This article appeared in the October 2024 Issue of Up and Away Magazine It is reprinted here with permission. Click here to see the original version: Up and Away.
Discover the pleasure of the enchanting Frascione Gallery on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida. It was a true feast for the eyes. As you step through the doors of this exquisite gallery, you are immediately struck by the stunning blend of contemporary art and old masters that adorned the walls. It was a unique and captivating experience that leaves you in awe of the talented artists and the Frascione family's dedication to the world of art.
A Legacy of Art Dealers, The Frascione Family Tradition
The Frascione Gallery is not just a place where art is displayed, it is a living testament to the rich tradition of art dealing that has been passed down through generations of the Frascione family. Having familiar roots in art that date back to the late 1800’s in Naples, Federico Gandolfi Vannini abandoned a career in the law for his love of art. In 2009 he opened his first gallery in Florence, Italy named after is great grandfather, Enrico Frascoine.
Vannini met and fell in love with his wife and Gallery Culture Director Daisy Diaz in Florence. Diaz is a Miami resident of Cuban heritage. During the pandemic, they moved their family from Florence to Miami. The idea of expansion in the United States was born from an exhibition they created for the Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in west Miami-Dade, where their sons attend school. When asked why they selected the space in Via Amore, on Worth Ave, Palm Beach, Vannini stated, “It reminds me of Florence.”
With a deep appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship, the Frascione family has curated a collection of art that spans centuries and styles, offering a diverse and eclectic range of pieces that cater to all tastes and preferences. Known for selling to museums and private collectors, they are dedicated to integrating museum quality work into today’s interiors.
“Art is timeless,” comments Vannini. “While we continue to collaborate with museums and traditional collectors, we are excited to showcase works by the great Old Masters beyond museum walls and investment portfolios, alongside 20th and 21st-century art, which speaks volumes to the contemporary mindset. It reframes art history while offering a fresh perspective on collecting art.”
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to Southeast Florida
Logistics:
There are 3 airports that service Southeast Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach: Uber and Taxis are available. Tri Rail and Brightline trains service Fort Lauderdale and Miami Airports. Private and Multiple Passenger Transfers are available from all three airports: ☆Transportation Service Miami Hotel - Miami International Airport
Advanced Tickets for the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi.
Save on entry fees: If you plan on visiting multiple museums or attractions, it is more economical to purchase a Miami Sightseeing Pass to save money, you can buy this pass for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days.
Top-rated Southeast Florida Tours and Experiences:
☆Seven Isles of Fort Lauderdale Kayak Tour (one of my favorite Southeast Florida experience)
☆Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour (great for foodies)
☆Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Small-Group Tour (perfect for art lovers)
☆Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale (essential to avoid lines)
☆1 Hotel South Beach (Luxury, Miami)
☆Yotel (Budget Friendly, Miami)
☆Hollywood Beachside Boutique (Budget Friendly, Fort Lauderdale)
☆The Pillars Hotel (Luxury, Fort Lauderdale)
☆The White Elephant (Luxury, Palm Beach)
☆The Canopy (Budget Friendly, West Palm Beach)
☆Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas (Amazing Tropical Vibe, Delray Beach)
My favorite Guidebook for Florida: DK Eyewitness Florida
My favorite Novel about Southeast Florida: The Last Train to Key West
Don’t forget to pack: Crossbody Bag for Sightseeing Sun Screen Comfortable Walking Shoes **My Favorite Packable Hat.
Blending Contemporary and Old Masters, A Visual Delight
One of the hallmarks of the Frascione Gallery is its unique approach to showcasing both contemporary artists and old masters side by side. The juxtaposition of traditional and modern art forms creates a dynamic and compelling visual experience that challenges viewers to see art in a new light. From vibrant, abstract paintings to classic Renaissance masterpieces, the gallery offers a harmonious blend of styles that is both refreshing and inspiring.
Their Spring exhibition, “Embracing Divinity” is a testament to this visual experience. Curated by Diaz, this fresh body of work, features a selection of paintings and sketches by Cuban Artist Reynier Llanes and Old Master paintings from the 16th and 17th century by Florentine painters Francesco Botti and the Master of the Lamentation of Scandicci.
This exhibition highlighted the beauty of the human embrace in various scenarios from passion to maternal love. The displayed paintings and sketches present a vibrant palette, depicting various everyday scenes with a mysterious touch. These pieces, juxtaposed with the Old Masters, suggest the power and emotion of the embrace.
“Llanes’ iconographic language of multicolored dreamscapes has made him one of the most recognizable Latin artists of today,” commented Diaz. “Join us as we celebrate the convergence of past and present, tradition and innovation, in a breathtaking showcase of artistic expression.”
"Embracing Divinity” bridged the traditions of European painting with Llanes' contemporary sensibilities. Here, nature flourishes and regenerates, even amidst its own destruction, portrayed across a range of mediums, from the richness of oil on canvas to the delicacy of gouache on paper, and even Llanes' innovative use of coffee as a medium.
An Art Lover's Paradise
Visiting the Frascione Gallery is truly a treat for the senses. The gallery's curated collection of art spoke to me on a deep and emotional level, evoking feelings of wonder, awe, and joy. The passion and expertise of the Frascione family were evident in every brushstroke and every sculpture, making it clear that this was more than just a business, it is a labor of love. Under Vannini's stewardship, the Frascione Gallery is harmonizing Old Master paintings with Modern and Contemporary artworks, fostering captivating dialogues between eras and schools of thought.
The Frascione Gallery is a hidden gem on Worth Avenue that should not be missed by any art enthusiast. The blending of contemporary and old masters, coupled with the rich history and tradition of the Frascione family, creates a truly magical and unforgettable experience. You will leave the gallery feeling inspired and invigorated, with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and power of art. I cannot wait to return and explore more of what this remarkable gallery has to offer. If you find yourself in Palm Beach, be sure to carve out some time to visit this treasure trove of artistic delights.
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