Gilded Modernism at the Monthaven Museum – Hendersonville, TN USA

It was a tremendous honor to be invited by The Park West Foundation, along with Park West COO John Block, to serve as the featured artist at Monthaven Museum of Art & Cultural Center in Hendersonville, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. I was also honored to be the featured artist for the museum’s annual Moonlight & Magnolias fundraising gala.

 

Preparing for the exhibition was an undertaking in every sense of the word. I shipped nearly fifty original paintings for consideration, each carefully selected to help tell the story of my artistic journey. Walking into the museum for the first time and seeing the final installation was a remarkable experience. The team created an elegant presentation, framing the work in refined gold against slate blue walls, a striking combination that evoked a subtle Byzantine richness. Every detail was thoughtfully executed, and I was genuinely impressed.

“Seeing years of work gathered in one space has a way of revealing connections you don’t always notice while you’re in the studio.”

Months before the exhibition opened, I had the pleasure of working closely with Executive Director Cheryl Strichik and Independent Curatorial Consultant Leigh Hendry. Their dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of the event. They graciously accommodated my occasional “creative edits” while producing an exceptional exhibition catalogue, posters, banners, scarves, bid card fans, and countless other pieces. I joked that they had practically launched my print program.

 

The festivities continued after the gala with a beautifully produced video tour of the exhibition, coverage of the Moonlight & Magnolias fundraiser, and a live interview and audience Q&A with Cheryl and me. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the inspiration, techniques, and stories behind the work with collectors and museum supporters.

 

Among the featured works were Svetlana, The Ballet Within, Shine the Light V55, Pure Shadow, Bella Vita, The Messenger, Abstract Focus V55, Pure Sword Lily, The Reach, When Cherry Blossoms Bloom V2, and Pure Copper Veil V55, which was generously loaned from a private collection, along with many other original pieces. Visitors can explore more of the exhibition through the museum’s video overview and event catalogue.

 

One of the greatest joys of the weekend was meeting collectors and friends, both longtime supporters and those discovering my work for the first time. Many had traveled considerable distances to attend. Hearing firsthand how the paintings had resonated with people was deeply moving. As artists, we create with the hope that our work will connect with others, but there is nothing quite like hearing those stories directly from the people who have welcomed the work into their homes and lives.

“Every collector brings a different story to a painting, and those conversations often become part of the work’s journey.”

My family and I were also struck by the warmth and generosity of everyone at Monthaven. The museum staff and volunteers made us feel completely at home, and their hospitality was extraordinary.

As the weekend came to a close and we headed for the airport, conversations had already begun about a return visit to Monthaven to teach a gilding masterclass for students. I warned everyone that gilding is an exceptionally messy process and suggested they invest in a few extra vacuum cleaners. Without missing a beat, they replied, “Don’t worry, the room you’ll be teaching in was once a Civil War hospital. There are still dried bloodstains on the original wooden floor.” Touché.

 

I would like to once again extend my heartfelt thanks to Cheryl Strichik, Leigh Hendry, The Park West Foundation, and my good friend John Block, whose wit and warmth made hosting the Moonlight & Magnolias gala every bit as memorable as the artwork itself. Thank you for your friendship, your laughter, and for creating such an unforgettable experience. It is an exhibition and a weekend my family and I will always cherish.