Michael Flohr named "Best Local Artist"!

On April 20, Michael Flohr was honored by Ranch & Coast Magazine as “Best Local Artist” in San Diego! The evening event took place at The Grand Del Mar, which provided an elegant and luxurious setting for this special occasion, offering stunning views of the resort’s Aria Lawn and Golf Course. Amazing signature cocktails and a decadent selection of hors d’oeuvres, cheeses and culinary treats were served! Mia Stefanko, R&C’s editor, did a fabulous job planning this lavish event!

Michael was joined by dozens of other honorees, each being recognized as the “Best” within their respective categories which included Home & Garden, Fashion, Dining, Health & Beauty, Family, Education, Pets, Travel, Transportation, Events & Entertaining, People and Guest Favorites. Thanks San Diego (and Ranch & Coast readers in particular) for voting Michael as your favorite local artist and for awarding him this exciting honor! Get ready for “Off to the Races” – Michael’s new series of original paintings, which will be revealed at his upcoming show this JUNE. Stay tuned for details!

ArtWalk 2010!

Exclusive Collections Galleries had the pleasure of exhibiting at the 2010 San Diego Mission Federal ArtWalk! The gallery has been an active participant and sponsor since its inception over 10 years ago. Gallery Owner James Thorn states, "I remember our first year with ArtWalk, we met some of our best collectors at that show!"

This year's ArtWalk was very exciting for Exclusive Collections Galleries because we had 5 artists in attendance, and 3 of those artists performing live paintings demonstrations! Our newest artist, Daniel Ryan, made his debut at ArtWalk this year, and received a tremendous amount of response! "Painter of Chefs" Christopher M. was featured on Fox News, and artist-in residence Michael Summers experienced a very large amount of interest.

The most endearing works of art were found at the very end of the booth by artist Gloria Lee, known mainly for her Pop Dogs art line. This year Lee introduced a new line entitled "Bella Hearts". They are created as a team by Gloria, her daughter Ruth-Ann, and 3 year-old granddaughter Isabella. The collaboration of the three generations of artists brought many oohs and aahs.

Exclusive Collections Galleries plans to be back at ArtWalk in September at the ArtWalk on the Bay!

Daniel Merriam Has Done It Again!

The Daniel Merriam Show at Exclusive Collections Fashion Valley Gallery was a marvelous success! Daniel and his beautiful wife Yulia are truly as lovely and intriguing as Daniel's original paintings. If you were unable to make it to the show, some of Daniel’s new originals from the series are still available online for viewing!

Daniel is currently hard at work on another sculpture to compliment his first piece entitled, "Little Bastadius” and he is just beginning to cast the first of the new series. Daniel is wonderful about spending time with his returning collectors, as well as excited to meet new visitors as well. He is always happy to take the time to write a special dedication for any of his collectors, whether it be signing one of his books, or the back of an original painting. It’s evident that Daniel is grateful for all of his collectors and their incredible support. Keep your eyes open for Daniel's new paintings, as they make their way around each of our exciting gallery locations! If you have any questions please feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist any way we can!

Guests got "Lost in Venice" with Steven Quartly

Steven Quartly charmed our collectors with his most recent series of paintings, entitled “Lost in Venice”. In what may very well have been some his best work to date, the evening commenced as Venetian opera masks were handed out upon entering the show. The Italian themed food and Chianti were displayed with a dramatic old-world backdrop, and two Italian opera singers performed live to heighten the overall experience. Steven Quartly was in the center of the gallery and painted a stunning and quite large Venetian scene as guests watched on. As we witnessed him place the color on canvas with effortless ease, he spoke about the composition and the importance of light. He also shared with us his remembrance of traveling to Venice and how much joy it brought him to capture it again through that particular piece of work. Not surprisingly, it was sold almost immediately!

All who were there to experience this special show at EC Gallery had the rare opportunity to become lost themselves… lost in the beauty of the canvases, lost in the surrounding voices of Italian opera singers, and finally, lost in the overall emotion of the weekend.