We took snapshots of the scene and I’m including images of artworks done by artists that are in our group.

Life can be rather serendipitous in our business. Some time ago, an artist contacted me, as so many do, and sent along his portfolio. My staff, who always looks at submissions first said to me “You should check this guy out.” I was very impressed. And we wrote back and forth to each other. I didn’t realize at the time that he was coming to NY from France to pick up a gold medal. Right before the award ceremony, my assistant Kay tapped me on the shoulder and said “That artist we all like is here tonight… Talk to him.” After congratulating him for winning his medal, I asked him to come by the office on Monday to chat and to bring along his portfolio. To make a long story short, his name is Thomas Ehretsmann… he brought his portfolio and his originals which blew us all away. He’s got a signature style and a consistent body of work that reminds me of the classic painter, La Tour.

Before he left for France, he and I agreed to work together. Just shows you if an agent keeps his mind open to change, you never know where you will find great talent.

I hope you will enjoy a few snapshots we took over the course of the afternoon.

On the evening of Thursday Jan 6, my artist Marshall Arisman, had an opening at the Sacred Gallery in NYC (www.sacredgallerynyc.com). Unfortunately, because of illness, I was not able to attend. But luckily, 2 of my staff and several of my artists attended the opening and were able to take photos. I have known Marshall for many years. He is as dynamic a personality as he is a great painter and sculptor. I have been in his studio many a time where he has enlightened and entertained me with wonderful stories about the art world. His work highlights his interest in myth and folklore and reminds me so much of the cave paintings in France. For a time, he was working on a series of monkey paintings and some years before I was captivated by his ferocious metallic dogs; works that I will never forget.

According to my graphic designer Ana “Marshall Arisman’s Exhibition attracted a lot of people. The place, a strange setting for an exhibition, was filled with a truly eclectic crowd. There was a wide range of urban tribes, from the black dressed, tattoo covered gothic customers of the tattoo shop to the coolest NYC art aficionados. Art students, art lovers, curious onlookers, all gathered this evening to admire and support Marshall’s Art.

“Surrounded by such a heterogeneous group, I thought of why his work appeals to so many different people. I think that in spite of his sophistication on the textures and shapes, his motifs appear natural to everybody’s eyes, which makes his art expression clearly understandable by anyone who feels curious about art.

By the way, the exhibition is still running until January 31st at the Sacred Gallery here in NYC (www.sacredgallerynyc.com) so if you get the chance, it is a definite must see.

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Sequential is a relatively new category for the SOI and it takes into account the popularity and importance that the graphic novel has gained over the past ten years. It has steadily grown, as has the quality of the entries.

I walked around and took a few pictures of the awards ceremony and artworks that I personally felt were most interesting and dynamic. It was gratifying to be in the room when one of my artists, Mark Burkhardt, was awarded a gold medal. It was interesting to note that by and large the artists were new to the show as were many of the attendees.

BTW, the next opening will be on Friday Feb 4th for the editorial and book category. See you there.

Isn't this an excellent caricature? By Tony Montano

Another piece I thought was interesting by Robbie Lawrence.

Mark Burckhardt recieving a medal for a work of art that got into the show.

Having a little chat with Edel Rodriguez

Gold medal winner, Sachin Teng