Fine Art Connoisseur July/August 2018, Editor’s Note:
By Peter Trippi
Busy times ahead! I am truly fortunate to be anticipating some distinctive art adventures on the horizon. First up, this August is the judging of artworks to be exhibited in the 37th annual Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale. On view at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, the climactic moment of this benefit project will occur the weekend of September 21–22, but first it’s necessary to determine which pieces will receive prizes.
Several years ago, I was kindly invited to attend the event itself — decked out in the proper hat and boots — and was mightily impressed by the quality and range of artworks depicting the land, people, and wildlife of the American West. The scenery in and around Cody — on the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park — is extraordinarily beautiful, and I am particularly looking forward to catching up with the wonderful people who support and staff the center all year long. A trip to Cody is highly recommended as both fun and a reminder of the awe-inspiring wilderness America still possesses.
Speaking of awe-inspiring, the Fine Art Connoisseur trip to Europe this October will focus on Italy, perhaps the most artistic nation on earth. Our merry band of art-loving readers will begin with a pre-tour to Milan, taking in Leonardo’s “Last Supper,” the Pinacotheca di Brera, and the magnificent Gothic cathedral, as well as a full day on and around Lake Como.
The group will grow in size as we reach Florence, where we will take close looks at masterworks not only at the Uffizi (Botticelli!) and Accademia (David!), but also at the newly expanded Florence Academy of Art and the brand-new Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Then it’s on to Rome to enjoy a private tour of the Vatican Museum, including the Sistine Chapel, the superlative Borghese Gallery, and a look around the prestigious American Academy, which many visitors don’t get inside. Our post-tour brings us to Sorrento, from which we will make forays to Pompeii, Naples, Capri, and the stunningly scenic Amalfi coast. The art of Naples is relatively unfamiliar to Americans, so that day will offer extra surprises, not to mention the best pizza on earth.
Finally, please note the unusually large article in this issue devoted to Seven Bridges, an exceptional collection of contemporary art available to explore in Greenwich, Connecticut. I have been privileged to become friendly with its founder and chairman, Richard McKenzie, and his wife, Karla; their passionate interest in the more than 300 artists represented at Seven Bridges is contagious. Because anyone can make an appointment to visit, and because summer and autumn are ideal times to be in Connecticut, I wanted to get this article in now. Enjoy its beauty and do plan an outing to Seven Bridges soon.
In the meantime, happy summer travels, and many thanks as ever for your ongoing enthusiasm for all things Fine Art Connoisseur.
Download the July/August 2018 issue here, or subscribe to Fine Art Connoisseur today so you never miss an issue.
Sign up to receive Fine Art Today, the weekly e-newsletter from
Fine Art Connoisseur magazine.
