Art of the World Gallery Grand Opening Reception

The much anticipated Art of the World Gallery opened its doors in Houston on Thursday, October 27, 2016. 

Owners Liliana Molina and Mauricio Vallejo welcomed over 300 art enthusiasts for a private grand opening reception at 2201 Westheimer Road, Houston 77098..

The evening celebrated the inaugural exhibition featuring worldwide renowned Latin American artist Fernando Botero, which will be on display now through Saturday, February 11, 2017.

Valet was provided by Sovereign Services and as guests arrived, they were immediately captivated by the monumental sculpture Reclining Woman with Fruit which was part of a recent installation and sits outside the gallery’s window display. The bronze voluptuous sculpture, which was made in Italy and weighs two tons, was created by the Colombian Maestro Fernando Botero. It is also the artist’s last monumental sculpture.

Inside the gallery, the crowd of art collectors enjoyed complimentary champagne and wine while they viewed close to 40 of Botero’s paintings, sculptures and drawings. All the works of art are for sale. The exhibition can be considered a retrospective of Botero’s work. It is comprised of paintings from the 50s, 60s, 90s and recent works; drawings from 80s, 90s and latest pieces; also, small, medium and monumental bronze sculptures, and one petite marble sculpture from 1982.

Chef Vidal of La Fisheria articulated a delicious menu of lite bites which included Mahi Mahi ceviche, tuna tostada, vegan mushroom cocktail, almond “picadillo” sope, lobster flauta and shredded beef empanaditas. For a sweet treat, guests also enjoyed chocolate cake and arroz con leche & Mezcal.

On the second floor of the venue, guests were able to view a preview of the upcoming exhibition, Julio Larraz along with Art of the World’s collection of art, which is comprised of masters and mid-career painters and sculptors from Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. In addition to the gallery, owners Molina and Vallejo plan to install monumental artworks around prominent public spaces in Houston. Art of the World Gallery is open to the public Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Art collectors and VIPs in attendance included: Carolyn Farb, William T. Cannady, Steve and Jennifer Dolman, Stephen and Johanna Donson, Ken Christie, Armando y Cinda Palacios, Tony Maarraoui, James Bell, Colombian General Consul Miguel Rafael Lopez, Mexican General Consul Oscar Rodriguez Cabrera, Peruvian General Consul Alberto E. Massa, Mexican Deputy Secretary of Energy for Hydrocarbons Mr. Aldo Flores-Quiroga, President of Ecopetrol Americas Gabriel Osorio, President of Argos USA Eric Flesh, and some important Botero collectors from Asia, Europe, US and Latin America.

For more information, call: 713.526.1201 or email: info@artoftheworldgallery.com.

Photo Credit: Paul Davis, dabfoto creative