Photographer Jim Nicholls in Cuba

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  • jim nicholls cuba beach portrait

Enjoy this taste of the evocative work of Jim Nicholls, from his recent trip to Cuba. The moody portraits tell a warm and inviting story.

Jim describes his reactions to the experience best:

"Cuba - a quiet and easy place. Little traffic so most travel on foot. We see the old cars and even imagine our own lives transported back to those days of ease.

The people are easy and free. At night it's fun to walk. The dancers are ballet dancers of the Cuba Ballet. The man sitting on the curb reminds me of the American depression of the 30's. There is dignity  beneath everyone here. Who is rich and who is poor? Are we not brothers and sisters?

It is a serenity I feel the most. Perhaps it comes from an identity and loyalty they have. There is no hustle there as one gets elsewhere.

So the old cars are part of the experience, not just as a living showroom. They are symbols of what we left behind in life in our own worlds here."

You can see more of Jim's work at lachapellereps.com

Magic Everywhere You Look

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  • Closeup of millefiori glass bowl
 

There's a touch of magic about so many of the objects at ArtPop. 

From millefiori glass to a Cinderella coach on an antique tray, against a backdrop of diaphanous purple and gold fabric...an arrangement fit for a princess.

The golden shimmering pieces, rich fabrics, images from masterpieces of art and fine craftsmanship let your imagination wander to enchanting worlds and times.

 

 

Another Look at ArtPop’s New Space

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  • ArtPop 3D letters
 

There's so much to see in ArtPop's new home that it may takes several turns around the space!

You'll find the work of a number of artists. Featured in this slideshow is the work of Italian painter Aimone Sambuy. Some of these oils were recently on exhibit (Pesce e Nave) at Pasta Beach restaurant in Boston.

Home furnishings, such as ceramic urns, pillows and other decorative pieces are on display everywhere you glance. A selection of books, many with an Italian theme, appear throughout.

There's something to interest just about everyone.

 

 

ArtPop Has a New Home!

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  • sculpted bust with photo of busts

Take a look at just a few of the lovely, unusual and varied objects gracing every shelf, table and container in ArtPop's current Newport home.

One attention-getter is the artfully displayed female sculpture, backed by an enormous black and white photograph of similar classic sculptural heads.

You'll also enjoy colorful ceramic vases and a miniature shoe collection, among the many other pleasant surprises.

Indulge your senses as you step from one whimsical vignette to the next.

 

 

More from the World of ArtPop

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  • Pasta Beach ArtPop mannequin
    Alice, the mannequin with jacket and beads

More vignettes from inside the world of ArtPop!

Meet Alice, the mannequin. She doesn't like standing around in the same old thing for too long, so she'll try out a new look every now and then. Behind her, you'll notice Newport Toile curtains and pillows.

On display are several pieces by Italian painter, Bruno Casetta, as well as a catalog of some of his other works. His colorful oils illustrate the lively warmth of his native country.

You can find paintings peeking out from behind antique furniture complemented by ornate fringed pillows.

Through the mirror, you can sense the light of the space, with a hint of some of the smaller items, like glasses, vases, pitchers and saucers that are a delight to happen upon as you wander around.

Although the theme is Italy (for now), there's a bit of artistic license at work here. The look and feel of the assemblage by a local Rhode Island artist, fits seamlessly with the  Italian work.

 

Welcome to ArtPop!

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  • Pasta Beach ArtPop Window
    ArtPop front window display

ArtPop, located on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI, is the creation of artist's representative, Linda Lachapelle.

It's an expansion on the concept of an art gallery. Rather than exhibiting only the work of the artists represented, the entire space is filled with objects that complement that work.

From time to time, the theme of the space changes, along with the objects. Currently, the inspiration for the theme is Italy.

The collection consists of a wide variety of pieces, including sculpture, textiles, furniture, tableware, books and more. They're artfully arranged in color groupings, with something to discover in every nook and cranny.

A visit to ArtPop is an experience that lets you immerse yourself in both the work of artists and artisans. Clicking through the slideshow offers you just a taste of what you'll find.

ArtPop will be moving in the near future to another location in Newport. More news on that soon.