Red White and Blue

Agora Gallery Salutes the American Spirit Through Fine Art

Dick Perez - Mickey Mantle, Oil on Canvas


Debra Branitz - American Beauty, 2012


Berenice Michelow - Pathways III

Humanitarians

Each month our newsletter sheds light on an artist whose contribution to a humanitarian cause has brought welcome relief and assistance to someone or to a multitude of those in need.

Celebrating the inherent creativity found in helping others, self-taught artist Michelle Benjamin helps to define what it means to be a humanitarian. During her visit to New York for her art exhibition she proudly shared bracelets with Agora Gallery staff members. These were not just any ordinary bead bracelets, they represented so much more - "a lifeline." Relate is a South African not-for-profit social enterprise that creates opportunities to change lives. Each bracelet sold raises funds to support Ikamva Labantu programs to educate and empower women.

Digital artist Michelle Benjamin has always aligned herself with charities that are close to home and her heart. Living in South Africa, as she does, she is deeply moved by the plight of the native rhino population in a country where the rhino poaching crisis is at its worst. Benjamin is passionate about protecting the rhino and has collaborated with Save The Rhino International in their fight for the preservation of the rhino population. She has created several pieces of artwork depicting rhinos to inform people of the plight of this powerful but vulnerable creature, and to share the wonder of these majestic animals.

“2011 and 2012 have been horrendous years for the rhino population. The maiming and slaughter of these magnificent creatures by poachers, for rhino horn, has got out of control in Africa.

I am fortunate to have experienced the rhino in the wild many times in my life and I have to say that I am always in awe of this mighty beast, no matter how many times I encounter it in its natural habitat. It is terrible but true that this species of wildlife is fast approaching extinction at the hands of unscrupulous poachers. Therefore, I have created many artworks depicting the rhino. My artworks about the rhino are to inform people of the plight of the rhino population in Africa at this time. And through this awareness, my intention for the art enthusiast is also to celebrate this magnificent beast. My artwork "Blue Rhino" was created in celebration of the rhinoceros and its goal was to also raise awareness of the plight of the diminishing rhino population. “It’s My Horn” was originally created for a children’s home in Soshanguwe, Pretoria, South Africa. I initially donated a poster print of this artwork through the Human Resources Department of Ford South Africa, which annually gives up a week of work to improving disadvantaged communities around South Africa. It was then used to decorate the children’s home in Soshanguwe. In October 2012, “It’s My Horn” will be auctioned at a Save the Rhino benefit dinner at the London Zoo. All proceeds from this auction will be donated to Save The Rhino International to raise awareness of and combat rhino poaching.”

Artists Online

There's nothing like the personal touch, and this is true in art promotion as in life. It's important for artists to work together with their galleries or agents to help in promoting their work.

Agora artist April Rimpo knows how important the personal touch really is. She wrote a series of blog posts about the works that are currently on view at Agora Gallery , sharing the technical act of their creation.

See an example of how to do it right and pick up some tips for self-promotion on the Agora Gallery blog.

Best NYC Art Galleries

With more then 1000 art galleries and thousands of art dealers, New York City is without a doubt the art capital of the world.

CBS New York recently listed Agora Gallery as one of NYC’s 6 Best Contemporary Art Galleries.

Kudos and Accolades

We are delighted to congratulate Michelle Hold who was awarded the International prize "Le Louvre," The "Le Louvre" is designed for artists who operate in Italy but successfully export their art internationally. Michelle Hold's work will be on view this month at Agora Galleryin Pathway to Abstraction. Opening reception will take place on July 12th from 6-8pm.