Spotlight on Art and Wine
By Joy Taylor
Just as the market slowly begins to turn upward, and we hear the voices of the experts stating that we must create innovative ways to stimulate the economy, VOILA, one of the most unique galleries opens on Clearwater Beach…the Art and Wine Gallery located at 387 ½ Mandalay Avenue.
The proprietors, Edward and Andrea Brvenik, have inherited a rich history and a passion for art and wine. Their father, an American, whose family was from Budapest, and their mother, from a small town in Italy had their first romantic tête-à-tête at a naval base in Gaeta, Italy. The family's love of art and wine was passed down through the generations, and was accentuated by their illustrious great uncle, Michaele Sapone.
Michaele Sapone was the master tailor to the infamous Pablo Picasso! The photo on the right is from the book entitled, Picasso, and depicts Picasso drawing a picture of Sapone. Sapone's skill earned him paintings not only from Picasso but also Massimo Campigli, Alberto Giacometti, Alberto Magnelli and Hans Hartung, as well as sculptures by Diego Giacometti, and a collage by Clavé.
Passing the torch, Michaele's son, Antonio Sapone, presently owns a gallery in Nice, and a museum in Bellona. Collectors with an interest in the works of Anton Clav?, Paul Mansouroff, Victor Vasarely, Jean-Michel Meurice, to name a few, may "skype" to Nice for instant access to the Sapone Gallery in France, at the Art and Wine Gallery on Clearwater Beach.
The Art and Wine Gallery's distinct and eclectic collection of paintings are by artists from the Gulf Coast and East Coast of Florida, as well as from New York, Italy, and France. The idea of pairing a fine wine with fine art is unique, but at the same time…au naturale.
An "Evening with the Artist" event will take place approximately every two weeks, on a Friday evening, and will include wine tasting paired with cheese. The Grand Opening on April 23rd, from 6-9pm, will feature artist Michele Levin with an exhibition of her paintings. Please contact the Art and Wine Gallery directly for further information.
Edward and Andrea are also planning to place paintings on loan to the local hotels so they may exhibit the artwork in their lobbies, hence sharing the art with world travelers as well as with our local community.
Their diverse wine collection is exclusive to the Art and Wine Gallery, and imported from vineyards in Italy, Spain, Germany, France and in America, from California. With strong family roots still in Italy, included in the collection are wines imported from the Sapone family's vineyard located in Bellona.
Vino connoisseurs may prefer a Cabernet to a Merlot, but none will disappoint, as the wines are as varied and discerning as the collectors.
The Art and Wine Gallery is presently open, and Edward and Andrea are offering special Grand Opening pricing on cases of wine, along with "buy one glass of wine and get the 2nd one free," if you mention The Clearwater Gazette (see ad on pg 3).
Future plans include opening additional Art and Wine Galleries in St. Petersburg, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and St. Augustine.
Presently the Art and Wine Gallery is working with a non-profit organization in the area to exhibit the works of multi-talented, challenged young people.
Please assist in stimulating the economy by supporting our local businesses. It really is a "good thing!"
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