As host to Art Basel each December and home to some of the world’s most outstanding Art Deco architecture, Miami has solidified its place as a major player in the art world.

Year-round, The Setai South Beach welcomes art enthusiasts from across the globe who flock to Miami for the sun, nightlife and art scene, encouraging them to look beyond the exhibits and take in the rich designs of the hotel itself.

Adorned with authentic collections and artifacts from Asia, The Setai is a gallery of art in its own right.

Designed to express Asian-American Art Deco Fusion, the “art show” begins with the guest’s first step into the lobby where the floor is constructed of authentic Shanghai bricks dismantled from abandoned buildings in China’s old city and transported to Miami.

The Setai is an Asian inspired oceanfront resort in Miami’s South Beach, adjoined by a 40-story regal residential tower. The concept of The Setai began with two fundamental ideals: a vision of unprecedented luxury and service; and one of the most prized pieces of oceanfront property in South Beach

Throughout the lobby, bar and restaurants, visitors will notice other original relics such as tables made from Beijing palace pavers–still stamped with the name of the paver–and hurricane candle cases from Chiang Mai.

At night these candles are lit for a romantic atmosphere but during the day the candles are replaced with oranges, a symbol of the bridge between The Setai’s Asian influences and those of the Sunshine State.

Art connoisseurs as well as the laymen will also appreciate the expansive bar adorned in a mosaic of hand-picked mother of pearl, a technique traditionally practiced in China, Thailand, and India.

Just beyond the lobby bar lies an outdoor Courtyard, where four statues stand guard representing the Celestial Animals as seen in China’s ancient Forbidden City: the South facing Phoenix represents opportunity, the Tiger faces West representing protection, the Dragon faces East representing good luck, and the North facing Turtle represents stability.

Throughout the hotel, visitors will find a series of 137 paintings on display by Christian de Laubadere. The only display of de Laubadere’s work outside Shanghai, the collection at The Setai is a reflection of the artist’s fascination with women’s sensuality, depicting various women’s heads, necks and backs with intricate hair-styles and tattoos.

Guests will also appreciate The Calligraphy Brush collection by Korean artist Lee June Woong, portraying the ancient art of calligraphy writing and design.

Rooms and suites present guests with an equally eye-pleasing aesthetic through a warm ambiance rich with teak, black granite and fine silk. The impeccable design details of each room are exemplified by authentic jade pieces that were found in antique markets of China and displayed on the teak walls.

In addition to these year-round collections, The Setai will host several private events during Art Basel. (Details available upon request.)

For reservations please call 305.520.6110 or email setaireservations@ghmamericas.com.

The Setai
(south Beach Miami)

As technology continues to advance, the end result can often times be as overwhelming as it is amazing. Using Google Earth, beyond just looking at where you live, you can now actually study art.

I visited a museum in Spain today. What is very neat is that I reside in North America and did not need to fly there! That’s correct. Thanks to the smart people at Google, Google Earth can help you visit special and historic locations around the world.

When first introduced, this satellite imaging tool was credited with helping adversaries of the Iraq War be successful by giving real time access of sensitive information to the wrong element. So it went from a real time visual resource to some pictures stored at sometime into a database.

It was still a fun tool if you wanted to take a look what your own back yard looked like a few months ago, but not really that interesting for exploring every day.

Google Earth offers a flight of discovery and I used it to fly to the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Spain. Housed within its immense collection, The Prado houses many of the world’s largest painting with more more than 1,300 of them are on display. The Google Earth tour of the Prado exemplifies how art, history and technology have reached a nexus in the modern world.

On display in high definition are:

Artemis “Rembrandt Self Portrait” Albrecht Drer The 3rd of May 1808 in Madrid “Goya The Nobleman with his Hand on His Chest” El Greco The Cardinal ” Raphael Descent from the Cross “Roger Van der Weyden Emperor Carlos V on Horseback” Titian The Garden of Earthly Delights “Hieronymus Bosch Jacobs Dream “Jos de Ribera Inmaculada Concepcin” Giambattista Tiepolo The Annunciation” Fra Angelico Crucifixion “Juan de Flandes Las Meninas — Diego Rodrguez de Silva y Velzquez The Three Graces” Peter Paul Rubens

Google Earth technology allows the viewer to zoom from one country to the next, down to a street view that includes traffic and then up to a 3-D rendition of buildings and places. Zooming into the Prado was interesting. I didn’t have to wait in line and I was able to be at my chosen destination in seconds.

Unlike being at a real museum where the visitor still stands many feet away from the exhibit, I was front and center and so close to the pictures that I could see the brushstrokes and the cracks on the restored canvases. Digitally photographed at 1,400 megapixels, I could see the finest details of The Cardinals face, and the minutia tucked inside The Garden of Earthly Delights. I can return tomorrow or next week and make another discovery again and then again.

A virtual tour can never replace the feeling of visiting a museum in person. To digitally capture art requires incredible effort but is worth the results of allowing everyone else to be able to enjoy them in the future. Learn all about the artist and their work from a new and different point of view. It will offer art and culture to all even if just a few enjoy it. Other people will try to get more.

Inspired by the joy they see online, some people go to see the originals in real life. People that work hard and accomplish the right things become symbols for future generations to enjoy. Infinite accessibility to art will only aid in advancing humanity. It is a possibility they only will write down the failures.   Author: The Art Fanatic

Sidewalk chalk art is amazing and beautiful. Julian Beever is the best. Many Sidewalk chalk art creations are so good, people believe the images are real.

We all know the joys of seeing a creative piece of sidewalk art. From the humble beginning of a concept, then being covered in chalk dust, to showing off the completed finished masterpiece. Sidewalk chalk art is amazing and Julian Beever is the best.

These amazing works of art are created on the roadside. When finished, they are photographed in such a way to produce amazing 2-D and 3-D effects.

What started many years ago as innocent children drawing hop-scotch squares with white chalk, has grown into a full-fledged artistic revolution.

Now there are hundreds of Sidewalk Art festivals around the country, with creative geniuses from young to old displaying their artistic sidewalk art talents.

Julian Beever is an English artist who’s famous for his creative art on the pavements and sidewalks around the world.

Julian Beever is an English artist who’s famous for his creative art on the pavements and sidewalks around the world.

Here are more samples of Julian Beever’s amazing sidewalk chalk art:
http://www.joevautour.com/funandgames/inbox/chalk.html
http://users.skynet.be/J.Beever/pave.htm

Your boss rarely gets the credit they deserve. It’s often a thankless job but for every employee, there’s usually a boss to report to in some capacity.

October 16 is “National Boss Day”, so take the time and give credit to the job your boss does.

National Boss Day is more commonly known as Boss’s Day and it provides employees an opportunity to express their gratitude and appreciation towards their boss, manager, supervisor or CEO.

State Farm Insurance company secretary Patricia Bays Haroski is given credit for the person who invented “National Boss’s Day.”

In honor of her boss, Haroski registered the holiday with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958.

Ulalena at the Maui Theatre in Lahaina, is more than just another Maui nighttime show. It’s a first-class performance and a remarkable experience you won’t soon forget!

The show’s performance is an artistic tribute to the wide ranging and unique cultures and traditions that Hawaii offers. Taking you along a musical journey, explore the breadth of Hawaii’s mythical history via a magical adventure.

Ulalena is shown at the state-of-the-art Maui Theatre in Lahaina, Maui. Ulalena is a riveting production that is on par with any Broadway show on the U.S. mainland.

Ualena stands for the ancient Hawaiian word representing both the “hopeful and cleansing wind” that only occurs in Maui. According to Ancient Hawaiian creation chants, Ualena is also a form of rain that’s reddish yellow in color, when viewed at twilight. This enchanted wind carries people to other times and places through mystical memories and mythical means.

There are various shows on Maui, but if you can only see one show that celebrates Hawaiian culture, Ulalena is definitely the only show to see.

Ulalena has deservedly received many awards, including “Best Show” and “Best Attraction” by the Hawaii Visitors & convention Bureau.

One of the primary goals of Ulalena is to help promote Hawaiian culture. It appears that many of Hawaii’s many tourist attractions have moved toward commercialism and abandoned the fascinating history of the Hawaiian Islands. Ulalena continues to buck that trend.

The multi-million dollar Maui Theatre is classy as well as state-of-the-art. It’s now ten years old but still looks like it opened just yesterday. At the time, the Maui Theatre was build specifically for Ulalena and holds about 680 seats. Due to its half-moon crescent seating arrangement, every seat offers an amazing stage view, yet still creating an intimate experience.

The air-conditioned Maui Theatre is equipped with some of the best sound and lighting equipment around, using the latest in computerized technology.

Ulalena is comprised of nine various scenes that takes the audience on a magical journey through the ages of Hawaii’s deep history.

Through imagery, music, song, dance, acrobatics and even humor, the universal elements of nature come alive before your eyes. You’ll see how Hawaii’s gods and goddesses coexist amongst us all. This allows our imaginations to wander, leaving all of our troubles behind.

The show offers vivid, rich and imaginatively designed costumes along with intense lighting and stage design that when blended together, make for a wonderful entertainment experience.

The cast of Ulalena is comprised of many of the most talented stage performers and musicians on the Hawaiian islands. Their commitment, talent and enthusiasm exudes in their every move.

Ulalena begins with a lone man on a spiritual quest, heading for an unknown destination.

The show’s journey brings in many of the common elements that make up Hawaii: the ocean, a mythical forest, a village, a volcano, and many more. Each scene appears to progress the story and teach us something unique and intimate about Hawaii’s history and culture.

One of the most memorable scenes is titled “The Mythical Forest”. It’s a tantalizing experience that presents a guardian lizard spirit known as Mo’o, who lives and moves effortlessly around a waterfall. The female acrobat displays an amazing balance of beauty, strength and theatrics as she glides up and down a suspended giant loop of white silk.

The show’s musical score is an integrated component and key to the show’s success. The live band performs on an elevated stage to the right of the main stage. They produce an array of heart pounding drums and percussion rythyms that immerses the audience into the importance of music in Hawaiian culture.

Patrons have several seating and dining options available to choose from. The “Dinner Package” offers a fine dining experience at nearby Ruth’s Chris restaurant, either before or after the show. The package also includes premium VIP Seating, a complimentary beverage, and the opportunity to meet the cast and crew after the show.

Although each of the scenes are unique and incredible on their own, once the last curtain drops and the standing ovation subsides, you feel that you have just experienced something you will never forget.

Ulalena is a journey like no other. Consider yourself fortunate if you are ever able to see it and experience the true “Aloha Spirit” …. firsthand.

Ulalena – Maui Theatre
(Old Lahaina Center)
878 Front Street
Lahaina, Maui – HI
808-661-9913 or
877-688-4800

Photo: Teh Eng Koon – AFP/Getty Images

As the Oktoberfest festival is now underway in Munich, Germany – there is another popular festival about to take place in China. It’s an annual event called the Mid-Autumn, Harvest Moon or Mooncake Festival.

During the fall, the skies in China are often clear and the nights are crisp and sharp as the harsh summer heat dissipates. These ideal night sky conditions allow the moon to appear its brightest.

The Harvest Moon is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival therefore celebrates the moon’s appearance as the brightest and most beautiful throughout the year.

It’s long been an ancient tradition for the Chinese to enjoy the moon. Records show admiration for the moon goes back about 1,400 years. In fact, a visit to any number of historical palaces or classical gardens and one will likely discover one or more “Moon Viewing Pavilions.”

If you plan on being in China in the next few weeks, then you want to make plans for a special cruise and enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival in China. From now until October 4, those lucky enough to be in China should travel on the Yangzi River on the amazing Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer.

Photo: Sanctuary Retreats

This unforgettable tour provides an opportunity to personally experience the Harvest Moon or Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s important to note that this is one of China’s most important holidays. The date in the Western calendar changes yearly. This year it falls on Saturday, October 3, 2009.

The Harvest Moon or Mid-Autumn Festival is a day of family reunions much like Thanksgiving in the United States. On that day, as the moon is the roundest and brightest, it signals a time of abundance after the harvest.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, children are delighted to stay up past midnight, parading multi-colored lanterns into the wee hours as families take to the streets to moon-gaze. It is also a romantic night for lovers, who sit holding hands on hilltops, riverbanks and park benches, captivated by the brightest moon of the year

The festival dates back to the Tang dynasty in 618 A.D., and as with many celebrations in China, there are ancient legends closely associated with it.

During this special, celebratory time, guides onboard the Sanctuary’s MS Yangzi Explorer will educate guests on many Chinese customs, share folk tales inspired by the festival, teach and play the game of Lantern Riddles and invite guests to sample some of the many varieties of the traditional and very delicious Moon Cake.

Cabins are still available (but act quickly), and rates during these peak season 3- and 4-night sails begin at $1,750 per person sharing in a deluxe cabin on the main deck. Please visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com to book this last minute Chinese cultural experience.

If you are an art lover, you might want to make plans for a stop-over in Madrid before summer ends. Two major exhibits showcasing two of the world’s greatest artists will be opening in the romantic Spanish city.

Beginning in May and running to September 6th, the Prado in Madrid will feature Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923), the first major monographic exhibition devoted to the artist since 1963.

One of the key figures in the history of Spanish art and the most internationally-known artist of his day, Sorolla worked in a realistic style and captured the magical light of Valencia’s Mediterranean coast.

Opening June 9 and running through September 20, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza will present a major exhibition, Matisse: 1917 – 1941. Designed to showcase a little-studied period in the artist’s life and work, the show will present some 80 paintings, sculptures and drawings from two critical dates.

Marked by the shadow of World War I and the forebodings of the next world conflict, the period was one of rapid ascent for Matisse, and this exhibition aims to present the artist’s central role in the flourishing of modern art during this era.

One of the world’s most expensive luxury cars, the DiMora Natalia SLS 2 has been transformed into a sculpture by artist Alexander Ney.

Some of the luxury features of the original luxury car included: headlights that double as video projectors, color changing paint, massage seats for rear passengers, temperature adjusting cup holders, a variable-cylinder 1200 hp aluminum 16 cylinder engine, four wheel steering, a biofeedback system to monitor the owner’s vital signs and adjust the drive and environment according to his tension level, plus more!

by Philip Scott Johnson

This is a video created by Philip Scott Johnson, who is a digital artist from St. Louis, Missouri.

The amazing morphing animation is a video montage of famous Hollywood women film entertainers through the years.

It’s a wonderful journey through the ages of cinematography, displaying the ever changing look of famous female actors.

To learn more about Philip Scott Johnson and see more of his incredible videos, go to his MySpace page.

The world’s economy may be in shambles, but in some corners of the art world …. it is thriving. Center stage is Venice’s Punta della Dogana.

In Venice Italy, a large art exhibition is now on view in two historic buildings. June marked the opening of a new museum in Venice, dedicated to contemporary art, at Punta della Dogana.

Punta della Doganais a historic complex that was built back in the 17h century. Many years ago, it once served as a the Venetian Republic Customs House, but recently redesigned by famous architect Tadao Ando.

Punta della Doganais was envisioned as a single artistic journey. The exhibition presents approximately 300 works of art from French magnate, Francois Pinalut’s art collection.

The collection is presented as dialogues between artists of various generations, of various artistic forms of expression and sensibilities.

Included are a variety of artists such as contemporary art luminaries Jeff Koons, Sigmar Polke, Rudolf Stingel, Cindy Sherman and Richard Price. Also participating are new emerging talents and artists who have been unjustly ignored by the art World.

This event marks the second year in a row that the personal art collection of the Francois Pinault. Pinault is well known as the man behind the Gucci Group – which is the luxury conglomerate that includes such luxury brands as Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.

Last year, Francois Pinault’s collection was displayed at the Palazzo Grassi. This year, the Punta della Dogana is proud to host his collection again.

The Punta della Dogana is located at the center of the Venice lagoon on the Grand Canal – across from Piazza San Marco and San Giorgio Island.

Prince Harry rides again. He will playing on the team captained by Nick Raldo, against Black Watch captained by Nacho Figueras (the new face of Ralph Lauren’s Polo fragrance).

The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic event is scheduled for Saturday May 30th, 2009 and will be held once again on Governor’s Island in New York.

The big winner of the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic event will actually be the American Friends of Sentebale, a charity that was co-founded by Prince Harry. All the money raised from this polo event will be going to the charity.

Committee chairs are Peter Brant, Mark Cornell (CEO of Moet Hennessy) & his wife Lucy Cornell. Vice chairs are Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, Samantha & Aby Rosen, Cornelia Guest.

Tickets start at $500 (picnic for 2 people) and are available by calling Sentebale Benefit Office on 212 763 8596 or emailing sentebale@cmevents.net.

The picnic area open to the public will be available from 12noon and the match will start at 3 pm. Some food and beverages will be available for purchase around the field.

In addition there will also be a ticketed area which include the VIP tent (where lunch will be served) as well as a VIP picnic area (with blanket and champagne picnic lunch).

For additional information on this event, please visit www.vcseason.com