The Red Penguin Art Gallery is 1st Commercial Art Gallery within El Corte Inglés in Andalucía. marbellas.com joined artists for the Colourful Launch

Serious art lovers and Marbella’s creative elite were out in force to celebrate the launch of the new Red Penguin Art Gallery at El Corte Inglés in  Marbella. Some 200 guests enjoyed the spectacular collective exhibition entitled Identity which kickstarted what promises to be an exciting new venture bringing quality international art into the heart of the resort.  Some of the artists featured were present at the event, mingling with guests and discussing their works as a violinist kept the tempo up on an electrifying debut night for the cultural venue.
Showcasing a wealth of quality art from upcoming and acclaimed Spanish and International artists, with  “Identity”, a collective exhibition of 18 ground-breaking talents, the Red Penguin Art Gallery is launching as it means to go on, as a dynamic gallery which acts as a creative platform for talent,  ideas and diverse cultural interests including not only art itself but also: Vintage Objects and Collectables, Art & Design Books & Magazines, Art Consultancy, Art to rent for companies, Decorative artistic painting, Education, workshops, lectures & events.

Drawing on a wealth of knowledge and talent, the Red Penguin Art Gallery will work in close collaboration with four other galleries based in Barcelona, New York, Amsterdam and Beijing creating a broad international platform for the exchange of some of the world’s most exciting artistic talent.

A Haven of Style and Talent
Owned and managed by Dutch art experts, Joris Marjot and Loni Olfers, both of whom bring to the new venture extensive careers in art & design. Joris is a talented interior designer who has decorated a plethora of luxurious homes, hotels and temples of style, while Loni has successfully managed several art galleries in Holland and Spain.  Passionate about raising the cultural and artistic game in Marbella – to help the city compete on the world stage as a high calibre destination for international tourism, at Red Penguin Art Gallery, they will be doing everything possible to put Marbella on the cultural map, with a presence at the top art fairs around the globe, and contributions to new art magazine Artmosphere.

As Loni Olfers states, “Art and creativity are important to the economic recovery of Marbella, and we have a major project underway that will help to make Marbella more beautiful by transforming the streets and empty shops and offices with the help of the Town Hall, and business and creative community in the town.
“At Red Penguin Art Gallery we scour the world  – and the web – to tap into rising talent. We dig deeper and get fully acquainted with the artist, their work and methods to make sure only top quality art and design is on show in our gallery. We are looking for work that will stand the test of time, and gain in value. The Red Penguin Art Gallery is within the Centro Comercial El Capricho on the 2nd floor of El Corte Inglés.  The first professional art gallery to ever have a presence within El Corte Inglés departments store in Andalucía and only the second in Spain following the launch of a similar venture in Madrid, the Red Penguin Art Gallery is excited about working alongside the store’s interior designers and sourcing art works for their clients.

Stellar Artists
Among the artwork on display at Red Penguin Art Gallery’s inaugural exhibition will be works by Joseph Klibansky.  A hot new talent working in new media, aged just 27, Kibansky’s work has already been acquired by Sotheby’s for 34,000€ – the highest yield ever for such a young artist. Present at the launch, the artist Joseph Klibansky currently based in Amsterdam said he was “happy to help  stimulate the cultural landscape in Marbella”.  Also present were artists Felix Muyo,  Russel West and Jacinto Moros.

The artists featuring in the inaugural “Identity” exhibition include: Antonio Puri painter and mixed media; Barbara Nanning glass objects; Berend Strik photography with embroidery bordado; Corneille painter; Debra Franses Bean Artbag; Jacinto Moros Sculptures; Jerome Esch photography: Joseph Klibansky new media, Gary Edwards photography, Kantcho Kanev paintings mixed media; Lu Luo   mixed media: Nicole Montagne template press Plantilla de prensa; Odile Kinart sculptures; Otto Bachorik sculptures; Paul Smulders mixed media; Peter Pollág paintings and sculptures; Robert Hromec engraved paintings; Russell West painted sculptures; Zhuang Hong Yi mixed media.

www.redpenguinartgallery.com
Red Penguin Art Gallery, 2nd floor, El Corte Inglés, El Capricho, Bvd. Alfonso Von Hohenlohe, 2, 29600 Marbella.  Tel: +34 664340107  +34 639616300.
Opening Hours: 11am  – 9pm – throughout December.

An interview by Louise Cook Edwards with Wendy Salisbury, best selling author of the Toyboy Diaries, on the launch of her first novel “Blood on the Sand” on Amazon and Kindle.

LCE: What prompted you, as an English woman, to write a book about bullfighting?

WS:  Blood on the Sand is essentially a love story.  In the 1960s, when I was 18, I came to Andalucía for an extended holiday.  My parents had already built a villa in Las Chapas and my sister had married a local Marbella boy.  First I got a job with the architect who designed Puerto Banus then I met two journalists commissioned to write the biography of Manuel Benitez El Cordobés, the most iconic matador of the time.  They needed an interpreter!  I sort of fell into their laps.

LCE: Did you know anything about bullfighting at the time?

WS:  I was already a true aficionada. I’d seen my first fight when I was 9. Love it or hate it, la tauromaquía is an ancient art, an integral part of Spanish culture.  The drama, the power, the sights, the sounds, the smells…  All those dashing toreros in their exquisite suits of lights! My pre-pubescent heart pounded with a passion yet unknown!

LCE:  How did you and the journalists research the biography?

WS: I set off with Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins to Córdoba where we joined El Cordobés’s entourage.  We traveled round Spain with him for the season of 1965.  Manolo, as he was known, was at the top of his game. Always surrounded by clamouring fans, fighting daily in a different city.  We interviewed everyone he’d known as a gypsy orphan boy in Palma del Río and the book ‘…Or I’ll Dress you in the Mourning’ became a global best seller.

LCE: What was Manolo like as a person?

WS: The most charismatic ‘nutcase’ I’ve ever met – before or since!  He had such charm, such joie de vivre, yet he faced death every afternoon.  He was exceptionally brave, always striving to please the crowd.  His style was random and exciting, not classical like Belmonte or Manolote.  He loved and respected the animals and treated them with nobility. He became the highest paid matador in history yet he was still illiterate.  His parish priest travelled with us teaching him to read and write.

LCE:  Life must have been very intense.  What did he do to relax?

WS: He’d bought himself a 6-seater plane, a Piper Aztec, and he was learning to fly.  We used to buzz around from city to city.  On rest days, we’d hang out on his ranch, having long lazy lunches then we’d ride out to visit the breeding herd. At night, he’d play his guitar and we’d dance flamenco under the stars.  It was a very heady time for me. There were always friends, relations and hangers-on around.  But we did get time alone together…

LCE: Did you fall in love with him?

WS: I suppose so, in a way.  He wasn’t the type of man you could just take or leave.  You had to get involved!

LCE: And your novel Blood on the Sand? How did that come to be written?

WS:  It was a story that had lain dormant inside me for over 40 years.  When the season of 1965 and my job as interpreter ended, Manolo asked me to go with to South America.  My father wouldn’t let me.  So I came home to London, married and divorced twice and I now have 5 grandchildren.  I decided to write my version of events imagining what might have happened had the English girl married her torero.

LCE:  Would that have been a happy life?

WS: Not at all! The story became unbelievably complex full of twists and turns.  It surprised me even as I wrote it!  El Macho, the central character, is really an anti-hero – a savage womanizer with a very dark side.  The young girl, Cassi Samuels, is ill-equipped to cope with it.  She goes from trauma to drama and back again, but she’s feisty, believes in the power of love and ultimately survives in the face of gut-wrenching adversity.

LCE: And Manolo himself?  Did you ever meet again?

WS: Yes! Two summers ago in Marbella he received a Lifetime Achievement Award.  I met him backstage at the bullring and we reunited with hugs and kisses.  It was wonderful to see him again.  It gave me some closure too. He’s married with 5 children now but for 73, he still looks great!

LCE: Do you still visit Marbella?

WS: Absolutely. It’s my home from home. My sister and her family live here and I come to relax whenever I can.  I wrote Blood 0n the Sand on the terrace of my late parents’ home near Torre Real. The Spanish edition La Inglesa y el Torero came out last year and I hope the English version available now on Amazon Kindle will give everyone who buys it a ‘bloody’ good read!

www.WendySalisbury.com

Visionary Architect Melvin Villarroel immortalized in Bronze in Marbella. A powerful bust by renowned sculptor Victor Ochoa stands proud, overlooking the prestigious Puente Romano complex in Marbella. The figure represented is Melvin Villarroel, the “father” of Marbella’s most emblematic architectural style and the most celebrated and emulated architect in Marbella. Report – Louise Cook Edwards. Photography – Gary Edwards

Building the future

For those who do not know the history of Marbella’s urban development, back in the 1970s the focus and vision of Melvin Villarroel had a lasting impact on the future shape of the resort to come. It was then that Villarroel created the concept of the “Mediterranean village” as the ideal model for relaxed resort living, moving the architectural focus away from the high rise towers of the age into a much more harmonious design incorporating low density Andalusian style white buildings in spacious,  lush natural surroundings.  Melvin Villarroel’s  signature style began with the Puente Romano Hotel and neighbouring residences, the Marbella Club beach club, Alcazaba Beach and over the years spread to encompass some of the coast’s most outstanding hotels, private villas and residential developments.  Followed into the same professional arena by all four of his children, Pablo, Matías, Francisca and Antonia, the Villarroel trademark is”arquitectura del vacio”. Making the most of the space and natural surroundings plays a huge role in creating the quality of life for which Marbella is famous, all Villarroel projects incorporate abundant use of natural materials, lush vegetation, water features and buildings which invite nature inside through the ingenious use of light and space.

Bronze Art

The spectacular sculpture, skillfully crafted by Ochoa is in the artist’s words an interpretation of the man who “moved in the world of architecture in a clear game of decisions and chance, who profoundly loved nature and who enjoyed a global vision, a Renaissance man whose work is timeless”.

Palms and plaques

The bust was unveiled to a large crowd by the Marbella Mayoress, Angeles Muñoz, who proclaimed the work as a much-deserved recognition of an “exceptional” architect. Surrounded by Melvin’s family, Antje his wife, all four children and his many grandchildren together with many well wishers for the unveiling, the statue of Melvin sits amid palm trees overlooking his first masterpiece in Marbella, the Puente Romano. Nearby, a plaque in the main avenue from Marina Puente Romano to the bridge now also bears his name.

“Marbella owes this homage to Melvin Villarroel”, stated the Mayoress, ” an internationally renowned figure who left his mark on Marbella – an exceptional place which has always needed exceptional individuals like Melvin, a visionary who captured the essence of this marvellous town in his work,” she affirmed, adding,” Melvin Villarroel kept Marbella in his heart, and now with this sculpture his name will always be linked to our city”.

Melvin’s son Pablo Villarroel thanked the Mayoress for the acknowledgment, and revealed that his father, who sadly passed away in 2010, had been delighted by the news of the upcoming honour. Matias Villarroel, Melvin’s youngest son, also revealed that a statue will also be erected in China, where Melvin and family are carrying on the family tradition with spectacularly designed architectural projects.

FIAM organisers inc. Caroline Bowley, Louise Cook Edwards and Yvonne Sjokvist with Jose Luis Hernandez and Marbella Mayoress MariAngeles Muñoz who was presented a bouquet by Lloyd Edwards from Swans School.

A sea of white tents, a vibrant array of paintings, sculptures, photography and vintage furniture – the 3rd edition of the Festival Internacional de Arte Marbella did not disappoint. Following a full year of preparations, the FIAM team finally saw the fruits of their labours, an organizational feat that involves the coordination of all the artists, entertainers, tents, technicians, sponsors and promotional ventures.  First time visitors to the event were delighted by the urban buzz stirred up in Marbella’s centre by the gloriously talented artists and entertainers.

Stage Stars
With a full programme of entertainment running from midday to 11pm on a purpose built stage in the attractive Alameda Park a string of talented musicians, singers, dancers and actors kept the public royally entertained all day long.

The event kicked off with a VIP inaugural cocktail party, with an address from Marbella Mayor Mª Angeles Muñoz, who expressed her gratitude for the huge effort put into to bringing such a lively festival to the city for the third consecutive year. Over the following three days, the public enjoyed a feast of art music, dance, poetry and performances with everything from jazz, soul, folk, gospel and opera, along with kid’s creative workshops by author and illustrator Ana Fiscel, and a cycle of art films.

Many of the Coast’s favourite performers were on stage, including, Julie Ann Hunter, Symmetry and Sue Moretta who performed an evening of opera. Other highlights of the programme include Aaran Harding, Fable 44, Georgian teen sensation, IA, Zoe Hughes, Ellen Zacks, Veronica, Mr. Malph and Temo Rtskhiladze. Festival sponsor Sotogrande International School also treated the public to several performances by a stable of their talented students.

An Artful Crowd
Spain, UK, Germany, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Georgia, Italy and Cuba  – were just some of the nationalities exhibiting at this year’s festival – the multicultural mix of participants is a true reflection of the cosmopolitan community in Marbella, while many of the artists had traveled especially to exhibit. A stunning array of styles were displayed, with everything from delicate watercolours to bold photographic portraits, magnificent oil paintings, exquisite bronze scultptures, delicate engravings, vintage furniture and much more.

With a steady flow of visitors from the inuaugration onwards through the entire weekend, the organizers think the 20,000 strong crowd anticipated to be a conservative estimate. The FIAM, which is fully supported by the Tourism Council of Marbella Town Hall, comprises a dynamic street festival bringing the centre of town to life in an explosion of colourful art, music and performances over three days. Sprawling down the Alameda and the Avenida del Mar in the heart of Marbella between the quaint Old Town and the Paseo Marítimo, artists display their diverse works in an attractive line up of individual white tents.

New to the event this year was the Gourmet Corner, where art-lovers could stop to savour the delights of various cuisines, with oriental delights from Wasabi, Lebanese delicacies from La Espiga de Marbella, divine wraps, cakes and coffees from Passion Café. Meanwhile popular Buddha Bar, set up a candlelit chillout zone where art fans could revive their senses with refreshing drinks and cocktails.

It is small wonder that the FIAM has become one of the most eagerly anticipated and most popular cultural events in Marbella.  Based on the art fairs of United States that bring valuable life and revenue into the heart of hundreds of suburban towns, the FIAM in Marbella also serves as an excellent showcase for companies wishing to reach a cultured cosmopolitan public.

* Apolgies to photographers not credited in this piece – mainly singing artists portraits.

FIAM III – Festival International de Arte Marbella – Inaugurating 3rd Annual Edition – 80 artists exhibiting & a full 3-day Programme of Free Entertainment

The team, exhibiting artists and an army of volunteers of Festival Internacional de Arte Marbella are in the final stretch of preparations for the 3rd annual edition of what has become one of the city’s most popular cultural extravaganzas in the heart of Marbella’s Alameda and Avda. del Mar.

An artist’s tented village, 50s & 60s Vintage furniture exhibition, Guarnieri Art Car Competition, art films, gourmet corner, chill-out lounge, media centre and a complete programme of free entertainment will make the third edition of FIAM the biggest cultural event in Marbella this summer. With eighty high calibre artists exhibiting, the Festival de Arte International Marbella is on track to become a cultural sensation when it takes place in the centre of Marbella from the VIP inauguration on Thursday 23rd June to Sunday 26 June 2011.

A Cosmopolitan Artistic Blend

Fifteen different nationalities are represented among the artists exhibiting – the multicultural mix of participants is a true reflection of the cosmopolitan community in Marbella. There are artists from Spain, UK, Germany, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Georgia, Italy and Cuba among others exhibiting to the 20,000 strong crowd anticipated. Art lovers will be able to view some of the artists painting live.

The FIAM, which is fully supported by the Tourism Council of Marbella Town Hall, comprises a dynamic street festival bringing the centre of town to life in an explosion of colourful art, music and performances over three days. Sprawling down the Alameda and the Avenida del Mar in the heart of Marbella between the quaint Old Town and the Paseo Marítimo, artists display their diverse works in an attractive line up of individual white tents.

New this year is the Gourmet Corner, where art-lovers can stop to savour the delights of various cuisines, with oriental delights from Wasabi, and divine afternoon teas from Passion Café and popular Buddha Bar, is setting up a chillout zone where art fans can revive their senses with refreshing drinks and cocktails.

That’s Entertainment

The event kicks off with a VIP inaugural cocktail party on Thursday 23 June, and over the following three days, the public is in for a feast of art music, dance, poetry and performances with everything from jazz, soul, folk, gospel and opera, along with kid’s creative workshops, and a cycle of art films. Many of the Coast’s favourite performers will be on stage, including, Julie Ann Hunter, Symmetry and Sue Moretta who will be performing in an evening of opera on Saturday 25th. Other highlights of the programme include Aaran Harding, Fable 44, IA, Zoe Hughes, Ellen Zacks, Mr. Malph and Temo Rtskhiladze. Festival sponsor Sotogrande International School will also be treating the public to several performances by a stable of their talented students.

Symmetry Sue Moretta IA

For full details of the three days of varied entertainment on offer, look out for the colourful, A5 festival programme, available in a wide range of establishments along the coast from June or log onto website:

www.festivaldeartemarbella.com

Marbella has always been known as a glitz and glamour destination, and in a few weeks time, the town is about to turn up the volume on its reputation as the Mediterranean’s “king of bling”… Louise Cook Edwards reports

With more brands per square metre in Puerto Banús than even Spanish superstar cities Madrid and Barcelona, fashion is the key feature of the Marbella Luxury Weekend, taking place in the resort from 2-5 June.

With brands such as  Chloe, Missoni, Bvlgari, Dior, Burberry, Cartier, Chopard, Gucci and Jimmy Choo all lining the wharf of the famous pleasure port, central to the much anticipated event is a giant catwalk located on the port’s main jetty – close to the moorings of the superyachts.  Here models will sashay down the runway  sporting a selection of the latest creations by the world’s giants of fashion.  Some of the brands will also have individual marquees set out on the wharfs in which they can create their own individual worlds of fashion and glamour in which to wow the public and a number of VIP guests and celebrities gathering in the resort for the occasion.

High Octane Fashion

Two leading figures of Spain’s high society were in attendance at the at a recent press conference to announce the event,  Cartier’s head of communication in Spain, Simoneta Gómez Acebo, a member of the Spanish royal family, and  the “face” of Marbella Luxury Weekend, Princess Beatrice d’Orleans, formerly an ambassador of the house of Dior in Spain. Marbella Mayor, Mª Angeles Muñoz expressed her thanks to all involved, and praised the tremendous effort being made by more than 30 brands to bring this event together.

Marbella’s Councillor for Tourism, José Luis Hernández was proud to unveil the project – which has been long in the making. He expects the Marbella Luxury Weekend to showcase the qualities which set the resort apart from other tourist destinations around Europe. Certainly Puerto Banús ranks as one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain, with several million visitors a year sampling the designer shopping, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, along with unbeatable people watching opportunities.

The event also has the support of the Marbella Centre for Tourist Initiatives (CIT) whose president, Juan José González, sees it as “a fantastic opportunity to promote the city” which is one of the main objectives of the CIT on behalf of the business community. Similarly the Vice-president of Puerto Banus expressed his delight that “The port and its facilities had been chosen as the setting for this event”.

A Quality Guarantee

Less than a year since Marbella’s reputation was reinforced by the visit of Michelle Obama for her summer vacation, and the Starlite Gala, attended by such stellar personalities as Eva Longoria and Antonio Banderas, the Marbella Luxury Weekend focused on fashion, trends and everything that shines, could be the event that makes the perfect “hat trick” to firmly cement Marbella’s reputation as a quality international resort.

Following the lead of the Barcelona chair, the Ford Granada and the Seat Ibiza, Marbella has become a new style icon in the form of the Toro Watch Marbella by Osborne, reports Louise Cook Edwards.

Two iconic names have been brought together in a powerful co-branding opportunity in the shape of the Toro Watch Marbella by Osborne.

Marbella’s illustrious Mayor, Mª Angeles Muñoz was the proud recipient of the first watch in the series at a presentation at El Lago Restaurant, where Michelin starred chef Diego del Río has also been made an “ambassador” of the iconic new fashion timepiece.

Adolfo Arroyo, the developer of the Toro Watch presented the watch at IBERJOYA in Madrid in February, and was delighted by the response.  ”The watch has an incredible symbolic strength, ”  stated Arroyo, General Manager of Grupo Ayserco, the company which has designed, developed and distributed the watch worldwide.  A fitting symbol of the quintessential Spanish spirit, the Toro Watch will give the phrase “Made in Spain” a whole new level of style.  ”Marbella is an international symbol of glamour” affirmed Arroyo, whose company has also created a line of jewellery in honour of Marbella.

The Osborne bull is the logo of the famous sherry company from Jerez. Launched over 50 years ago in 1957, the simple yet powerful bull stands proud in no less than 90 locations around Spain, and the company’s chairman Tomás Osborne has said of the logo, “If the bull did not exist we would have to invent him.” Customized by everyone from New York grafitti artist Keith Haring to Marbella’s own Hollywood movie star, Antonio Banderas, people just can’t get enough of the iconic Toro…

One to Watch!

In an initial series of 1000, the Toro Watch Marbella de Osborne comes in a series of different materials and finishes. With a state-of-the-art wide face, the circular timepiece is bathed in pink gold, which is a fitting representation of Marbella’s perpetual sunshine.  With quartz maximum precision movement, the Toro Watch Marbella is guaranteed for 3 years. The watch straps have been made by leather specialists in Ubrique in Andalucia, and come in a wide variety of fashionable colours including the violent pink of the torero’s cape .

Mª Angeles Muñoz is delighted to see the name of the resort linked to the  universally adored Osborne bull, one of the most recognizable symbols of Spain around the globe.  ”We are very proud to be associated with such a prestigious brand.”   The Mayor also praised jewellers Gomez & Molina who will be representing the new Toro Watch Marbella de Osborne at their jewellery stores in Marbella and Puerto Banús. The Mayor added that she thought the price-quality ratio was excellent, with prices ranging from 185 – 3000€

A New Power Couple

Arroyo concluded that the name of Marbella has given the Toro Watch a certain allure that our clients around the world can’t resist.  Just months from launching, it is already a classic….

Equally, Marbella’s Tourism Councillor believes that the Toro Watch Marbella will be an excellent ambassador for the town. “The fact that such an iconic brand as Osborne has chosen to join forces with a luxury tourist destination such as Marbella is an important promotional tool for the town. It proves that Marbella continues to be seen as exclusive and Marbella’s reputation as a top international resort is still on the up.”

Watch Makers:-     www.ayserco.es

Everything Toro in shopping:-       www.toroshopping.com

As Marbella’s schools wind down to the Easter break, Laude International School San Pedro, did itself proud with a creative, high energy production of one of the world’s favourite musicals – The Lion King.  Played for two nights only to an avid audience, the show which transports the audience to the depths of the African Savannah was a resounding success. Photography. Gary Edwards.

Performed by no less than ninety-five children – the compelling, beautifully choreographed show was put together under the creative direction of Danzart, the brainchild of Karen Felice-Guarnieri, one of the Coast’s true professionals in performing arts.

Setting the Scene

The simple, recession-busting, low budget set was ingeniously put together with a few branches, twigs and palm fronds – along with a series of hand-painted African masks to set the scene – giving the children a great lesson in how a little imagination goes a long way.

Meanwhile, the costumes, which had for the most part been lovingly put together by the performers’ parents, were outstanding in their originality, elegance and dramatic effect.  it is amazing how a few well-placed tufts of fur and leather, a clutch of feathers here and  there, the occasional rhino horn, swathes of African print carefully folded, plenty of dramatic make-up and the jangle of ethnic jewellery can come together to create such a powerful presence.

All Creatures Great & Small

The set was filled from beginning to end with groups of graceful gazelles, cackling hyenas, lumbering elephants, fluttering butterflies, zesty zebras, whacky warthogs,  lithe tigers and cheetahs to the most regal  of lions, all coming together in an uplifting dancing display of life in the savannah.  The classic story of the young lion cub Simba, struggling to find his place in nature’s circle of life, is an endearing tale of the triumph of  responsibility and respect for oneself and others over the pursuit of power.  Although lip-synched,  the show was expertly cast, and all of the actors did their utmost to bring their characters to life with humour, charm and a host of clearly palpable emotions in Simba’s colourful journey through innocence, shame, confusion, determination and ultimate triumph as he defeats his treacherous uncle, Scar and takes his rightful place as King of the Pride Lands.

The FIAM III –  Festival Internacional de Arte Marbella,  23-26 JUNE 2011 Invites You to “Become a Friend”.  The Festival Internacional de Arte Marbella celebrates its 3rd edition from 23-26 June 2011 and is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors with a vibrant collection of art and full programme of free entertainment in the heart of Marbella.

Art Lovers

If you love art, and wish to contribute to Marbella’s fastest growing cultural event, why not join the Friends of the Festival.  As a “friend” you will be among a group of dedicated art lovers in our community supporting the Marbella International Art Festival and in doing so helping the festival to achieve the goal of becoming the largest, most interesting and entertaining art festival of its kind in Spain putting Marbella on the cultural map as a quality destination for art and culture.
As a non-profit organization, founded, managed and run by volunteers, the FIAM relies on the generosity and support of individuals and organizations to stage the festival, plan for the future and deliver a Festival programme of the highest quality.

Portrait by Mugge Fischer

Why  join Friends of the Festival?

Your membership contribution goes directly towards maintaining the quality of the festival, helping to bring the best local and international artistic talent to Marbella, enhancing the entertainment programme and other activities during the FIAM.

Friends of the Festival will receive the following benefits – among others:
- You will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a framed print of an original artwork.  The draw will be held on 26th June, the final day of the Art Festival.
- A regular newsletter featuring Festival artist news, information on cultural events in Marbella and surrounding area and festival related art events during the year.
- Invitations to Gallery private views and exhibitions of festival artists.
- A special invitation to meet and greet artists at the festival.
- Friends of FIAM will be invited to attend exclusive art events and talks by artists.
- The festival website has a dedicated page to Friends of the Festival.
- Last but not least, you will have the opportunity to meet other art lovers.
Membership is just 45€ per year, or 80€ per couple, payable directly to the FIAM bank account or by Pay Pal.The Festival organizers will strive to bring further benefits to you as a valued Friend of FIAM.

For further information on the FIAM Festival, please visit:   www.festivaldeartemarbella.com

Various Flower images by Photographer Gary Edwards

Designer turned art photographer, Marife Nuñez recently exhibited her new collection of work at the Kasser Rassu in Marbella.
Having worked successfully for many years in the world of design in Marbella, graphic designer Marife has recently turned her hand to creating art. Her work is a mixture of photography and pure painting. Some of her portraits are formed by taking several related images blending them together. The final works are presented on an acrylic backing.

Marife is not afraid of using plenty of colour in her work and is possibly influenced by Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso.

Guests

Amongst the large number of guests attending the inaugural cocktail at the Golden Mile, Kasser Rassu Gallery were the familiar faces of Kristina Szekely, Susi Berman, Annette Lundgren and Oscar Horacio. Photographers and artists who arrived to support Marife were Gary Edwards, Wayne Chasan, Gabriela Elizabeth Girs, Mugge and Ose del Sol. Other guests included Javier and Flor Carretero and friends Jose Ignacio and his wife, Melody Leiman, Carlos Zabala and partner Julia Rep.

Gallery

The Kasser Rassu Gallery is the the brainchild of Shahed Kavousi who has been involved with the art scene for many years. The gallery recently opened opposite the Marbella Club Hotel on the Golden Mile. This is the second vernissage at the gallery, but many more are planned for the coming months. Marife Nuñez has about 12 works of art on display which can be seen by appointment. Shahed can be contacted 650 463 447 although the showroom is generally open between Tuesday and Friday 11,00 to 16,00hrs.

www.kasserrassu.com