Author Archives: Etta

Featured in Home & Design’s Anniversary Issue

We are lucky enough to work with many talented interior designers, each with their own unique style and vision. Their talents are appreciated not just by us and their clients, but national magazines. It was so much fun to spot several of the designers we work with recently featured in Home & Design magazine’s 25th Anniversary Issue and get to see how they incorporated art from our gallery into their spaces.

 

Catherine Ebert’s Bold Dining room

Interior Design: Catherine Ebert; Artwork: April Midkiff; Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

This dining room is from a stunning new build project in DC by Catherine Ebert. From the architectural chairs, to the silk wall covering, and the modern lighting, every detail comes together to create an elegant and inviting space. April Midkiff’s artwork becomes a striking focal point that adds energy and movement to the room with its bold brush strokes.

View more work by April Midkiff

 

Jay Jenkins’ French Olympic Gold Foyer

Interior design: Jay Jenkins, Artwork: Tom Bolles; Photo: Jennifer Hughes

 

For this home renovation in Baltimore, interior designer Jay Jenkins “channeled its original French-manor style in a fresh, uncluttered way.” The damask wallpaper, curved tufted bench, and gold and bronze accents come together to make the foyer feel classically European. The Tom Bolles painting adds a contemporary twist while harmonizing with the warm, graceful vibe.

View more work by Tom Bolles

 

Barbara Noguera’s Artistic Oasis

Interior Designer Barbara Noguera Northwest DC condo design.
Interior Design: Barbara Noguera; Artwork: Aron Hill; Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

Barbara Noguera is a DC based interior designer with a diverse portfolio that celebrates each client’s individual style. In this contemporary living room, Noguera mixes vibrant primary colors with quieter neutral pieces. Aron Hill’s minimalist painting Orange Arc With Yellow Roof is the perfect complement to the fabulous statement sofa. We are certain that the owners of this home are enjoying the mix of comfort, whimsy, and sophistication.

(P.S. Did you spot the Raul de la Torre piece in the back?)

View more work by Aron Hill

 

Katalin Farnady’s Sparkling Dining Room

Interior Design: Katalin Farnady; Artwork: Craig Alan; Photo: Jennifer Hughes

 

Katalin Farnady allows her talents to shine in this elegant silver-toned dining room. Farnady believes that “art has the power to transform any room.” Craig Alan’s work gives this space a playful element that invites engagement and conversation.

View more work by Craig Alan.

Figures in Focus

Figurative art has a unique way of resonating with us, bringing stories to life, and enhancing our connection with our surroundings.

These final installations showcase a seamless blend of clients’ personal style and artistic expression. Each installation transforms the living spaces, highlighting the unique character of the figurative artworks while enhancing the overall aesthetic and ambiance of the clients’ homes.

 

Summer Hues

Featuring "Polka Dot Summer" by Geoffrey Gersten and up the staircase is Craig Allen's "Populus: We All Scream"
Polka Dot Summer by Geoffrey Gersten and Craig Alan’s Populus: We All Scream

 

The two pieces in this shore home entryway inject a vibrant burst of color that enlivens the space. Polka Dot Summer by Geoffrey Gersten, creates a striking focal point with its bold colors and playful vintage-inspired subject, instantly drawing attention. The yellow painted border in the piece adds an extra layer of brightness, enhancing the painting’s impact.

Adjacent to it, Craig Alan’s Populus: We All Scream complements Gersten’s work, continuing the theme of vivid, summery hues. This pairing not only adds a dynamic contrast to the room’s neutral tones but also evokes a cheerful, carefree summer vibe. When you walk into this home, it’s immediately lively, inviting, and reminiscent of warm, summer days.

View more work by Geoffrey Gersten.
View more work by Craig Alan.

 

Dancing in a Sunny Room

Sherri Belassen's Oil on Oil stick canvas "Improv" complimenting the tones of the room.
Sherri Belassen, Improv, Oil on canvas

 

Sherri Belassen’s vibrant painting becomes the star of this room, adding romance, energy, and movement. The striking composition features two figures in an exaggerated dip pose, rendered in bold, warm tones that draw the eye. Enhanced by the natural light, Belassen’s unique layering technique gives depth and complexity to the artwork, making it visually engaging in the space.

View more work by Sherri Belassen.

 

Serene Silhouettes

Peter Christopher "Cameo VIII"
Christopher Peter, Flowing Cameo VIII

 

Peter Christopher "Flowing Cameo III"
Christopher Peter, Flowing Cameo III

 

The pair of Christopher Peter paintings in this primary bathroom (designed by Pat Bevacqua) beautifully anchor the room and provide a personal and intimate touch. Striking against the deep navy walls, the silhouetted figures evoke a sense of connection and unity, while the textured, flowing forms within them add depth and interest. Together, these elements create a serene and inviting atmosphere, making the bathroom not just a functional space but also a visually appealing retreat.

View more work by Christopher Peter.

Framing Travel Memories

This summer, travel plans are in full swing and Merritt Gallery is the perfect place to get those travel pictures framed! Our team can help you design a custom frame for any type of travel memorabilia you bring back and want to preserve and cherish. Explore framing with us below!

Framing your travel photos has a timeless appeal, as it not only preserves precious memories but also brings your home to life with personal touches. By displaying your travel photos, you create an inviting atmosphere filled with stories and experiences that spark conversations and evoke happy memories, making your home a vibrant reflection of your adventures.

Let’s dive into some tips and ideas on how to frame and display your travel photos and memorabilia in a way that adds charm and personality to your home.

 

Choosing the Right Frame

Travel pictures in a Floater Frame

When it comes to framing your travel memories, the frame itself can set the tone for the entire display, reflecting both the style of your home and the stories behind your adventures. There are countless styles to explore—from sleek, contemporary options, to vintage inspired frames that add character and nostalgia, to embellished or colorful frames for a unique touch.

 

Matting

Using a matt in a frame to surround a photo adds an elegant touch and enhances the overall presentation of the image. The mat creates a visual separation between the photo and the frame, drawing attention to the photo’s subject and providing a clean, uncluttered look. It also protects the photo by preventing direct contact with the glass, reducing the risk of damage.

A well-chosen matte can complement the colors and tones of the photo, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and making it a more striking and polished piece of art. Don’t hesitate to explore different widths and textures for a unique look.

 

Framing Memorabilia

Framed flowers from different lands

Framing your travel memorabilia is an excellent way to preserve and showcase the tangible memories of your adventures. Items such as maps, tickets, postcards, flowers, and souvenirs can be beautifully displayed in frames, transforming them into personalized pieces of art. This not only protects these keepsakes from wear and tear but also allows you to relive your travel experiences each time you see them.

Shadow boxes are ideal for creating a 3D display of your memorabilia. Layer photos and small keepsakes together for a visually rich presentation.

 

Arranging Your Collection

The way you arrange your photos and memorabilia can turn any wall into a gallery. Here are some tips for creating an eye-catching display:

  • Grid Layout: A grid of identical frames creates a neat, cohesive look. This is perfect for a modern, minimalist aesthetic. You can vary the size and orientation of the photos within the grid to add visual interest.
  • Gallery Wall: Mix and match frames of different sizes and styles to create a dynamic gallery wall. Start with a central piece and arrange the surrounding frames around it. Remember to leave some space between the frames for a balanced look.
  • Theme-Based Display: Group your photos by theme or location. This could be by continent, country, or even specific trips. It adds a storytelling element to your display and makes the collection more engaging.

 

Contact one of our gallery locations to get started on your next framing project.

Aluminum Prints: All About the Dye Sublimation Process

You might have noticed some striking new pieces on our walls labeled “Photograph on Aluminum.” Several photographers we represent are using a process called Dye Sublimation to print on metal substrates. This technique allows artists to transfer photos onto various materials while preserving the integrity of the artwork.

 

The Benefits of Printing on Aluminum

Archival and Durable: These photographs on aluminum boast a lifespan of at least 65 years and are scratch-resistant. You can easily wipe them down with a microfiber cloth and cleaning solution to remove fingerprints.

No Glazing: Once the sublimation process is complete, the print is ready to display. There’s no need for additional acrylic or glass covering.

Lightweight: Aluminum is lightweight, making it exceptionally easy to hang.

 

Xan Padrón, Gilbert Baker’s Global Rainbow, 36 x 60 inches

How Does It Work?

In Dye Sublimation, intense heat is used to transfer the image onto the chosen surface. The process begins with printing the image on inkjet transfer paper, which is then placed on a sheet of aluminum. This assembly is put into a heat press, where temperatures of 300-400 degrees, combined with pressure, cause the dyes from the paper to turn into gas and transfer onto the metal. As the dyes cool, they return to a solid state, becoming permanently bonded to the aluminum.

Samples of sublimation on aluminum
Samples of sublimation on aluminum

 

Finishing Touch

Before the transfer process starts, the aluminum is treated with a specific finish. Each finish offers varying levels of color density, vibrancy, luminosity, and durability.

Tom Chambers, Fragrant Attraction Ed. 1 of 5, 48 x 48 inches

 

David Burdeny, Net Study 8 Ed. 2 of 10, 48 x 48 inches

 

View our current selection of photographs on aluminum by:

David Burdeny
Tom Chambers
Randal Ford
Xan Padron

 

Introducing Lucrecia Waggoner

 

We are thrilled to introduce Lucrecia Waggoner, a remarkable artist whose porcelain works have recently arrived at our gallery. Waggoner’s work is a testament to the profound connection between personal growth and artistic enrichment. Her pieces, inspired by nature and her life’s journey, are visual representations of her continuous quest for growth. With a minimalist approach, her work balances simplicity with expressive depth, reflecting her vibrant personality and rich cultural background.

 

Waggoner is seen here using a pottery tool to put intricate carving details into her clay.
Waggoner is seen here using a tool to put intricate carving details into her clay.

 

Lucrecia Waggoner was born and raised in Mexico City, where her artistic talent was nurtured from a young age. Beginning her ceramic training at the National Anthropological Museum at just seven years old, she later honed her skills at the Parsons School of Design and through courses in Mexico City, Cannes, France, Germany, and Hong Kong. These experiences imbued her with a love for simplicity and Eastern aesthetics, which are evident in her current works.

 

Mediums: Natural Porcelain, Moongold and Platinum
Natural Porcelain, Moongold and Platinum

 

Waggoner’s journey is marked by passion and adaptability. After moving to Houston, Texas, in 1998 and then to Dallas, where she studied at the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU, she continued to grow both personally and artistically while raising her family. Her 45-year career has been defined by meticulous craftsmanship and meditative creation processes.

Waggoner’s art has been showcased at numerous international art fairs, including Context, Art Miami, and the 4th Biennale of Ceramics CDMX, and is featured in both private and public collections worldwide.

 

Lucrecia hand sculpting the natural and organic curves into her pottery.
Lucrecia hand sculpting the natural and organic curves into her clay while using her pottery wheel as a guide.

 

Each piece starts with a single idea, carefully considered within the context of its intended space. Using the finest white porcelain, and sometimes incorporating 22k gold, palladium, platinum, silver, and metal alloys, Waggoner’s work embodies abstract interpretations of nature and concepts such as joy, peace, and harmony.

 

Lucrecia installing her beautifully hand crafted pottery flowers into our walls at Merritt Gallery in our Baltimore location.
In this photo, Lucrecia is installing her beautifully hand crafted pottery flowers onto the walls in our Baltimore location.

 

We invite you to experience the organic serenity and refined beauty of Waggoner’s porcelain vessels, blossoming flowers, and weaving tulips, which capture the essence of her artistic journey and the meditative process that defines her work. Visit our gallery to witness the harmonious blend of nature, simplicity, and profound expression in Lucrecia Waggoner’s stunning creations.

View our collection of works by Lucrecia.

Email inquiry@merrittgallery.com to inquire about a custom installation for your space.

Artist Techniques and Secrets

Each of our artists brings their distinctive viewpoint and style to their creative process. While some wield specialized tools, others finesse particular techniques, and some integrate intriguing supplementary media. It’s through these diverse skills that they refine their craft, creating pieces that capture our hearts and imaginations.

Matt Neuman

In both his painting and print-making processes, Matt Neuman explores balance, symmetry, and visual perception, integrating geometric precision with vivid color. In the video below, you can see the unique process behind his Stargazer series. Neuman creates dimensional wooden panels, then applying a variety of painting techniques—spray painting, splattering, and carefully brushing—and fitting the pieces together like a puzzle into a harmonious composition. The lustrous paint, crackled texture, and speckled colors give the piece an alluring celestial quality.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matt Neuman (@neuman.matt)

 

Wendy Westlake

Wendy Westlake builds intricate abstract compositions that invite viewers to explore the subtle interplay of forms and hues. Beginning with a foundation of ethereal translucent color, she lays the groundwork for her artistic vision. Her technique of layering paint not only adds depth to her work but also allows for the emergence of unexpected shapes and color interactions. In the video below, you can see Westlake’s approach to bringing pattern into her work, as she plays with adding pencil strokes atop the initial layer of acrylic paint. Throughout her process, Westlake remains open to the work’s natural progression, often stepping back to reflect and respond to what the piece needs next.

 

Michael Hoffman

Drawing inspiration from his eclectic past and travels, Hoffman’s paintings are known for their rich colors, bold graphic compositions, and the use of circles, grids, and stripes. His work explores the relationship between rigid linear forms and the organic flow of nature, aiming to captivate and calm viewers. Hoffman uses a variety of innovative techniques, such the paint dripping method shown below, which creates the mesmerizing “web” of color atop many of his works.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Michael Hoffman (@hoffman_art)

 

Dennis Campay

Dennis Campay has mastered what he playfully dubs the “Ping pong painting technique,” a method that sets his artistic process apart. Rather than working on once piece at time, Campay often sets up multiple canvases side by side. It’s like a game of artistic ping pong, with inspiration bouncing back and forth between each piece. This technique isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about synergy. By working on several pieces simultaneously, Campay creates a dynamic dialogue between his artworks, infusing each one with the energy and ideas sparked by the others. It’s a sophisticated approach that elevates his craft, resulting in a body of work that’s as interconnected as it is inspiring.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dennis Campay (@denniscampay)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gil Bruvel (@gilbruvel)

 

 

Gil Bruvel

Gil Bruvel’s meticulous artistic process is a reflection of the meditation and mindfulness that the artist practices in his daily life. Beginning with the conceptualization of philosophical ideas inspired by nature, spirituality, and science, Bruvel then crafts his sculptures with painstaking precision. He arranges and stacks small wooden sticks, coaxing them into striking human forms. It’s a process that demands both technical prowess and artistic vision, a delicate balancing act between structure and expression. Bruvel chars the wood, revealing further patterns and detail, and then paints each sculpture with vibrant colors that carefully fade into each other.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gil Bruvel (@gilbruvel)

Insider Edit: What Etta’s Loving

When I first stepped into Merritt Gallery I knew it was a special place. I love being able to come into the Baltimore gallery every day and meet new people who enjoy our art as much as I do. I feel so lucky to be able to work in a place where the employees are passionate and take such care in what they do.

Every day, I get to manage and showcase these amazing pieces of art which truly feels like a gift. Coming from an art background and now working in a gallery surrounded by art every day, I feel that my perceptive of what makes art so beautiful and important has truly expanded. I get to see all different styles and meet the artists and see their inspiration, which inspires me in my own art and in my life.

Here are a few works by artists that I particularly enjoy:

 

Sherri Belassen, Vision Board

Sherri Belassen, Vision Board, Oil on Canvas, 48 X 72 Inches

 

Belassen has a gift of making her pieces feel like a sweet dream you don’t want to wake up from. Her use of proportion and layering makes her pieces very intricate and the space in them meaningful. In Vision Board, I see a surfer who lives and breathes the ocean. They are surrounded by ocean blue colors and are only focused on the search of the perfect wave ahead. This piece meant a lot to me when I first started working at the gallery as a person who grew up surfing and being near the ocean in South Carolina. The colors make me taste the salt water and feel the sun on my face, which makes this one of my favorite pieces in the gallery.

View more work by Belassen

 

Hunt Slonem, Blue Front Amazon

Hunt Slonem, Blue Front Amazon, Oil on Canvas, 48 X 48 Inches

 

Animals are a great gift that we have in this world, but none are more colorful and talkative than the parrot. Blue Front Amazon by Hunt Slonem shines on the wall. Slonem plays with shades of emerald, jade, and gold, incorporating texture, and a composition that portrays the parrots playfully interacting with one another. The circular shape of the canvas also adds to the whimsical nature of this painting.

View more work by Slonem

 

Dennis Campay, Operator

Dennis Campay, Operator, Mixed Media on Panel, 48 X 60 Inches

 

The first day I came into the gallery, Operator by Dennis Campay was on the wall, and it simply blew me away with its incredible detail and interesting use of mixed media. The expressive lines, imperfect forms, and dynamic colors blend together to create a whimsical, dream-like atmosphere. He tells a unique story with each of his paintings and it is very special to be able to see his art in person, let alone be able to have it hanging on your wall.

View more work by Campay

New Arrivals: Anke, Noice, Barber

There’s nothing like unwrapping a beautiful new artwork and taking in the textures and colors for the first time! Browse a few of the dynamic pieces that just arrived at our galleries.

Fly series by Anke

Anke, Fly series, Mixed Media on Panel, 24 X 24 inches each

Fly 9, Anke, Mixed Media on Panel, 24 X 24 inches
Fly 9, Mixed Media on Panel, 24 X 24 inches

 

Anke’s Fly series include a variety of colorful fishing flies arranged in a spiral pattern that turns them into something totally different altogether. Fly 9‘s blue colors jump off the surface, evoking a tropical flower. With this series, Anke emphasizes the importance of looking for beauty in the small things, and viewing everyday objects with a different lens.

See more work by Anke

 

Mood Indigo by Marshall Noice

Marshall Noice, Mood Indigo, 48 X 36 inches

 

In Mood Indigo, Marshall Noice invites viewers to lose themselves in the ethereal beauty of his forest scene. Through skillful brushstrokes and a mastery of color theory, he conjures the play of light filtering through the trees. The interplay of shapes and shades creates a sense of depth and energy, creating a world where reality and imagination intertwine.

See more work by Marshall Noice

 

Crocus 5 by Liz Barber

Liz Barber, Crocus 5, Mixed Media on Canvas, 48 X 48 inches

 

Crocus 5  beautifully illustrates Liz Barber’s technique of layering paint to evoke the organic flow of watercolor, with one vibrant color bleeding into another. The intensity of the blues is balanced by the quiet negative space to create a tranquil, harmonious composition. Whether you see a blooming flower, a swirling waterscape, or something completely different, there is always something wondrous and unique for viewers to discover in a Barber’s work.

 See more work by Liz Barber

In Tandem: Dynamic Art Groupings and Pairs

While solo pieces can make a statement on their own, arranging artwork in groups or pairs can create a dynamic visual narrative that makes a space come together beautifully. Take a look at three vibrant groupings that we’ve recently placed in clients’ homes.

 

Matt Neuman, Elements series, Acrylic On Panel, 11 X 11 inches each

 

This trio of colorful botanical paintings by Matt Neuman complement the client’s deep blue walls and harmonize with the tranquil but whimsical mood of the space (designed by Pat Bevacqua). The pieces are protected by modern acrylic floater frames that allow your eye to go straight to the artwork.

View more work by Matt Neuman

 

Tom Bolles, left to right: Vibrant Bright Blue, Vibrant Orange, Vibrant Deep Blue, 23.5 X 23.5; 25.5 X 25.5 each
Tom Bolles, left to right: Vibrant Bright Blue, Vibrant Orange, Vibrant Deep Blue, Sublimation on aluminum, 23.5 X 23.5 each

 

This client’s crisp white walls were waiting for a bold splash of color. The deep and vibrant tones of these works by Tom Bolles, paired with a larger painting by Michael Hoffman, bring a totally new energy to the hallway. With eye-catching geometric compositions, the pieces allow the space to feel modern yet quite playful.

View more work by Tom Bolles
View more work by Michael Hoffman

 

Maria Burtis, Iambic Exchange series, Mixed media on canvas, 30 X 30 each

 

Patterns on patterns! A pair from Maria Burtis’s Iambic Exchange series creates a captivating focal point in this cheerful, luxurious dining room. The artist’s expressive, gestural brushstrokes add a beautiful contrast to the delicate radiating wallpaper pattern.

View more work by Maria Burtis

 

Create your own grouping: Browse our collection for small-scale works

Bites & Bubbly Recap

Our galleries recently played host to a fun series of trade events that brought together the worlds of art, interior design, and spring time. With Spring Spritz cocktails in hand, our art consultants had a fabulous time sharing our current show BLOOM: A Group Exhibition Celebrating Spring and chatting with attendees about their upcoming projects.

Designers admiring art and mingling with some bubbly in Haverford.

 

Despite the rainy weather outside, spring was in full bloom in the galleries. Each of our locations curated a collection of artwork that captures the vibrant and transformative power of the season. The air was filled with the tinkling of glasses and lively conversation as attendees chatted and explored the diverse collection of art on display.

 

Attendees gather near the spring themed art adorning the walls in Baltimore gallery.

 

The Tradition Begins, a Baltimore based mother/daughter duo, provided beautiful small bites for the evening. From gourmet cheeses and charcuterie to Bridgerton-worthy desserts, each bite was crafted to perfection.

 

Succulents at the front of the gallery as party favors for attendees.

 

Our team added some creative spring time touches to each gallery, from potted succulents for guests to take home, to adorable floral straws, and elegant orchids.

 

The Spring Spritz, our signature cocktail for the evening

 

 

Art Consultant Betsy speaking with an Interior Designer about a piece in Chevy Chase

 

 

Chevy Chase consultants pose in front of a Pardue Hewett piece (L-R): Mina, Betsy, Ofri, Laura

 

We absolutely loved getting to bring together individuals passionate about art and design in a celebration of creativity and community. We hope you can join us for the next Bites & Bubbly event!

 

Interior Designers and Art Consultants gather around the art and food and drink table in Baltimore.

 

Learn more about our BLOOM exhibition.