Fine Art Meets Fine Food on Fifth Avenue South
December 23, 2020
Emillions Art and Bistro 821 combine fine art with fine dining for a recipe for success
Naples, FL: (December 14, 2020) . . . Pairing fine art with fine food is one way Bistro 821 restaurant is adding to its overall experience by giving their guests the chance to appreciate beautiful artwork while dining in comfortable surroundings says Marlissa Gardner, founder of Emillions Art LLC (www.emillionsart.com).
A global art consultant, Ms. Gardner assisted Bistro 821 owner-chef Jesse Housman and husband-and-wife Shane O’Dell and Sarah Lutey in selecting three original paintings to complement the interior redesign at the award-winning restaurant on Fifth Avenue South in Naples. Contemporary master artist and Naples resident Joan Sonnenberg’s Out of the Blue and master artist Dario Campanile’s Oceano and Storm Surge were installed as part of the recent makeover. Campanile is well-known for his landscape painting Mountain of Dreams that was commissioned by Paramount Pictures for its 75th anniversary in 1987 and used as the basis for the new logo until 2002.
According to Ms. Gardner, art is often used as a statement piece – as a center of attention. “When hanging art in a place where people come together to enjoy time, company and meals, guests prefer something relaxing,” she explains. “With the right color tone, the artwork becomes an object interesting enough to look at, while not taking the guests’ interest away from enjoying their meal. It’s the subtle whispers of the artwork that create feeling and dynamic messages, yet it’s still peaceful,” she adds.
“Selecting the right décor for your restaurant can be almost as important as the menu,” says owner-chef Jesse Housman. “It can really bring the place together and give it that extra bit of wow factor,” he adds. “Our restaurant called for a refresher and we wanted to create a more contemporary look and feel to match-up with the cuisine.”
““We needed the art pieces to bring the place together,” says co-owner Shane O’Dell. “So we decided to add original paintings that accentuated our color theme and really brought out certain aspects of the restaurant,” he explains. From the textured wallpaper, the upholstery, and even the dishes, there were plenty of places to look for inspiration. “The interior redesign went one step further by showcasing two master artists who also live in Naples,” he says, noting the group wanted to be involved with local businesses and artists.
The three artworks tie the room together with their depictions in soft blues, shaded teals and seafoam greens. On top of that, the yellowish hue is very present, setting a comfortable tone for the entire dining room. The content of the artworks is simple, not directly related to food and drink, but still appetizing. They are interesting pieces that do not take away from the room, but rather add to it. There is a profound majestic beauty of the art with water. The water and the ocean both reflect the environment.
“Sitting with a piece of art for a couple of hours is a much different experience than merely walking past it at a gallery or museum,” Ms.Gardner notes. “Over the course of a meal, you may stare at it, study it, explore its nuances. You get to know the piece. How often do you get to do that with the works of the Modern Masters?”
Representing more than 40 artists worldwide, Emillions Art helps clients find the perfect artwork to fill esthetic or design needs or to expand existing collections. Ms. Gardner also creates artistic space in corporate and hospitality settings with works by notable national and international artists.
She travels the world to negotiate rare masterworks for the discerning collector. While traveling, she continues to expand the Emillions Art network, creating international partnerships with esteemed gallerists, curators and collectors in the US, Europe and the Mideast. As an expert in Fine Art Asset Management, Emillions Art has developed a core collective of leading experts in art appraisals, art history, scientific forensics analysis, authentication, provenance, gallery exhibition, insurance, and other professionals to create a full slate of art industry services catering to ambitious buyers and collectors.
