a LIFE of STYLE

GLACIA FOUNTAIN - CITY CENTER, LAS VEGASWith the cold snap that is sweeping across the Northern hemisphere, you can almost take that headline literally!   However, the ice I'm referring to at City Center is man-made all the way.   With all the sights and sounds to catch your attention at the stunning new Crystals Luxury Retail Center, one that stopped me in my tracks was Glacia.   Designed by the world renowned fountain design masters at WET, Glacia, is an out of this world experience.  This outrageous creation sends giant ice forms 15 feet into the air.  GLACIA - SURROUNDED BY LUXURY FASHION

If you know Vegas, you already know WET's work.  They are the team behind the fountains of the Bellagio and the Mirage Volcano.   Emerging from a pool of water, the ice of Glacia is not like any you have ever seen.   The ice formations are carved as they rise from the depths of the pool, creating unique shapes and contours much like you would expect to find in some outer space cavern.   The ice forms disappear as they melt, only to start the process all over again.  Glacia looks like it was designed to be on some relay station in deep space for the movie Avatar!   While the silence and beauty of the ice forms are also what makes it so powerful, I'm told that Grammy winner Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead is creating a "tonal poem" that will accompany this visual work of art.   Surrounded by David Rockwell and Daniel Libeskind 's vision of the ultimate shopping experience, Glacia has perfect synergy with the entire Crystals Complex.  

If you plan a visit to Las Vegas, you must spend a day at City Center.   I promise, the 67 acre complex on the Vegas Strip will leave you speechless!  

A highlight of my recent trip to Lisbon was seeing the larger than life bronze sculptures of Mexican artist Rivelino.  Titled "Nuestros Silencios", the pieces are powerful and haunting.   The message is clear and speaks volumes about freedom of expression.  The work is a cry for human rights and equality, but also an abstract treasure!

The sculptures are on display at the foot of Park Eduardo VII - standing guard at one of the busiest intersections in the Portuguese capital.   On guard there that is through mid- January.   After that, they will continue their European tour to Barcelona, Madrid, Brussels, Rome, & London.

I learned about the exhibit from ARTNEXUS well before I left for Lisbon.   The incredible organization that supports artists around the world has an excellent newsletter that is chock full of information on upcoming events and exhibits.     I was so excited to see these works.   Thank you Rivelino, and thank you ARTNEXUS.   Click on the link to subscribe.

Spend a great day previewing the hottest new artists on the scene in New York.   The New Yorker has a long history of supporting Artists before they become household names.   Passport to the Arts on Saturday November 7th is like a cliff notes version of Gallery life in Chelsea New York.   You might not find out everything you need to know about extremely talented artists - but you can see an example of their work and meet with many of the artist as they preview their latest work.

One talented artist participating is Pato Paez of IMURI International.   Pato has made a name for himself creating one of a kind murals for commercial and private spaces for those in the know.   His sense of color and proportion are what have kept his fans coming back,  and making then want to live with his murals.   Selma Blair by Pato Paez

Pato is also a talented portrait artist.   His sense of abstraction and again -use of color lead to the creation of dreamy portraits that have an upbeat and creative feel - somehow melancholy and joyous at the same time.

One well known fan of Paez is actress Selma Blair.   Paez painted the actress in his signature style - flies & dragonflies are common symbols in his work.   The beautiful painting is on display at the MaxMara btq. on Madison Avenue at 68th Street in NYC.  If you visit MaxMara - check out one the amazing cashmere coats on display.   This global fashion house excells in coat design.  It was a camel coat that founder Achille Maramotti sold out of the trunk of his car that started the collection.

Meet Pato at the Passport to the Arts event on Saturday November 7th.   click above to find out how to attend!

One of the most beautiful things that ever came out of Australia is the songbird known as Natalie Imbruglia.  Believe it or not, it has been 12 years since Natalie gave us "Torn" - a song that haunted radios all over the world.    Her new single "Want" gives us another reason to watch her over and over and over.   The song is addictive and Ms. Imbruglia is magically more beautiful than you remember - if that is possible!

You must watch this video:

Susanne K. Williams DesignIf you are looking for the perfect "thinking of you" card for a loved one or family member,  Susanne K. Williams has just the card to capture the sentiment you are looking to send.   Her collection of photography cards are poignant, inspiring, and beautiful.   Susanne has an interesting background, having worked in publishing and interior design before launching her collection of greeting cards.

Although we all live on-line and communicate through email - there are times when we want to use the age old art of letter  writing - if only via a short message in a beautiful card.

Ms. Williams has the artistic eye of a photographer and photo editor as she shoots the images that she then edits and puts into production in her namesake card collection.Susanne K. Williams Design

One of the best things about the cards - they are made in small batches and are regularly rotated out of production - making these pieces very limited and truly unique.

visit the website at :   wwwSusannekwilliamsdesign.com

Place your order and start sharing a smile with your family and friends.