Strength and Grace, our 2012 Summer Olympic Tribute

The 2012 Summer Olympics are kicking off today in London and across the pond we've got it covered in our latest art exhibit from Elisa Contemporary Art, Strength and Grace. 


Our Riverdale Gallery is ready for action and all about the Summer games - focusing on the highly competitive areas of Swimming and Equestrian events. 


The Olympics play a starring part in this exhibit.

Scottish-born artist, Sheona Hamilton-Grant started her artistic career when she worked for 1988 and 1992 Olympic Gold medalist, Nicole Uphoff, the German Dressage rider. During this time, she first started drawing equine Superstar, Rembrandt Borbet and forever considers “Remmi” her first muse. 


The exhibit includes her graphite portrait of the German warmblood sire, Florestant I. Many horses performing in the London 2012 Summer Olympics will be of Florestan I decent. 


And it wouldn’t be the Summer Olympics without the highly anticipated and captivating swimming events.  This year's competition between Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte promises to be thrilling! 

Kaua'i artist, Carol Bennett, started painting her competitive swimmers when she was living in Los Angeles and swimming at the LA Athletic Club. According to Carol, “The floor beneath the pool, with its ethereal skylight was an underwater observation room...used by Olympic coaches in the 1920's. I would feel like a voyeur, watching the swimmer's private time and drawing in their beauty.” It was here she learned to capture their movement, reflections and grace. 


We held our kick-off reception on Sunday, July 22nd and we were joined by the parents of Olympic Silver medalist ('08 Beijing) in Fencing, Tim Morehouse.  Tim will be competing again in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.  His parents will be flying to London to cheer him on.  And we all wish him much success!

We're thrilled to be celebrating the 2012 Summer Olympics in our own artist way.  The exhibit will be up through mid-August at Elisa Contemporary Art, 5622 Mosholu Avenue, Riverdale NY and features:

• Arizona Mixed Media Realist, Ken Peloke 
• European Graphite Artist, Sheona Hamilton-Grant 
• Expressionistic Idaho Artist, Donna Bernstein 
• Hawaii Artist, Carol Bennett S
• San Francisco Minimalist, Jeffrey Palladini. 

It's a gold medal performance by all!  To see more and our walkaround video, visit: www.ElisaContemporaryArt.com