Well! Art to me is...

As a writer, I am drawn to emotional subjects. My writing pattern has free-flowing spirit that often needs to be tamed or toned down to appease certain readers. Being that I am not with everyone to explain my thought or how I was feeling when I phrased a line a certain way, it is crucial for me to listen to more than my own voice when I am writing an article (or the company’s blog) opposed to my emotions when creating a poem.

I envy artists that can paint, sculpt, draw- well anyone who can describe beauty on a canvas of their own choosing- because they are not defined by critiques or someone’s opinion. Their artistry is an expression of what they see inside of their soul or from the outside of their mind. Even if we are not present when inspiration imparts to an aesthetic artist, we recognize their creativity whether it is appreciated or not.

When we look at a painting and instantly connect with the artist’s subject, an admiration is formed for what was created. But too often, if that painting is not seen in a gallery or museum we tend to question the authenticity of the art’s aesthetic value. The opinion of the masses too often dictates the worth of an artist creation. This can push an artist to be more adventurous by not caring of what critics say about their talent, or the latter; discouraging them to move forward in the pursuit of their talent. It is easy to respect the artwork when there is understanding, but if a subject was only understood, would that demean the value of the creation?

Whether we admit it or not, critics are the driving force behind the creative mind. Opinions tend to characterize the art world. Yes, we have all heard that art is subjective, but it still poses the question of what is considered art. Does our opinion give us the right to dictate what we consider art? Or have we stopped listening to the
 innovative cries of a creator?

Meet Kenneth Aunchman!

Kenneth Aunchman, an artist full of zeal; has an intuitive imagination when it comes to his talent. He creates works that are three-dimensional aquatic life, which he named SEA3D. To create this illusion, he diffuses and mutes the color in the background, while using brighter, warmer colors in the foreground.



Aunchman’s interplay between the cooler and warmer colors makes the objects in the front extend off the canvas that is further enhanced with the use of special polarized 3D lenses. This births the outcome of a multi-leveled painting; which allows the viewer to feel the sensation of being a part of his creation.

We (Baterbys) are privileged in hosting an evening that will feature Kenneth Aunchman and his whimsical creations. At our Second Fridays event (Friday, May 11^th) he will share with the viewer’s his colorful oil painting of coastal and marine seascapes submersed with light.



Aunchman's out-going persona will exemplify interest and intrigue whilst you watch his live painting demonstration.  The feel of his artworks and choice of colors all coincide in a harmony that marries creative scenarios with the natural characters of the sea.



To view more of Kenneth Aunchman's artworks, visit our website today! And don't forget to RSVP for our Second Fridays event. See you there!!!

Oel ngati kameie (I See You)

Other men said they have seen angels, But I have seen thee and thou art enough. - by G. Moore

  There are many great artists whose main inspiration derives from love and romance. They use beauty found in their muses to dictate the feeling of passion found on the canvas. Gary Benfield's work is romantic art at is finest. His work is a rhythmic of the imagination, uniting precision and artistic skill to depict his 'lifelike fairy-tales'. He creates a unique juxtaposition of chaos and classical proportions, collision of color and line, realism and fantasy.

In Benfield’s work the viewer can grasp the intention behind the thorough, yet intimate brushstrokes. His rendition of movement has a balance of spontaneity and conscientiousness. His paintings represent a discrete world of objects which combine figures, mythology, nature and still life.


Despite the casual appearance of his compositions, all imagery is highly organized, and after long observations one finds the hidden symmetry and beauty beneath the layers of finery. The background of his paintings is soft and his palette is constructed on sepia tones, most of it defined only with pencil and a slight highlight of color.

Gary Benfield’s treatment of softer colors is similar to that of Da Vinci who was one of the first Florentines to adopt oil paint and observed that the “true” color of a non-shiny surface (such as a face, hands or clothing) is to be found in highlighting movements and areas of the body. He used the term “sfumato” to describe the way in which he delicately blended highlights into shadows to “soften” edges between colors without the brushstrokes showing, without lines or borders, in the manner of smoke.

 Though Gary was born in Birmingham, the most populous British metropolitan city outside London, today he paints in his Irish Countryside studio where he is inspired by the stunning nature of landscapes and animals that surrounds him. His works with animal subjects show his inclination to use nature as a framework to express himself - a trait that was markedly associated with Romanticism. Gary’s work is reminiscent of those classical works by Francisco Goya who was believed to be the most prominent Romantic artist. In Goya’s “The Milkmaid of Bordeaux” as with Benfield’s work depicting his muses in motion, the bodies of the female subject are painted in darker tones and they gradually fade into the background. His technique is of this caliber and collecting his work would entail a taste for Classical excellence.

“I love the beauty of the line and I use these skills to create and transform inert materials into images of beauty and romance,” – Gary Benfield

For more on Gary Benfield's works visit us at Baterbys.com

The Story in the Journey

The passion of an artist – the collection of stories and emotions that inspire their art - is more to them than just their talent. They share their stories with the audience in hopes that the subject on display would be understood. For many painters, this is not an easy feat. They pour their soul onto the canvas in hopes that someone would feel the sentiment that is part of their creation. There is almost always no guarantee that the audience will understand where they’re coming from.

Oftentimes, the viewer does not understand the pain that was felt nor do they hear the sounds of inspiration motivating the artist to continue painting their particular image. If an artist can translate these emotions into their artistry and effectively have the viewer feel them, the image is better appreciated. A relationship is then built between the viewer and the artist. This becomes the basis of genuinely collecting art.

There is a story that is a part of every artist’s journey. The road is full of discipline, defying the odds, overcoming obstacles, and deep self-assessment – all of such avenues lead to the same outcome: finding success with contentment.



Sergey Cherep is no stranger in understanding the importance of having these attributes in his own story. He never allowed life’s hiccups to detour him from achieving his goal as an artist.

Cherep, born in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) Russia, started studying art from an early age. As a toddler, he developed meningitis and became paralyzed inhibiting him from being able to walk, speak or hear in his right ear for several years. But even as a young child, Sergey found comfort in painting.


Sergey’s talent was refined by attending college at the prestigious Serevo Institute. There he was taught classic art forms, restoration methods and understanding European art history. Because the school was free, they were able to dictate what they wanted the students to create, not allowing them to be innovative in their artistry. “We did very traditional things; there was no freedom. There was no such thing as abstract art because it was considered very Western and evil.”

After trying his hand at selling art on the streets of Russia, Sergey caught hold of a new dream. He made the decision to come to America and find the artistic freedom he so desperately desired. Sergey worked hard and it paid off. Every morning he would wake up before the sun to start sketching. Once he is comfortable with his drawing, he would begin to paint. Sergey signature style allows his work to be recognized immediately.

As a self-confessed Post-Impressionist, he admits the resemblance of his technique with that of the great Van Gogh’s. “I love the simplicity of color and energy found in his work. The bold unrealistic colors and expressive brushstrokes of my predecessors are my tools as I try to bring a three-dimensional feeling out from the painting by using color perspective and thick texture. My paintings are like fairy tales- a dream place. I don’t see things as realistic. I allow for the fantastic to happen.”

Sergey Cherep will be painting live at Baterbys Second Fridays event on April 13^th. There, it will be easy to watch a great artist unfold his story as he allows us to be a part of his journey. As you understand his work and his life better, maybe you’ll walk away with more than just a work of art.

What is the 21st Century’s movement?

From the 18^th to the 20^th centuries, most artists were defined by an art movement. These artists would learn from one-another and stretch each other to produce works that are collected around the world until today. Yes, some strayed and utilized their creativity in different ways and became who we would consider innovators. But there are also those who stayed and became world-renowned because they ran in packs of inspiration.

Each art movement is an evolvement to the next. If an artist felt confined to a certain style, they would break away from the group and capitalize on their own individual flare. Paul Gauguin, a post- impressionist, used bold colors to describe emotions in his artwork. This would introduce a new style for young inspiring artists to master. It was his use of symbolic color that pushed art towards the style of Fauvism.



Henri Matisse and Adrian Derain became the forerunners of Fauvism. They formed a group that equally enjoyed using outrageously bold colors on their canvas. George Braque, who painted with the fauvists, helped develop the Cubist movement along with Pablo Picasso. These artists chose to break down the subjects they were painting into a number of facets, showing several different viewpoints of one object cohesively. And even Picasso flirted with the idea of Surrealism along greats like Salvador Dali and Andre Breton, giving his unique style of cubism a whimsical edge.

In the 20^th century alone there seemed to have been a least fourteen or fifteen recognized art movements that lasted well into the 70’s. Now it seems that artists have so much to choose from that their movement choices have either been recycled or evolved from its origin.Many artists today paint in such a way that multiple styles are often found in one image. But there is one art movement that is taking its stand in the 21^st century. Some may call it “Conceptual Art”, (which is not to be confused with the Conceptual art movement of the 70’s) while most of us know it as “Graphic Design”.

There are some who may feel as if computer savvy artists are not equal to painters, but the core development stems from the same place: the imagination. Just like all artists, Graphic Designers are inspired and motivated by emotions. The desire to create is birthed within them in the same way. Their imagination allows them to create new worlds and a new concept that is so detailed that is in hard to believe you are not looking into reality.

Every artist has their choice of tool in which they want to create. Some may use a paintbrush or a sculpting knife while others use a computer keyboard, but thankfully art lives on.

Sporadic Elements into One Story

This year we at Baterbys Art Gallery (Baterbys) have decided to try new endeavors in connecting with the art community. Not only do we offer competitive prices, we have streamlined our gallery, and have opened our doors more often to exhibits and events. This allows us to stay true to our valuable service, and keeps us steps ahead of the game as we present new incentives to our clients. That being said, world renowned artist Alfred Gockel, as well as grand prize winner Robin Pedrero and 1st runner up Alberto Quinteo will have their artworks featured at our Spring 2012 Auction.

Robin Pedreo and Alberto Quintero were a part of our 1st two Second Fridays exhibit this year. This event brought in numbers well above average for any local galley exhibit. We wanted to offer fresh choices to our cliental; therefore we handpicked six finalists to represent Baterbys, and allowed you the public, to decide on whom you would like to see hanging on our walls. The decision was made and now we carry two outstanding artists, who represent us well with their artistry and professionalism.

We continued to celebrate the success of Pedrero and Quintero by having them do a live painting at our 2nd Second Fridays affair. While they painted they were gracious in answering question, taking pictures and giving the public the history behind their personality. As the evening progressed we at Baterbys were inspired, gave everyone a prequel to our Spring 2012 Auction by auctioning off a couple of art pieces by these phenomenal artist.

At our Spring 2012 Auction it will be Alfred Gockel’s turn to do a live painting for our cliental, although; he is no stranger to the Baterbys’ family. We have been honored by Gockels presence multiple times with him adding in elite items to our inventory. On prior visits, he had hand-embellished artworks from his earlier collections allowing Baterbys the exclusivity on his mixed-media works. Now we are able to offer a range of originals to Gockel collectors for a fraction of the cost of his canvas works.


In the auction, Gockel will demonstrate why he is known as a world renowned phenomenon. Alfred has made a name for himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif painting live in front of an audience in art galleries or a high-end cruise ships. In his charming, yet firm tone, he would ask the people in the crowd to name the first thing that came to their minds. After hearing the crowd randomly spewing out answers, he would then paint them the story of all he had heard onto a large canvas that cohesively weaves all these sporadic elements in one unified .


Be prepared to be amazed with the way he describes colors with the fluidity of his paint brush. His inspiration will come from the audience, so this is definitely a ‘must see’ affair.

To see Alfred Gockels full collection, reserve your spot today for our Baterbys Spring 2012 Auction. If you can’t make to the event on March 24, you can still purchase Alfred Gockel’s work at our online store

The Master of Impressionism

Impressionism emerged during the early 1900’s when a rogue group of artists decided to defy the traditions of the French art schools and salons, in particular, the Académie des Beaux-Arts (the Academy that dominated French art during the middle of the 19th century, known to be the relentless preserver of traditional French painting). Instead of painting the same content in the same styles, this group of off-the-grid artists depicted modern life in its transient, sensory and vibrant realities.

The Académie valued historical subjects, religious themes and portraits; preferred painting styles that suppressed traces of brushstrokes so as to conceal the artists’ emotions, personality and working techniques; and most notably, they encouraged artists to capture their subjects are realistically as possible, using somber and subdued colors.

Impressionists, on the other hand, deliberately went against this grain: they opted for images of the present time like landscapes and nature, city life and “everyday” people; they expressed their identities through their loose and varied brushstrokes, often opting for more a “textured” surface; and they used vivid, bold and imperfectly blended colors to capture the sensation and perception one derives from a scene, veering away from “realistically” depicting the subject matter. Their work received mixed reviews from the public, yet the most popular art critics were not too charmed by this group’s attempt to launch a completely different genre.

Today, any art historian, collector or just about any artist will not deny the impact Impressionist had on art as a whole. Through the Impressionists, there was a general shift in the attitude and philosophy toward art, having had become the impetus of many art movements afterwards that essentially endowed Modernism with its most fundamental values.



Baterbys Art Gallery in Orlando, Florida (Baterbys) proudly partakes with the world in highly esteeming Impressionists by including in their collection the works of Elena Bond. Walking into Baterbys, you’ll find yourself welcomed by the impressive works of Elena. They are bold, charged with life and all bearing the same semblance of Monet’s, Degas’ or Renoir’s work – they are all exemplary impressions of the real, contemporary subjects they represent.

On March 9, Friday at 6pm, Elena’s work will be viewed by a more enlightened public such as yourself. Baterbys will open its doors to the public that wants to “meet and greet” the world-renowned Elena Bond. If you decide to purchase a work of hers on this night, she may even write your name on the back of the canvas in her dedication to you, cementing your name in the lineage of Impressionism for the years to come. More so, it’s your opportunity to get to meet an upcoming impressionistic master up close and personal.

Being a Community

I want you all to be involved in the world that we are in. We, at Baterbys, wear many hats. Auctions, consignments, appraisals, gallery rentals; the list is as long as my arm. The one thing I don’t believe our cliental knows much about us is that we believe in charities. We believe in the motto ‘it takes a village’, we believe in paying it forward and we believe in supporting our community. I hope this is not coming off pompous or has a ‘look at me’ type of feel. I just didn’t want to focus on the art we carry this week. I want to focus on the most precious creations of all, our children.

Most of our auction buyers and collectors know, at each auction we have in our gallery we donate a percentage of sales to a chosen local charity. At our Baterbys Spring 2012 Auction we will be partnering with UCP of Central Florida (UCP). UCP specializes in servicing children with special needs. They believe in, “Helping Every Child Build a Foundation for Success.”

With over 55 years of experience UCP has supported, educated and counseled children and their families. Their goal is to have all children be successful no matter if they are disabled or not. That is why they include children without a disability to be a part of their program. This education model is called inclusion. “Our children, families and team members have witnessed first-hand the benefits of children of all abilities being in the same classroom; where learning and growth is the goal; where children with and without disabilities have the opportunity to be successful; where inclusion is the norm not the exception; and where parents play a huge part in our multi-disciplinary approach to whole-child growth and development.”

Success always starts with an idea that evolves into a dream and then becomes reality. UCP started with a few parents that wanted to meet the need of one child with cerebral palsy. But, as time transpired the need grew into a necessity of serving many children with various disabilities. This non-profit organization serves families based on their need and not their income. Thanks to the love and support of many benefactors, like Baterbys, UCP has been able to create new facilities, retain medical care and freely open its doors to many children and their families by being a tuition free facility.

As the children grow, UCP takes every step with their students. They walk with them from birth to 21, helping the now adults to find a place where they can succeed financially and emotionally. The opportunity they instill in each individual gives them a chance to capitalize on their full potential; allowing them to succeed beyond the limitations of the mind.

Join us at our Baterbys Spring 2012 Auction, and help us support UCP, not only will you leave with a certified artwork, but this will give you the chance to support a community who is shaping our future.

Meet Elena Bond: First Impressions, Last

If you happen to view an Impressionistic artwork, step back a little, squint your eyes and try to look at it from different angles to scrutinize the varying effects of the light as it casts a gradation of shades and tones on the piece. If people back then went through these steps, they would have understood the intention of Monet and his friends during their first collective exhibit in Paris. When Impressionism was first introduced to the public in 1874, it had gone under a harsher light of scrutiny.

The rule of thumb about first impressions stayed true to its essence: it lasted. Centuries later, this movement that casted shadows of doubt on the art scene emerged as a major precursor of latter definitive art movements. Today, Impressionism is not only widely praised, but more so, it has evolved and mutated into other branches. Nonetheless, there are some artists whose work still reflects the classical elements of playing freely with light and color as with perception and vision.

We are excited to introduce to our clients and future collectors an amazing artist whose skills reflect the great Impressionist masters of the past. As a master of Heavy Impasto (pallet knife painting), Russian-born Elena Bond began creating from a very early age where she would draw and use her mother’s makeup for color. At the tender age of eleven, she attended an art school whose main curriculum was visiting museums where the students not only learned the basics of art, but also the theories behind it.



This experience helped her understand her calling to be an artist. When Elena was fifteen, she attended the State College of Art in Uzbekistan where she completed her major of Scenic Design with honors. Her work after which ranged from teacher, restorer and theatre set designer.

Elena factors in the intricacies of color, depth, subject matter within the wider context of perception and truth. A viewer sees an Impression of a café in Paris or a beach scene in the Mediterranean under the strictest adherence to her persona vision. The true beauty of her artistry lies beneath her process of creating. Under the right light and from the correct distance, the image changes right before your eyes. It transforms into a personal, almost reminiscent account of a similar place, time and context.



Elena Bond’s work demonstrates the techniques many of the independent artists in the 1800’s adopted: short, broken brushstrokes that barely convey forms; pure unblended colors; and an emphasis on the effects of light on the subject matter. The impressions her work may leave on you may last longer that her own memories – a quality only the Masters could have achieved.

After years of working in Eastern Europe, Elena and her family won the Green Card Lottery to the United States. Here in the US she is able to continue painting both recreationally and professionally. Elena currently works as a set designer for the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, as well as a gallery favorite all over Central and South Florida. We at Baterbys Art Gallery are truly fortunate to host an evening with this iconic Artist. This event will not only showcase a star, it will also show that we at Baterbys are passionate about our artists.



Start your collection of Elena Bonds Works and see her live at out Second Fridays Event on March 9, 6pm.

Tomasz Rut: Timeless Classics

Marc Chagall, Gary Benfield, and Alexander Wissoztky: these artists inspire passion in romance and relationships. The way they depict love can melt any heart of stone and turn any skeptic into a believer. Each one of these renowned artists found inspiration in the heart of their passion. Their creations primarily center around their very own relationships. Like these greats, Tomasz Rut is one artist who embodies everything that is romantic and sweet; arguably indelicate and passionate. This artist alone is the symbolism of romance, mysticism and beauty.

Tomasz Rut’s (pronounced “root”) style seems to be an amalgamation of illustrations from the most romantic eras in history - the Baroque and Renaissance periods. True to the natural order of life, inspiration had a natural “Rut” (pun intended) for Tomasz.

Born to an artistic mother, Tomasz was already surrounded by such stylistic influences at an early age. His mother introduced him to the Pompeiien Frescos and the magnificence of Renaissance and Baroque art at an early age. His Father, who was an Olympic artist (he won the bronze medal in the 1960 games as a hammer thrower), influenced his work ethic and motivation. After retiring from being a professional athlete, he furthered his own education as a civil engineer. The art education and motivation for personal growth instilled in Tomasz from his early years formed him into the hardworking, creative force we are witnessing today.

Rut’s first trip to the United States was a pinnacle in the formation of his artistic style. He was invited for an apprenticeship at the Museum of the Hispanic Society of America in New York. This is where Tomasz became fascinated with the basic intricacies of works by masters such as El Greco, Velazquez and Goya.

He later attended the Pratt Institute of New York. Wanting more than the basic art knowledge the curriculum covered, he eventually felt stifled by this school’s program. He returned to his birth land of Warsaw where he felt he would be able to get more in-depth technical training. After graduation, Tomasz returned to the US and utilized his training in the art conservation field. His was acclaimed for his work in restoring and renewing prestigious landmarks like the Biltmore House in Ashville, NC; Smithsonian Institution and Treasury Department in Washington, DC; and the Vizcaya Museum, a 1916 Italian renaissance-style villa in Miami.

Tomasz relocated to Florida where he said he had finally discovered his style. All the restoration training and formal education he went through is reflected in the most intricate parts of his creations, therefore giving Rut’s artworks the true spirit of the past master painters.

The beauty of his artistry gravitates towards a realism not seen by many artists today. You can actually see the feelings portrayed in his artworks. He believes we are all spiritual beings who are capable of creating beauty around us. Therefore, there is a natural understanding to his works, art that is full of love, passion and tranquility.

Tomasz Rut's name will forever transcend throughout the trends of the art world, simply because his art is undoubtedly a timeless classics.

Start your Tomasz Rut collection, today and save an extra 15% off of your purchase.

The Sting of...

As a new year approaches everyone has a sense of starting over. We start the tally at one counting every new achievement as if it’s never been accomplished before. We also count our hardships and disappointments and by the end of the season we assess if we considered the year to be a good one or as one never to be repeated.

It seems if you follow art closely: This year so far we had to ‘pour one’ for more than one homie. We had to say good bye to some great influencers and innovators of our time. There are different reasons why they have passed from this world. Some had gotten sick, some took their lives into their own hands (which I would never recommend) and some passed from natural causes. Regardless, they changed the game with their artistry and turned things that can seem cliché into an original. They enabled us to think beyond ourselves and recognize what we never understood. We cherish their memories, because their creations help us to progress into the next phase of our artistry. Therefore, I would like to pay special homage to a few originators who granted us back-stage access towards artistic evolution.

Jan 20: Singing Legend; Etta James, (73)

Jan 21: Multifaceted Designer and Oscar Winner; Eiko Ishioka (73)

Jan 28: Dealer and Collector; Steven Leiber, (54)

Jan 31: Surrealist Painter and Poet; Dorothea Tanning (101),

Feb 1: Inventor of Soul Train; Don Cornelius, (75), Longest first-run syndicated show in history

Feb 1: Painter, Musician , Innovator; Mike Kelley (57)

Feb 3: Actor; Ben Gazzara, (81)

Feb 6: Cantalan Painter and Sculptor; Antoni Tapies (88)

Death affects us all. We are left with a longing of happier days, and reminded that we will never see their smiling faces without the aid of a photograph. Yes, death is final, dark and depressing, and if you hadn’t guessed, I too am affected by it. But, death can never take from the dying the legacy of what they left behind- as long as we hold on to their memory. They may be gone, but they will never forgotten.

Muhammad Ali – “I am the Greatest!”

Born as Clay
Born January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. had to fight inside and out the ring. Through-out his lifetime, he was considered the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T). Not only is he recognized for his boxing titles, but also for his humanitarian attributes to those in need.

Clay’s desire to fight came at an early age. At the age of 12, his new bicycle was stolen. Crying, he told a clerk he was brought to he wanted to report a crime. He was then led to a local gym where an officer trained young children to keep them off the streets. Clay allegedly told the officer on duty he wanted to ‘whip’ the thief. The Officer asked him if he knew how to fight, when Clay answered ‘no’ the Officer simply stated “Well, you better come back here and learn how to fight.” The officer was none other than Joe Martin. Martin’s mission was to combine segregated blacks and white gyms. He believed a boxer has to fight everyone to prove he is a champion.

Martin had to balance Clay’s personality with discipline. Clay was known for his smart aleck ways, but Martin was able to keep him and his students under control when they were in the public eye. Martin also helped produced a televisions show Tomorrows Champions – that was broadcast every Saturday for 12 years. This is where Clay got his first television exposure.

Martin taught Clay the basic fundamental of boxing: stance, balance, footwork, etc. but, Fred Stoner (another trainer of the legend) taught the young boxer the science of boxing. Stoner helped mold Clay’s ability to be quick and graceful in the ring. Clay’s ostentatious style of boasting, rhyming and confidence gave him the media attention to help support his career as a boxing contender. He was so outrageous with his poems and predictions of the fights, that he was nick-named the “Louisville Lip.”

Molded into Ali
At a time when the struggle for civil rights was at a peak the Muslims had emerged as a controversial advocate for the African American community. Human rights activist, Malcolm X. inspired Clay to embrace the Black Muslim faith and change his name to Cassius X. Later he was given the name Muhammad Ali; meaning “beloved of Allah,” by the Muslim’s father, Elijah Muhammad.

During the Vietnam War, Ali was drafted into military service, but he refused to go. Serving in a war and bearing arms went against his religion and moral principles. "War is against the teachings of the Holy Qur'an. I'm not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger. We don't take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers." Ali also claimed he was exempt for the fact that he was a minister among the Black Muslims. This left a bad taste in the mouths of the press, who loved his colorful character. They felt as if Ali was unpatriotic and pompous. But Ali refused to bend to the will of pressure; he denied his Christian name and would only respond to Muhammad Ali.

The stance came at a high price for Ali; he was stripped from his heavyweight title and banned from fighting for three years. He was also convicted for refusing to serve in the army and sentenced to five years in prison. In exile, Ali fought the conviction by staying in public spotlight and supported himself with speeches by talking against the war. Over three years went by before Ali’s name was cleared by the Supreme Court.

As time has passed, Ali has fought and regained his championship title. And not just in the boxing! Ali has traveled in various countries helping those in need. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition, it didn’t deter him from being an advocate of hunger and poverty relief. He is known for sponsoring the Special Olympics and the Make a Wish Foundation supporting education, adoptions and encourage people to respect and understand one-another. He also can be found on the campaign trail endorsing political heads. He has campaigned for Jimmy Carter, Barak Obama, and his old mentor and coach Joe Martin, when he was running for Sherriff of Louisville, Kentucky.

There have been movie recognitions, books and Medals of Honor given to Ali for all the great that he has contributed throughout his lifetime. He may have retired out of the boxing ring, but Ali is still in the fight! Not many people will argue with someone who is to be believed to be the greatest. Especially, Muhammad Ali!
Visit us at Baterbys.com to start your collection of Ali sports memorabilia!!!

Congratulations All Around!

Congratulations goes out to our 6 finalist at our very first, Florida’s Best Artist Competition!

The day still seem hazy with excitement in the air. Although the competition has ended, we are still busy preparing for our upcoming Second Fridays on February 10. The two winners; first runner up, Alberto Quintero and grand prize winner, Robin Pedrero

will be featured in our Gallery as they impress us with their artistry. They will be honoring us with a live painting showcasing the process behind their skills. The artworks (then in turn) will be auctioned off in our Spring and Summer Auction of 2012.

Special Thanks goes out to the Baterbys family for their support for our first Florida’s Best Competition, everyone put their best foot forward and it showed. Also, thank you Cuba Libre who did an amazing job keeping the art lovers well feed and satisfied.

Be on the look-out for our upcoming Second Fridays events each Month of the year. Your favorite artist may be closer than you think!

William Hardesty: An Innovative Risk-taker

‘Trying to come up with something new in today’s society is difficult. We are desensitized by what we see and often feel. Artists of the past were innovators and risk takers, who pushed past the pessimists and made a name for themselves with their talent.’

William Hardesty is no stranger to hard work. As a man with many talents he still finds time for his passion with painting. His objective is not to be stale or stagnant by the world standards, but to be the innovator who embraces the beauty the of the life that he is encamped in.

Born Native Floridian, William finds brilliance in expressions. Emotions strike a chord in his creativity. He is often found surfing the internet or flipping through a popular magazine to find the muse to his next great masterpiece. But it is not just the well-known that calls out to William. In his everyday life he is surrounded by colorful individuals that help promote his artistic endeavors. He is motivated to capture the feeling of what is shown, so others can share in the moment. When commissioned to do a mural, William takes the time to listen to what his client is asking for. He believes that there is perfection in the details. So, he tries to see with the eyes of the person he is commissioning the artwork for in order to reach true satisfaction.

With a temperament that screams confidence, William believes himself to be ambitious, fearless and caring. Along with all these attributes, he is one of the most optimistic personalities you are ever privileged to be around. Although he creates for himself, William embraces critiques to help promote success in his craft which speaks volumes of his character. Someone’s opinion of his artwork will not challenge his belief in his accomplishments because he believes that true success is birthed within your own security. “If you are happy with your life, not just content, but truly happy -you’re successful.”

Read more on William: http://www.baterbys.com/blog/?p=451