" I moved to New York City from CT (1977) to attend Parson's School of Design while living in SoHo. Eventually, I ended up pursuing a career on Madison Avenue becoming an associate creative director at several ad agencies creating TV commercials for consumer giants such as Procter & Gamble, Texaco, Minolta, Johnson and Johnson and other pharmaceutical companies. Essentially I sketched storyboards with a writer and presented the ideas to clients. On approval we would hire a film director then film the commercials in NY, LA or even Ireland. I mention this because creating storyboards for the television medium became a launching pad for my paintings.
When I wasn't in film production, I painted watercolors which I displayed and sold out of my family's NYC restaurant, Beach Cafe on 70th and Second Ave. In 1996 my husband (Parker Kennedy) had the crazy idea of moving to his hometown in Raleigh and opening an Italian restaurant.
We literally pulled up roots and opened Caffe Luna in 1996. I have been painting full time ever since.
Which brings me back to storytelling, I am by nature drawn to drama and have honed a lifelong habit of eavesdropping and "innocent" voyeurism. If you have seen my Italian scenes (especially in Caffé Luna) over the years and most recently my exploration of "Beach People" (for which I am grateful to have received a fair amount of publicity), the storytelling and voyeurism becomes most evident. Being part Italian, I am naturally drawn to Italian people and culture (food, wine, caffes!). Quite honestly, I have a need to relive and recreate moments in Italy . These ongoing oils bring to reality the enduring beauty and intrigue of places like; Portofino, Venice, Tuscany, Florence, Lake Como, Bellagio, Rome, etc.
I am a multitasker by nature and paint in both oils and acrylic, with brushes and/or palette knives on canvas, panel or masonite depending on the subject. I paint a great deal "en plein aire" (literally out in the open air).
I teach many workshops here in Raleigh, but also try to take classes myself from acclaimed peers. Learning never ends and the greatest joy is watching art evolve from piece to piece.
Nicole White Kennedy
Click here for Interviews Page
MAKING A BEAUTIFUL DIFFERENCE.
Now in our 9th year we have evolved into an art gallery different from the rest. I have been told by many clients and visitors that the atmosphere here is friendly and never intimidating. Dare we say it is fun to buy art here.
Whether it is an original painting in your home, or an office decorated with local artists on a Raleigh theme, 100 giclees in patients rooms, the right frame at the right price, learning how to paint in oils...we have heard time and again that our artists, staff and art classes have made a difference in peoples lives.
OUR ARTISTS ARE CAREFULLY SELECTED: I am honored to represent over 30 artists and artisans and be a factor in their emergence or continuing artistic growth. A select group of artists in a wide range of styles and media are chosen to be represented. Committment to growth in their works is what we are all about! Come check out our talented artists represented here.
CORPORATE SOLUTIONS WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE: - I spent over 20 years on Madison Avenue advertising national brands before painting full time, so I understand that making decisions on artwork has to work on many levels, appeal to many demographics and work with any budget. What kind of impression do you want to make in your work environment? I can promise you that what hangs on the walls can make a beautiful difference in your 9-5!
ART CLASSES: 2007 has started out as a big year with some turning points here at the gallery. We are now bringing in many artists to teach workshops from local to nationally acclaimed, Rick McClure and Lori Putnam. Teachers include; Dan Nelson, Cathy Martin, Rocky Alexander, myself, Jonathan Peedin, Figurative anf beginner. John Silver comes for special workshops. The gallery is bustling with activity and creativity. Associate Gallery Director and Workshop Coordinator, Kelly Frost handles all of the classes and registration.
FRAMING: We have also brought onfull time professional framing consultant Cindy Gordon. We now offer custom framing (and even ready made frames) right here on site at honest prices. Click on the link and check out our framing page.
After you take a tour of the artwork,
take a quick tour of the gallery The 2200 sq. ft space is occasionally available through Caffe Luna Catering for a fee to host a seminar, fund-raiser, any function in a less predictable and more relaxed setting.
Solo & 2 Person Exhibits:
2006: Recent Works - with Eric McRay - at Nicole's Studio
2006 - Backto the Beach - Carteret Contemporary Gallery in Morehead City
2005: "En Plein Air" with Nicole Kennedy & Cathy Martin-works painted outside - Sept 2005
2005: Water Works - Nicole Kennedy & Bob Rankin at New Elements Gallery in NC -- June 2005
2004: "Out In The Open" Nicole and Roxanna Alexander, March-April
2003: Coastal Italy, New Elements Gallery Wilmington, NC/ July -August 2003
2003: Person: Cardinal Club in Raleigh, NC Feb-April, 2003
2002- Featured artist at Broadhurst Gallery in Pinehurst
2002:"Tales Of Tuscany" Nicole's art highlighting Tuscan villages -/2002
2001: "The Waiters of San Marco " Nicole's Italian waiter series
2001: Showcase of Charleston,& Savannah. New Elements Gallery in Wilmington, NC. Feb-March 2001:"Ports Of Charm" Oils charming port cities from the South to Italy Nicole's Studio Dec 1-Jan 2000: "The Color Of Italy" at Green Tara Gallery Chapel Hill NC Summer 2000
2000:"The Birds of Masonboro" Seapath Yacht Club, Wrightsville, NC Summer 2000
1999:"Along The Coast" From Naples to NC exhibit at Beach Cafe in New York City, Oct-Dec'99
1999:"Beaches, Birds & Bellagio" Installation Raleigh's, NC Annual Parade of Homes Oct 1999
Ongoing: "The Colors Of Italy": Over 30 changing paintings of Italy at Caffé Luna, Raleigh,
Exhibits Produced at Nicole's Studio & Art Gallery with Nicole's works included
2007: Endless Summer Annual Exhibit through Summer
2007 - Downtown - 12 Artists depict Urban Life in Raleigh and beyong
2006 - It's a Colorful Life- Gallery Group Exhibit with Guest artists
2006 - The Human Touch -Five artists figurative works
2006: "Earth • Water • Sky" with Rocky Alexander & Diana Coidan.-March
2005: "Location! Location! Location!" with Luana Luconi Winner, Eric McRay, Bob Rankin, Nicole, Cathy Martin and others. Dec - Feb 2006
2005: 2nd Biennial: "True Tails on Cats and Dogs". Juried by Bob Rankin/cash awards , over 70 artists and 200 works of animal art - April-May
2004: Going To Carolina - Group Exhibit at Nicole's Studio- 12 area acclaimed artists -November - Dec
2003: "Artist Favorites." People, places & Things. 17 artists: Nov 21 - Dec 2003
2003: Endless Summer Annual Exhibit through Summer
2003: "True Tails On Cats & Dogs and Other Animals" May - June 2003. A Curated exhibit with over 50 artists represented., Bob Rankin juror.
2002: " Ancient Influences": A curated group theme exhibit including over 20 artists in all media. (Juror, Rory Parnell of Raleigh Gallery of Contemporary Arts) Dec-Jan
Juried Exhibits (Partial List)-
International: "Works on Paper" 2 paintings also featuring works by masters like
Picasso, Chagall, Rivers, DeKooning and more. Galerie L'Asietique Scottsdale, AZ , 2001
International: Animals In Art, Baton Rouge, Louisiana -2001
International: Watercolor Art Society-Houston 23rd International Exhibition,2000.
International : "Year 2000 Design & Spirit" Green Tara Gallery, Chapel Hill , NC 2000.
National: " Visual Statements" Danville Kentucky through May 2001
National: "Dimensions 2001" Assoc. Artists Winston Salem , Spring 2001.
National: "A Sense of Place" Assoc. Artists Winston Salem , Fall 99.
National : Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Fall/99.
NC: Visual Art Exchange juried figurative exhibit- 2006
NC: State Fair 2005
NC: "Focus", Visual Art Exchange, Raleigh Fall 2001
NC: 2 paintings (over 600 entries) Fine Arts League of Cary Annual Juried Exhibit 2001
NC: Durham Art Guild 46th Juried Show- Fall , 2000
NC: Watercolor Society of North Carolina - Fall , 2000
NC: Raleigh Fine Arts 22nd Annual Exhibition, 2000.
NC: "Traditional Painters" Durham Arts Council, NC 6/2001
NC: Watercolor Society of NC Spring '99.
Awards
First Place - Durham Art Guild 46th Juried Show- Fall , 2000.
Purchase Award -Watercolor Society of NC Fall 2000 Juried Show, Manteo, NC.
Daniel Smith Award Of Excellence-- Spring Juried '99 NC Watercolor Society.
First Place-- NC State Fair '98 Juried Show/Best NC Scene.
Best of Show & 3rd Place Oil-- Fine Arts League of Cary, NC Holiday Show, '98.
First Place & 2 Honorable mentions Spectator Annual Photography Contest, NC '96.
Honorable Mention -Visual Art Exchange Juried Travel show in Raleigh - 2007
Honorable Mention --Fine Arts League of Cary Annual Members Show 2003 AND 2005
Honorable Mention --Fine Arts League of Cary Annual Juried Exhibit 2001
Selected Articles/Interviews/Media- Click here for Interviews Page
Southern Living
Artists and Art Galleries of the South
Midtown magazine
Metro magazine
Wrightsville Beach Magazine
Cover of Wilma Magazine
Spectator Magazine
Raleigh News & Observer
Galleries & Ongoing Exhibits :
•Carteret Contemporary Art, Morehead City
• Nicole's Studio & Art Gallery
• John Silver Gallery in Manteo
• Caffe Luna, Downtown Raleigh (ongoing Italy)
• Capital Bank-Lobby on Fayetteville Street - Rotating works
Some Corporate & Private Collections:
• Capital Bank, Raleigh
• Duke Raleigh - Two large Commissions and over 60 giclee images of Nicole's work
• Art on Loan to Copenhagen for USA Ambassador to Denmark, (Art In Embassies Program) )
• Capital Investments, Raleigh, NC
•Womble & Carlyle
• State Of North Carolina Dept. Of Insurance, 4 paintings, Raleigh
• Nags Head Chamber Of Commerce, NC (Purchase award WSNC)
• Shanahan Law Group, Raleigh
• Whitley& Jenkins Law Firm, Raleigh-Kinston
• Davis Reconstructive Surgery, Raleigh
• Wake Med West, Cary
• Marriott,San Fransisco
• William Chaney (previous chairman of Tiffany's) NYC
• Governor Jim Hunt
• Raleigh Mayor Meeker
• Dr. Marvin Malecha- Dean of Design at NC State
Former Career
1982-1995 - Vice President/Associate Creative Director/ Art Director at several NYC ad agencies:
Grey Advertising, Campbell Mithun Esty, Saatchi & Saatchi, and others. Created, art directed (and in many cases wrote) & produced TV commercials and print ads for national consumer brands. Worked with many commercial TV direct in the US and abroad.
Art-Community Affiliations
Member : Visual Art Exchange Gallery, Fine Arts League of Cary, Water Color Society of NC, Duke Raleigh Guild/Art Committee
Workshops
•Professional workshops with acclaimed artists:
• Gregg Kruetz -Arts Students League NY 2000, Kruetz came to Raleigh to teach for a special workshop
• Rick McClure nationally acclaimed award wining plein air artist and member of numerou national Oil Painting and Plein Air organizations. McClure also teaches at Nicole's Studio.
• Perry Austin - Specializes in "En Plein Air"
• Dominic Vignola - Chicago artist
Education
1976 -79: Parson's School of Design/New School NYC • '80-'82 School Of Visual Arts NYC.
•Apprentice to Michael Gallagher ( MFA Yale - abstract illusionist/expressionist -museum collected Whitney/Guggenheim) in SoHo, NYC '77-80.