The New York Times
The James, a sleekly designed hotel rising over Grand Street in SoHo, will open for business on Wednesday with all the support staff a guest could expect: a concierge, receptionists, bellhops, chambermaids, parking valets.
All that, and one helping hand a guest might not expect: a hotel art curator.
Hotels have been hanging fine art on their walls for decades now. Ian Schrager commissioned a series ofRobert Mapplethorpe prints for what is considered the original boutique hotel, the Morgans, in 1984; the Roger Smith, a small property in Midtown Manhattan, transformed its lobby into an art gallery and performance space as part of a 1991 renovation.
But few have gone so far as the James, which hired a young artist, Matthew Jensen, to select original artworks to adorn each of its 14 floors of guest rooms.
Tags: 20100908
While I am glad to see any news article about support for the Arts, I thought I would let you know that you do not need to go to a New York; We’ve got hoteliers who support the arts right here in Tampa Bay. To name two that I am personally familiar with, McKibbon Hotel’s who commissioned me to create the 33 foot-tall “Soaring Spirits” sculpture for their Avion Park complex near TIA and Bay Star’s Indigo Hotel, St. Petersburg who supported my work by allowing me to be their inaugural Artist-in-Residence. Both organizations showed commitment, integrity, and appreciation. These are people who understand that creating an Art & Culture destination is not just about museums. Its also about creating a place where artists can live and create! Thanks. Rob E
Rob,
We would love to feature those hotels in the BUZZ! Could you ask them to contact us? buzz@creativetampabay.com.
With pleasure.