Art Encounters
The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta shines the spotlight on local artists.
Meeting colleagues or friends at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta? Be sure to check out the artwork pre- or post-cocktails. The hotel is displaying original works by local artists across from its Savannah meeting room and inside its restaurant, Park 75.
“We have always supported [Atlanta artists], but hanging their work allows us to be more actively engaged with individual artists and our community,” says General Manager Yvette Thomas-Henry. “We have the space, a central location and a changing customer base that appreciates art. Guest interest and response have been great.”
The hotel’s art will change every quarter, thanks to Articurate, an art-share program developed by art broker Camille Sparkman. The Four Seasons featured the work of Kim Chesney and Eric Mack last fall. In early 2017, the work of artists Kristin Cooney, Keller Jones and Craig Ford will be shown. Articurate places works in local homes and other spaces on a quarterly basis for a monthly fee. There’s no commitment to buy, but if you do, that fee is applied to your purchase.
“People think they aren’t knowledgeable or well-heeled enough to collect art, and they are intimidated by galleries,” says Sparkman. “They’re worried they’ll make a mistake.”
Sparkman grew up surrounded by art, as her grandfather and aunt were artists. She wanted more people to experience it and to showcase local talent. “There are a lot of good artists out there, and I wanted a way for people to connect with them in a non-threatening way,” she says. Articurate gives people the tools to start collecting: rotating artwork that fits their space and interests, biographies and other information, and opportunities to meet the artists. The works range from about $600 to $7,500. “Besides experiencing art, I hope members learn something new about themselves,” says Sparkman.
STORIES: Laura Raines
Photo: Kimberly Evans
