It is with great excitement that we add Olivia (formerly known as “Holly Mae”) Pendergast to Mondo Fine Art.

I came across Olivia’s works in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah. The connection with her work was immediate.

Her figures drew me in with their beautiful and soulful expression and graceful elongated form. Olivia has a great talent for capturing humanity in her work.

I once asked Olivia how does she choose what subject she will paint… her answer was: “Whatever breaks my heart.” It’s this passion and love that she puts into her work that connects directly with people.

Olivia recently spent 4 months in Malawi (Africa), spending time with the community there and painting (as shown in photo above).  The connection she felt with the people is evident in her portraits of them.  She captures their spirit, their essence, their strength, their humility.

Whether she is painting the people of Malawi or landscapes – she always paints her heart.

To read more about her story and her passion behind the paint, click here: Olivia’s bio. Her works are now online for viewing and sale here: Olivia’s artwork.

Congratulations to Penelope for being quick on the response to our quiz and winning a pass to the Utah Museum of Fine Art!

Attention artists!!

The 337 Project is calling for artist submissions for their latest creative installation endeavor – an 18 hole miniature golf course designed by artists for the public to enjoy this coming February at Library Square downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

This is an opportunity for artists to create and connect with people in the community in a whole new way – combining visual arts with the ever-so-popular sport of mini golf.   This project will be used to educate students, benefit charities, and get the general public excited about contemporary art.  

The deadline to submit your application for this project is September 15th, 2009. For more info and an application, click here: submission form.

The 337 Project has gone to great lengths over the past few years to get people in the community involved with art.  Since its inception with the original 337 Project, where 150 artists from the community participated in completely covering an abondoned house slated for demolition with artwork in all forms and media, the 337 Project has helped to revive an excitement about art and how it can educate, inspire, and connect us all. The 337 Project has won several awards for it’s outstanding service to the community.

We encourage you to learn more about the 337 Project here: 337project.org

I am thrilled to introduce to you our newest addition to the Mondo collection – Eva Rorandelli.

Eva is a beautifully talented painter from Florence, Italy, who works in oil and mixed media.

I was introduced to Eva’s work by an friend of mine, an interior designer in Florence, who was also my interior design instructor at the Florence University of the Arts during my stay in Italy.  Eva also now teaches at FUA. 

When I saw Eva’s work, I immediately thought of Florence…with the focus on graceful figure and fashion. I also love her fusion of abstract and representational elements.

Eva says this about her work: “My paintings explore the relationship between imagination and reality and critique the emphasis in today’s society of appearance over essence. My use of fashion as inspiration is merely an act of remaking and revising previously successful object/symbols celebrated by society—it is a way to emphasize the transformation and metamorphosis of the era we live in.”

Eva has exhibited works around the world including Milan, Florence, Paris, New York, Rome, Beijing, San Francisco, and New Mexico.

Eva has her Masters Degree in Restoration and Conservation of Cultural Heritage at the Accademia di Belle Arti, Florence Italy. Additional studies include advanced study in painting at the New York  Academy of Arts, Woodstock School of Art, Vermont Studio Center, New York Studio School, Art Students League of New York, and the Art Institute of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Watch for her works to be added soon!!