I was so pleased that my exhibition in Barcelona, Spain, last summer was a stellar success. Galeria Red03 Director Marcela Jardon and her husband were so kind to hold a cocktail reception in my honor where we hosted friends from around the world in a memorable evening in one of the most amazing cities. Located right in the Born neighborhood, next to the Picasso Museum, it is nestled between fragrant tapas bars in the cobblestone streets. This historic neighborhood is famous for its galleries and museums, delicious Catalan tapas, and special character that exudes from every aspect of the enchanting city.

My last article shared a glimpse of Irish artist, heiress, and creativity advocate Daphne Guinness. Guinness is a collector of couture and reknown fashion icon focused on craftsmanship rather than trend alongside her personal passions of design. Aside from her time in Ireland, Daphne was raised partly in Cadaqués, Spain, a bohemian artist colony just outside the city of Barcelona. She saw the diversity of the traditional Catalan costumes, which planted the seeds of her lifetime of creativity. The village had served as a home to Surrealist Salvador Dali and so many artists, and they came in search of the freedom that art represented to them:
“I grew up in an artists’ colony near Barcelona with Salvador Dali and the Surrealists, so my dress sense is very colored by my youth. Everybody knew that Dali was the most crazy; you’d go to his house and he would have lobsters in his pool. Anything went, clothes-wise. You could wear whatever you wanted any time of day, so people would wear evening clothes at breakfast time, simple Catalan shoes and hats, lots of brightly colored hippy kaftans, and a lot of French, tailored outfits.”

Dali’s museum in Figueres nearby is dedicated to his work as well as the inspiration of Gala, his muse, who nourished a lifetime of work. Please see a bit more news from the gallery’s presentation of my exhibition, glimpse of a few photos, as well as some of my top Barcelona travel picks for your next Vicky Cristina experience.

EXHIBICION DE LA ARTISTA KATE GIBBS

~ GALERIA RED03, BARCELONA, SPAIN~

These are creations of stunning craftsmanship and captivating distinction. They are custom-made, one of a kind designs by American decorative artist Kate Gibbs. They will bring brilliant glamour to your life and will be treasured always.

Estos son creaciones de aturdir artesanía y cautivar distinción. Ellos son hechos de costumbres, uno de unos diseños amables de la artista estadounidensa Kate Gibbs trae encanto brillante a su vida y será estimado siempre.

EGYPTIAN CUFF NECKLACE

Cleopatra Egyptian cuff necklace made of brass and freshwater pearls. Hand-wrapped brass wire on solid brass cuff adorned with antique freshwater pearls in a unique design. This piece will age gracefully, growing more unique and exceptional with each year.

EL COLLAR PUÑO DE EGIPTO

El collar puño de Cleopatra de Egipto hecho de latón y perlas de agua dulce. El alambre mano-envuelto del latón en el puño sólido de latón adornó con perlas de agua dulce antiguas en un diseño extraordinario. Este pedazo se envejecerá elegantemente, creciendo más extraordinario y excepcional con cada año.

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Barcelona Must-Dos: Parque Guell is Antoni Gaudi’s decorative arts masterpiece which one of the first structures of its size made entirely of recycled materials. Any trip of mine to the enchanting city includes several visits, either sunrise morning yoga or a sunset copa with loved ones. The Picasso Museum is incredible as well as the most amazing hidden nooks in Born, like the secret stone restaurant and lounge inside a Medieval private residence,  tantilizing tapas bars which is a quick stroll away from Siete Puertas reknown paella restaurant. A bit down the road, just on the beach, is Frank Ghery’s giant decorative metal sculpture in front of the Hotel Arts, with fabulous restaurants, a spa, and its new age champagne bar with drinks I promise you’ve never tasted. Of course, you can’t miss my friends at FC Barca’s match with their history-making UNICEF uniforms and award-winning skills on the field or an evening which includes the lighted fountain water show at Parque Montjuic, followed by a tour of Miro’s permanent collection. Some of my wiser friends insist that Woody Allen has nailed it with Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and I certainly agree the experience of the city parallels the film. It is not a question of whether one would enjoy all I have described above, but the question that lies here is for the ladies: are you Vicky, Cristina, or a combination of both? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39PuFOTjtk8

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