Southport, CT - On Monday, October 23 at 5:30pm, Pequot Library, at 720 Pequot Ave., Southport, will host a Panel Discussion on "How to Start an Art Collection." The discussion is part of the Library's Juried Show events.
The public is invited to join experts Cristina Salmastrelli, US Regional Managing Director, Ramsay Art Fairs (Affordable Art Fairs, Volta); Ruth Mannes, Executive Director, MoCA Westport; and Lisa Cooper, Owner, Elisa Contemporary Art, for a deep dive into contemporary collecting practices.
These panelists will share information on their professional backgrounds and personal collections and enlighten the audience with insights into an often intimidating subject.
Every panel discussion attendee will receive a free entry to MoCA, as well as free entry to the Affordable Art Fair in Manhattan next Spring!
More About the Panelists:
Cristina Salmastrelli
Cristina is currently the US Regional Managing Director of the international art fair company, Ramsay Fairs. She joined in 2011, becoming director of Affordable Art Fair NYC in 2012 and earning her current title in 2016. Cristina has directed or produced over 60 art fairs since 2006 including ifpda Print Fair, ADAA The Art Show, and acted as Interim Director of PULSE Art Fair in 2019. Before she began her career, she completed her undergraduate degree in Art History and History from Colgate University and a Masters in Museum Studies from NYU. Cristina currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband and two young boys.
Ruth Mannes
Ruth is the Executive Director of Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA/Westport). She has an extensive background in publishing, leadership, community outreach, and fundraising for local causes. Mannes joined MoCA Westport after a 20-year publishing career in Manhattan, including serving as Executive Managing Editor of HarperCollins. In addition, she has been collecting art for over two decades and has been recognized by ARTnews as one of the top 30 young contemporary art collectors in America. She currently lives in Weston.
Lisa Cooper
Lisa is owner of Elisa Contemporary Art. She spent 15 years in Advertising and Marketing and six years at Mercedes-Benz before starting her gallery 15 years ago. She has a gallery in Riverdale, NY, an Art Salon in Fairfield, CT, participates in Art Fairs and sells internationally on 1stdibs. She currently lives with her husband in Fairfield.
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