Four Seasons Atlanta Spa Art Commissions

Art commissioned for the Four Seasons Atlanta Hotel spa renovation was a dreamy opportunity to create something unique…especially for the first thing that greets guests upon entry. Using the interior renderings, I mocked up several different looks with large-scale agates. I drew inspiration and texture from nature. The ‘agate’ is part painting and part sculpture with layers of acrylic paint, clay, resin, crushed minerals and quartz crystal. LED lighting sets the tone with a soft glow.

Using the same color palette, I was also commissioned to create a modern collage of shapes using watercolor and quartz textures. This piece was framed and displayed in the lounge area of the spa.

The recent feature by Hotel Designs and Space International perfectly summarizes: The art collection, curated by HBA brand partner Canvas Art Consultants, enhances the modern serenity narrative. Featuring an elite assembly of local Atlanta artists, the collection is a beautiful showcase of art and nature’s positive influence on human health. Honest materials, soft curves and delicate palettes combine with inspired forms and elements found in nature through a bright, biophilic approach.

Featured in:
Hotel Design, Dec. 2023
Space International Hotel Design, Nov. 2023

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REGENT SEVEN SEAS GRANDEUR

Commissioned artwork for the new Regent Seven Seas Cruises Seven Seas Grandeur is displayed within the Grandeur suites.

The ship was Designed by the multi-award-winning Studio DADO and built by premier ship builder Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy. Christened by founding member of The Fabergé Heritage Council and great-granddaughter of Peter Carl Fabergé.

The multi-million-dollar art collection includes multiple Picassos, a 40’ tall hand-woven tapestry and the first Fabergé Egg to reside permanently at sea. The 1,600-piece collection, predominantly featuring contemporary art, took nearly two years to curate and commission, sourcing from artists and galleries worldwide.

“With each new ship, our team works tirelessly to identify and source the most impressive array of art pieces, building a collection that would be enviable by most modern-day museums, to ensure our guests’ time onboard is as enriching and thought-provoking as their time on land,” said Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “It is extremely rare to enjoy such personal access to artwork of this caliber, and now guests will be able to connect deeper with the art and artists they’ve fallen in love with onboard our ships through our first ever virtual art tour. Regent’s art-loving guests will find Seven Seas Grandeur to be one of most engrossing galleries they have ever explored.”

Lock and Key Restaurant Artwork

Lock and Key restaurant at The Interlock in Atlanta, GA is a project that reminded me why I love what I do. Working with small business owners and helping bring their vision to life is a gratifying experience. It requires a team that works with efficiency and a leader that directs a wide variety of skilled tradesman. Entrepreneurs wear many hats and I’ve always learned new things on these types of projects. I like being a problem solver. I like a new challenge and how it lights my creative brain on fire.

Patti Krohngold, the interior designer for Lock and Key, came up with the visual concepts and idea to cover these massive concrete columns with art. My first thought is that I’ve never done that. My second thought is LET’S DO THIS. Turning this architectural eyesore into an asset was a fun challenge.
Learn more:
https://www.lockandkeyatl.com/
https://theinterlockatl.com/
https://www.artmixproductions.com/

Oceania Cruises VISTA Artwork

I was given the honor of creating 7 custom art pieces for the Oceania Cruises new Vista ship. I took inspiration from the refined interiors with calm color palettes. My approach was to use sculptural shapes that felt architectural and playful at the same time. Layered with intricate details, this ‘shape building’ process appealed to my engineering side. The layers of texture engaged my right brain! This creative process involved controlled structure, play and experimenting with color combinations.

I was recently asked how I come up with ideas. I always start with ‘information gathering’ so I know the client goals and customer personality. My appreciation for interior design helps me ‘see’ a style that accurately combines my creative solutions to be specific for each unique project.

Oceania Cruises is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line's luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,238 guests and feature the finest cuisine and itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on 7 continents on voyages that range from 7 to more than 200 days. With headquarters in Miami, Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a diversified cruise operator of leading global cruise brands which include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Learn more: www.oceaniacruises.com/ships/vista

Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando Art Commission

Celebrated as an experience in art and music, the AAA Four Diamond Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando takes center stage as downtown Orlando's luxury boutique hotel.

This Orlando icon enters a new era with renovations throughout and a curated art collection. I was commissioned by Whitaker Art Consulting to create a focal piece in the Grand Bohemian Bosendorfer Lounge.

The Vienna Secession architecture worked beautifully as a starting point for my research. The Secession movement was a Viennese branch of 'Art Nouveau' that flourished during the years 1892 to 1906. This movement developed an organic style, typically with floral designs in opposition to more geometric expressions of art nouveau.

Creative Inspiration: Vintage imagery is from the Ziegfeld Follies. The original “Ziegfeld Follies” of the early 1900s were inspired by the Follies Bergères in Paris. “The Follies,” as they came to be known were classy, spectacular revues showcasing the great talents of the day. 

Creative Symbolism: The Owl motif is a detail on the facade of The Secession Building in Vienna. Paired with real quartz stones and the vintage glamour lady, the piece is the perfect blend of old and new.

Fun fact: The Most Opulent Piano in the World, The Bösendorfer Grand Bohemian was designed by Richard Kessler (of the Grand Bohemian Hotels) & sculpted by Franco Castelluccio of Orlando, Florida.

Buckhead Art & Company Art Show with Fay Gold

What a wonderful show and opportunity to work with art icon, Fay Gold. I was invited to showcase my work with glass artist Marlene Rose on October 22, 2022 at Buckhead Art & Company.

With write-ups in Arts Atlanta and Atlanta Jewish Times, we had a full house. I sold three pieces before the show opened and two others soon after.
Learn more:
www.atlantajewishtimes.com/gold-puts-on-a-grand-show/
www.buckheadartcompany.com

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) PRIMA ARTWORK

Dream project alert! Norwegian Cruise Lines emphasizes fine art throughout their ships and the PRIMA ship is filled with over $6.3 million invested in curated and commissioned artwork. The hull art by Italian graffiti artist Peeta, Spanish abstract painter Eduardo Arranz Bravo and famed ceramicist Fanella Elms are just a few of the notable artists. I was commissioned to create 5 unique digital mural designs that were duplicated and installed in 1,500 staterooms, 7 framed works on paper, 12 canvas pieces, 1 large multi media artwork and 3 large-scale digital murals for The Locale restaurant.

This project was not only a creative dream project but also allowed me to utilize my business skills gained working for marketing and advertising firms during my career. I spent many hours researching the cruise industry, asking questions about the NCL clientele and generally trying to uncover every nugget of information about the PRIMA goals. More than creating beautiful imagery, I wanted this work to be an extension of the NCL brand. When I partner with a client, I want to make sure every detail is organized, thought-out and delivered in a way that exceeds expectations. I would say this is my favorite project to date because I learned so much, have a deep appreciation for the brand, AND felt that did everything to the best of my ability.

I spent roughly one year working on this project and couldn’t be more proud. Built in Marghera, Italy by Fincantieri, Norwegian Prima is a design masterpiece with work by powerhouse architectural firms Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, Tillberg Design of Sweden, YSA DESIGN and Studio DADO. When I watched the design team’s video interview, their passion brought a tear to my eye. Wow! What a talented line-up!

To wrap up the amazing experience, NCL sent a crew to Atlanta, GA for a full day of filmed interviews to talk about my creative process. We had a whirlwind day filming with my work in a gallery located in Buckhead then to my studio and office. As an introvert, this was the most challenging part of the entire project. I’m proud of myself for taking on the challenge and delivering to make this team proud.

Future goals: To work with NCL on more artwork for cruise ships and to be invited on one of their spectacular inaugural voyages!

Learn more: www.norwegianprimaarttour.com

Fun Fact: Guests can tour the Norwegian Cruise Line PRIMA art collection using a special app.

5 Church Buckhead Restaurant Artwork

I was thrilled when Ayman Kamel, Principal at 5 Church Buckhead, called to discuss plans for their second location in Atlanta, GA. I had been commissioned for the 5 Church Midtown location a year previously so knew he appreciated how original art enhances the experience for his guests. Stepping over construction demo debris, I used the first job site visit to see the space, get a feel for Ayman’s vision, take notes, snap photos and take initial measurements. With a 27’ foot long scale needed to fill the wall, I proposed a digital mural solution with framing added once installed. The artwork that I created is layered with symbolism and created as a custom commission for 5 Church. I knew that I wanted a fashionable, lush and diverse visual to wow his art loving guests and as a play on the location being near Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza.

The story behind the artwork: Babylonian goddess of love and war, Ishtar, wearing the Alexander McQueen Rose gown and Dior jeweled headpiece. She is looking forward towards a piece of the triptych by Hieronymus Bosch, The Garden of Earthly Delights, c. 1480-1505 that depicts creation/Eden. Her dress flows into the fins of the betta fish (meaning “beautiful warrior”). On the fifth day, God created creatures that live in the sea and creatures that fly. The lush background depicts roses (symbols of romance, beauty and courage), grapes (wine) and florals.

Learn More: https://buckhead.5church-atlanta.com/

Lake Nona Wave Hotel Artwork

The Wave Hotel showcases the property’s signature focus on art, technology, and unexpected design. A striking collection of contemporary art fills floor-to-ceiling niches. The furnishings, too, double as artwork, with iconic modern pieces designed by Eero Saarinen, Warren Platner, and Marcel Wanders. The 234-room hotel includes two restaurants, a lobby bar, a ballroom, and meeting rooms, as well as 18 luxurious suites.

The palette of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Bacán, is warm, enticing, and vibrant, reflecting its Latin-influenced American cuisine. Dozens of lanterns illuminate the restaurant, and a beautiful 20-foot artwork by Atlanta-based artist Amy Rader overlooks the central dining area.

The Bacán restaurant art piece is a focus piece to the restaurant and also visible from The Wave Hotel. My goal was to research the area, themes of the restaurant and their customers. I utilized that research to create a narrative piece that includes native flora and fauna, captures the color palette used within the interior and appeals to both young and old audiences.

Interior Design: https://bluelanternstudios.com/
Art Consultant: http://www.amyparryprojects.com/
Accolades: Travel & Leisure https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/lake-nona-wave-hotel-orlando
Learn more: www.lakenonawavehotel.com

Jennifer Balcos Gallery Solo Show

The ‘EMERGE’ exhibit from March 1  - 31, 2021. This series highlights the use of different media for portrait collage paintings, drawings and assemblage pieces.

A common theme woven throughout is a desire to have a harmonious relationship between the natural and human world. The delicate environments layered with imagery from the 1920’s and objects from nature are protected within glass or acrylic. As a narrative body of work, these elements allow each story to unfold with both whimsy and sophistication.

Butterflies represent rebirth, transformation and hope. Inspired by the Native American belief that animals serve as sacred messengers, you will see these relationships explored within the series. Gemstone formations are carefully selected for texture and healing energies. These evocative compositions are not only aesthetically beautiful but also invite the viewer to ponder the connections within our ecosystem.

Learn more: www.jenniferbalcosgallery.com

Icon Buckhead Art and Murals

Located on Peachtree Road in the heart of the popular Buckhead Business District, the 35-story Icon Buckhead project by The Related Group consists of 363 luxury apartments. Hospitality clients use curated museum-quality art collections as a way to enhance their environments and the Icon project. provided a beautiful backdrop for custom commissioned artwork. I was honored to create artwork for the lobby level and two murals for the top level common area.

Interior design by: www.habachydesigns.com
Learn more: www.iconbuckhead.com

Fun Fact: The Related Group is a development company based in Miami, Florida founded by Jorge M. Pérez. He helped establish Miami as a global arts epicenter arts by donating $40 million in cash and art to the Miami Art Museum (renamed Pérez Art Museum Miami PAMM).

Mellow Mushroom Restaurant

Creating these massive digital art murals for the Mellow Mushroom pizza restaurant located in Marietta, GA was a rewarding experience. Working closely with the corporate team and franchisee, we developed a theme based on a creek located nearby called Soap Creek. The goal was to create a fun yet sophisticated look that would appeal to kids and adults alike.

I designed 2 large wall murals and one backlit art piece. My role was to develop a strategy, offer solutions for the site and budget, create the artwork, oversee printing, gather quotes and supervise installation of the artwork.
Learn more: www.mellowmushroom.com

Icon Midtown Art and Murals

Located at 14th Street and West Peachtree Street, Icon Midtown Apartments developed by The Related Group are part of a vibrant, walkable area of Midtown Atlanta close to the Museum of Arts district, Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Gardens and the Arts Center MARTA station. Icon Midtown’s décor includes a particular focus on the arts so I was commissioned to create artwork for 3 main areas and pieces for each of the 39 floor levels.

Interior design by: www.habachydesigns.com
Learn more: www.iconmidtownapts.com

Fun Fact: The Related Group is a development company based in Miami, Florida founded by Jorge M. Pérez. He helped establish Miami as a global arts epicenter arts by donating $40 million in cash and art to the Miami Art Museum (renamed Pérez Art Museum Miami PAMM).