil painting of Roger Staubach was auctioned as part of the 2008 Taste of the NFL Ultimate Dallas Cowboys Tailgate Party at Gilley’s in Dallas, Texas. The painting was signed by professional football legend and local businessman Roger Staubach with all proceeds of the auction benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. The organization, which is the largest food bank in the state of Texas, distributed 32 million pounds of food and groceries to needy individuals in 2007.

Most recently, Craig has partnered with fine art distributor Art Channel to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas as part of the festivities surrounding the 2008 Parade of Homes in McKinney, Texas. Craig was commissioned to complete the first of a series of Harley-Davidson oil paintings commemorating Harley-Davidson’s 105th anniversary and coinciding with a local Harley-Davidson charity ride to the Parade of Homes event on May 17th. The painting “2008 Fat Bob” captures the latest Harley incarnation and focuses on what has made the brand so famous – the v-twin engine and an enormous amount of chrome. A limited edition of the painting is being published by Art Channel with 20% of all proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas.

“The ability to have proceeds from a limited edition print go to a specific charity is far more effective than what I’m able to accomplish through a charity auction,” said the artist. “This specific arrangement with Art Channel can lead to a contribution to Make-A-Wish that is up to 25-times larger than the amount we are able to raise through the auction of just one painting.” Still, the auction of an original painting signed by the athlete can make a significant impact at the type of fundraising events non-profit organizations have come to rely on. “Craig Gould’s recent donation of a one-of-a-kind Dirk Nowitzki painting was instrumental to the success of the 2008 Tux & Tennies Gala, benefiting the Dallas Mavericks Foundation,” said Matt Miller, Community Relations Coordinator for the Dallas Mavericks. “The Dallas Mavericks and the Mavs Foundation were thrilled to partner with Craig for our 4th annual event, and we hope to be able to work with him again in the future.”

It hasn’t been just the large organizations that have benefited from Craig’s work this year. On March 1st, an original oil painting of Michael Jordan was auctioned at a charity event in the Chicago area to benefit student missions for Faith Church in Dyer, IN. The proceeds from the auction of the painting (which in this case was not signed by the athlete) proved sufficient to create scholarships for two students to go on church-sponsored mission trips this summer.

“I’ve found myself in times of need where it’s been a true blessing to receive a helping hand from organizations like these,” said Craig. “I know that God wants me to use my gifts to provide that kind of assistance for someone else. I can’t go through life with the knowledge that my work can help those in need and choose not to help. My gift is painting, but each of us have been blessed with unique skills that enable us to help our neighbor. Look around. Get involved.”

Craig and Art Channel will be on hand again at the Parade of Homes in McKinney, Texas (which also benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas) on June 7th and June 8th. Advance orders of the Harley-Davidson print can be made at the event or online at www.craiggould.com.

For additional information on Craig Gould and his artwork, contact Craig at 972-335-2211 or visit www.craiggould.com. Free samples of Craig’s work are available for galleries and interior design professionals by e-mailing craig@craiggould.com.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Limited editions of selected works are currently available through Art Channel at www.artchannelgalleries.com.

About Craig Gould Fine Art – Craig Gould Fine Art markets and distributes the work of noted artist Craig Gould. Craig is a sports artist whose oil paintings capture the spirit of professional and collegiate athletics. Although his portfolio includes themes as diverse as landscapes and motorcycles, Craig specializes in oil paintings for the fan of all sports, including football, basketball, baseball and various olympic events. Craig’s portfolio of sports art includes a number of portraits of current and former Dallas Cowboys, as well as other sports icons. These oil paintings are fine works of art which allow us to reflect on the power, passion, grace and brutality of sport. It’s the game from the perspective of the athlete.

The Oasis sponsored London Fashion in Film Festival 2008, which is running till the end of May, comprises a series of films sharing the running theme of how fashion, costume and styling are used in film to add an air of chic decadence. The films will be screened at five major London arts venues, the ICA, BFI, Tate Modern, Cine Lumiere and Horse Hospital.

The festival also offers a series of talks, film introductions and Q&As. These will feature the American film scholar Tom Gunning, London-based fashion designer Bella Freud (who will introduce Mannequin in Red), fashion historian Rebecca Arnold and GQ’s Editor Dylan Jones. A unique programme of new commissions by artists, fashion photographers and designers, including Shannon Plumb, Eloise Fornieles and Elizabeth McAlpine, will also premier at Tate Modern, reflecting the festival’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging artists and funding new work.

Sharon O’Connor, Managing Director of Oasis commented: “We are very excited to be sponsoring the second Fashion in Film Festival. These rarely seen films, dating back to 1908, present us with a source of iconic fashion images which have visibly influenced the contemporary scene. The unique programme of new commissions highlights the creativity and originality of emerging talent and design, values shared and supported by Oasis.”

In homage to this collaboration, the Oasis AW 2008 collection delves into the cinematic archives unique to this festival and has created a collection perfect for modern day sirens.

Paying homage to 1920’s screen icon Marlene Dietrich, Desire is feminine and eclectic fusing art deco pieces in sheer fabrics with seductive suiting, perfectly echoing the Bloomsbury era. Show stopping flapper dresses with drop waists feature in luxurious fabrics of sheer chiffon and silk, lovingly adorned with delicate beading and tassel trims. Colours are sumptuous in a mix of washed out pink, berry, chocolate, camel and teal.

Luxe Tux focuses on modern androgynous tailoring with a distinct cinematic feel. Tailored tuxedo suits with razor sharp cutting sat back to structured dresses epitomize this clean as a whistle look. Cinched in waists, strong shoulders and lady like skirts create this definitive silhouette with a nod to 1950’s styling. Colours appear in a rich inky mix of gold on black, blood orange and darkest red. Bags are small, structured and clutch; shoes are red high shine and stacked.

Love Story brings modern undertones to this Ali MacGraw seventies inspired look. Liberty print fabrics with delicate lace trims integrated in dresses, blouses and volume tops. Exuding girlish charm, Love Story creates a soft naive look sat back to tougher fabrics of denim, suede and leather. Denim skirts sit high on the waist and look fresh teamed with a printed blouse and fur lined waistcoat whilst wide leg trousers feature contrast stitching with oversized front pockets.

Doctor Zhivago is pure luxe winter dressing, mixing sumptuous textures and fabrics of sheepskin, faux fur, cashmere and super soft wool. Warm handle fabrics are oversized and appear on thick shearling coats and fitted jumpers. Earthy tones of slate grey, antique cream and sage make this look a versatile option for day or evening.

Curtain Call features a range of must-have accessories including hats in every incarnation ranging from the cute cloche to the floppy seventies felt style. Tights are patterned all over, perfect worn with this seasons stacked heel dolly shoes. Jewellery stays big whilst bags appear in extremes from small and boxy to oversized and slouchy.

The association with the Fashion in Film Festival also brings a wealth of influence to the Oasis AW 2008 short film, presenting still and moving images for a collection inspired by the feminine allure and glamour of film with a distinctive Oasis twist.

About Oasis
Notes to Editor: Oasis was founded by Michael and Maurice Bennett in 1991. Delivering collections that are fashionable, wearable and are synonymous with quality, value and unique design Oasis continues to grow its high street and online presence.

Agora Gallery is proud to present Dominique Salm in United in Art – an Exhibition of Fine Art from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

About Dominique Salm:
Dominique Salm’s animal portraits present a contemporary spin on traditional wildlife painting. Her remarkably naturalistic watercolor renderings of animal subjects are projected against a stark white background, which not only creates a dramatic graphic image, but conveys her modern aesthetic. Each watercolor has a snap-shot quality, capturing the personality of each animal and imparting humor, character, and whimsy to many of her pieces. At the same time, the painstaking realism with which her paintings are executed reflects Dominique’s own intense love and respect for animals.

The acclaimed wildlife painter has exhibited her work widely throughout the United Kingdom, including at the prestigious CLA Game Fair and is sought out by international art collectors. Originally from Jamaica, Dominique was deeply influenced by the community of artists in her close knit neighborhood and developed an interest in wildlife art from an early age. Dominique Salm holds a degree in illustration from the University of the West of England and currently lives and works in London.

Exhibition Dates: June 3, 2008 through June 24, 2008
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 5, 2008, 6-8 pm
Gallery Location: 530 West 25th Street, Chelsea, New York
Gallery Hours: Tues – Sat, 11am – 6pm

Agora Gallery
530 West 25th St
Chelsea, NY 10001
212-226-4151
www.agora-gallery.com

MOSCOW – With a Picasso on sale for nearly £10 million and diamond necklaces going for almost twice as much, the opening of the Moscow World Fine Art Fair on Tuesday night was proof that the balance of power in the art world is shifting inexorably eastwards, reported Adrian Blomfield from The Telegraph.

The art fair has been visited by many people now that it has been made fashionable to buy art as was demonstrated two weeks ago when Roman Abramovich bought Francis Bacon’s “Triptych” for $86.3 million and the 1995 Lucian Freud painting “Benefits Supervisor Sleeping” for $33.6 million last week at Christie’s and Sotheby’s in New York.

Jose Maria Cano, Spanish painter who has caused a sensation with his large scale portraits similar to the mini portraits in the Wall Street Journal, has been told by his gallery that Russians have asked to be painted in his style. Cano’s works of art grace the cover of today’s ArtDaily. The paintings made by Jose Maria are receiving significant acclaim worldwide because of their groundbreaking characteristics. His art work is being shown in Malaga, London, Moscow and Prague.

International and Russian dealers have 1 billion euros ($1.6 billion) of art on offer at the Moscow World Fine Art Fair as they hope to profit from the new elite’s growing appetite for art.

When Yves Bouvier, President of ArtCultureStudio SA (ACS), was asked why he decided to organise this event, he said that he took on this unprecedented challenge simply because everyone said it could not be done. Not only did he do it
successfully but he has turned this event into the annual meeting point for art lovers and professionals in Eastern Europe.

What makes the Moscow World Fine Art Fair so attractive to visitors not only from the East but also Europe and the United States? It is a mixed fair exhibiting the best of every art form covering antiquity, French antique furniture from the eighteenth century, French and Russian nineteenth century furniture, Italian Renaissance, English Romanticism, Impressionism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Russian classical modern art, Design, Contemporary, Photography, and the finest jewellers, top international brands as well as designers from Russia, China, Switzerland and California.

2004 was the inaugural year of the Moscow World Fine Art Fair. Zurab Tseretelli and Tusi Chogovadze were the initiators at the Russian end. An extraordinary 27 exhibitors arrived with stunning wares from France, Holland, Belgium, England, Switzerland, Germany and America. This had never been done in Moscow before.

Some 50’000 visitors queued in the rain to see the fair. 2005 meant a larger venue
had to be found. Over 60 fine art professionals wanted to participate. Valdimir Putin promised that he would celebrate the May national festivities in the newly renovated Manege after it had been destroyed in a fire.

Again, no one believed he could do it but if he did, we planed tobe the first to organise an art exhibition in this fantastic venue. Putin won his bet and so did we.

In the same year, the buyer of the Forbes’ Collection of Fabergé objects chose to exhibit some of the best pieces at the fair. A jewellery wing was designed to gather 20 of the world’s top brands. Christie’s displayed Princess Margaret’s jewellery collection. In collaboration with The World Monument Fund, they organised a gala benefit in the Kremlin reception halls and the impenetrable throne room. All proceeds were donated for the renovation of Ostankino Palace.

2006 had to be even better – but how? In conjunction with the first Biennale of Contemporary Art, Olga Sviblova and Jérome de Noirmont organised an internationally acclaimed one man show by Bettina Rheims at the fair. In addition, ACS would honour the budding movement born of the last fifteen years of perestroika. Major Russian contemporary art galleries participated. Professionals
admitted meeting new collectors at the fair even those who claimed they knew every collector in Moscow. This is what an art fair is all about; bringing people together to celebrate art. Again the visitors appeared in throngs but this time they meant business. We hit record sales on both floors.

2007, was the year of jewellers, Moussaieff brought the largest flawless coloured diamond in the world. Leviev presented rare pieces from the New York boutique. Jewellery Theater won the award of the best presentation. A superb gala and fashion parade was organised in honour of the jewellers. The event was hosted by the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and proceeds were donated to the Michael of Kent Foundation. The writers’ Guild, Muranovo was replicated, a wooden palace which housed Russia’s most famous writers of the last century. Oscar Rabin launched his monograph edition in the VIP lounge. BMW Art Cars graced the fair with four of their “Art Cars”. Book expert Lefebvre of Paris discovered that one of his recent purchases turned out to be four pages missing from a part of the Hermitage collection. He officially returned the work to the Ministry of Culture of the Federation of Russia during the fair. He was duly thanked and rewarded by the government officials during a television news broadcast shot on location. This is yet another great achievement.

In this respect, ACS is very happy to work hand and hand with UK based Art Loss Register. 2008 is the celebration of five years of dedicated experts doingMWFAF 10 MWFAF 11 what they do best to create The Moscow World Fine Art Fair.

LYNCHBURG, Va – The first of four paintings that Randolph College intends to sell to bolster its financial situation is up for auction.

Rufino Tamayo’s “Troubadour” will be offered at Christie’s Latin American art auction Wednesday evening in New York.

Opponents of the sale of paintings that were given to the college’s art collection obtained an injunction to block the college’s plans in November. But they dropped the case while they pursued a court challenge to the 2006 decision by the former women’s school to become coed.

Randolph officials have estimated that “Troubadour” could bring $2 million to $3 million. They hope to receive $50 million for the four paintings to add to the school’s $152 million endowment.