It is Called the Olympics of the Art World and Three Local Artists Represented the USAThe World Unites under The Banner of Art in The Birthplace of The Renaissance and Florida painters Helen Tilston, Mary Rose Holmes and Violetta Shtumeyzen were at this year's Florence Biennale --"the Academy-Awards of the Art World"! As painters and the Plein Aire Cottage Artists, all three artists proudly exhibited at the Florence Biennale (Biennale Internazionale Dell Arte Contemporanea in Firenze, Italy). This renowned international exhibit took place December 1st to December 9th in the historic Fortezza da Basso in Florence, Italy--home of the Renaissance. Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Shtumeyzen and Helen Tilston represented the United States, joining 816 selected artists from 73 countries. In 2001 the United Nations recognized the Florence Biennale as an official partner in their program "Dialogue between Civilizations". Art is a common language enabling people from different cultures to celebrate their differences while reaching toward universal understanding and a more peaceful world. This year internationally famous artists Gilbert and George were assigned the "Lorenzo the Magnificent" career prize. In 2003 famed California-based British artist David Hockney won this same honor. The Florence Biennale is a unique and world-class event that has historic interest, contemporary flare, major international press coverage and a huge world public in attendance. This is comparable to the Olympics of the Art World and Violetta Shtumeyzen, Mary Rose Holmes and Helen Tilston were very proud to represent the United States. On November 29th Florence, Italy, rolled out the red carpet for artists attending the Biennale. Customs and Immigration in Florence welcomed them and said how delighted they were with the artists gracing Florence. Banners from the airport through to the Biennale welcomed the artists. Radio stations and the media reported daily. Art Critic, Gregorio Luke said "this is the most unique of the Biennales in that it is the only Biennale where the audience get to meet the artists" An estimated 20,000 visitors attended. Daily workshops, lectures and interviews culminated in a Gala Ball. The Plein Aire Cottage artists managed to paint whilst there. Artists who are juried and who exhibit at the Florence Biennale received a life-time invitation and the Plein Aire Cottage Artists are planning on attending again in 2009. Meet the artists in person at Save our Cottages Series V opening on January 11, at 6 p.m, at Guppy's on the Beach, 1701 Gulf Blvd. IRB. Approximately 50 new paintings of cottages and Indian Rocks Beach scenes will be shown.
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