The bold and the classical
The world-class artists of the Florence Academy return to Brigham Galleries
BY MARLI GUZZETA INDEPENDENT ARTS EDTIOR
Art of a classical style is still evocative, sexy and even scandalous - that's what Brigham Galleries owner Sarah Boyce discovered last year when she hosted an exhibit by the acclaimed Florence Academy of Art and hung in her street window a beautiful and haunting nude by the school's founder, Daniel Graves.

Works by Jura Bedic (left) and Kamille Corry

Boyce got phone calls.

As the school returned this year, so did the painting (which now hangs inside the gallery), as well as a cadre of new students from the academy, which stresses the "old ways" of art study.

"When I started out as a young student looking for this kind of training, there was nowhere to go," Graves said.

In their first year, Florence Academy students begin with pencils and paper - the brushes stay out of their reach - and work their way gradually into realistic oil and tempura landscapes, portraitures and still lifes.

The exhibit represents over 17 artists and 50 paintings from staff, students and alumni of the school. Some of the artists in the show live, work and teach in Florence, while many have their own ateliers around the world, according to Boyce.

"It's world class," said Boyce of the show. "It could hold its own in any city in the world."

And it has. Recently, the Florence Academy of Art has enjoyed exhibits at such notable galleries as Hirschl and Adler in Manhattan, the Eleanor Ettinger Gallery, Anne Long, the Grenin Gallery.

"Back in the late '70s and '80s, I couldn't give my work away. Galleries just weren't interested," Graves said. "Now, they're beating down our door."

Boyce learned of the school years ago, after scouring the world (and its wide web) for new artistic talent with solid educational pedigree. Last summer marked the school's first show on island. During the winter, Boyce traveled to Italy to meet the students and hand select pieces to include in this summer's exhibition.

"The studios were abuzz with excitement, and it was exciting and inspiring to see the quality work that the artists were creating," said Boyce, who returned with works by the likes of Nelson White, whose sunny, colorful beach studies are the brightest of the lot. New this year are artists like Neil Mancini, who's already

sold, and Daniella Astone. I
When: Up through Tues., Aug. 14
Where: Brigham Galleries, 54 Centre Street
For more information, please call 825-2525.