The Kessler Collection Announces Art Contest Winners

Launched on November 7 with a prominent billboard in New York City’s Times Square, The Next Original contest asked up-and-coming artists to submit original artwork – including paintings, sculptures, photography, mixed media, fiber, printmaking and other media – to be reviewed by a panel of judges led by Kessler. The Kessler Collection received submissions from more than 1,500 artists across the United States.

Launched on November 7 with a prominent billboard in New York City’s Times Square, The Next Original contest asked up-and-coming artists to submit original artwork – including paintings, sculptures, photography, mixed media, fiber, printmaking and other media – to be reviewed by a panel of judges led by Kessler. The Kessler Collection received submissions from more than 1,500 artists across the United States.

On Friday, Dec.16, the ten finalists were invited to the private judging ceremony at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District where Richard Kessler announced the nine grand prize winners. The nine finalists for The Next Original competition include:

  • DEIRDRE BARRETT, Cambridge, Mass.
  • SHANNON “SHAN” FANNIN, Austin, Tex.
  • OLGA FURMAN, East Brunswick, N.J.
  • ALFREDO GONZALEZ, San Francisco, Calif.
  • KARIN HOLZER, Long Island, N.Y.
  • HALLIE PACKARD, Brooklyn, N.Y.
  • CHASE PARKER, Tampa, Fla.
  • LAURA PAWLIK, Denver, Colo.
  • ELAINE SCHLOSS, Valley Cottage, N.Y.

The grand prize winners will have their artwork featured on a billboard in Times Square on New Year’s Eve and will be showcased in The Kessler Collection’s newest properties. In addition, the grand prize winners will receive a one-year partnership with Grand Bohemian Gallery to exhibit their art and have prints of their artwork sold in Grand Bohemian Galleries alongside local, regional and signature artists.

Design & Architecture Design & Architecture USA & Canada United States

Created by Richard Kessler, we are a visionary hospitality brand and the founding members of Marriott's Autograph Collection. Everything we do is meant to inspire. We spark curiosity when our extraordinary people invite guests to wander-through captivating hotels, inspired dining, art galleries, signature spas, cooking schools, wine blending and exceptional events. Each is artfully unique and delivered with its own Bohemian twist.

Capturing the classical and unconventional spirit of Bohemian cultures, The Kessler Collection's portfolio of passionately created and artistically inspired boutique hotels boast chic design, luxe accommodations, enriching ambiance and intimate service. Whether visiting properties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado or New Mexico, each hotel's exquisite art, music and cultural influences are deliberately approachable.