monalisa 2009

"A few months ago... the folks behind Houston's LUXE HOTEL SORELLA, which will debut as a key anchor of the new CITYCENTRE mixed-use development in August 2009, emparked on their own journey to re-imagine the Mona Lisa for it's chic, destination lounge, the monnalisa.  A call for entries yielded an array of unique and impressive takes ... from professional artists and students at the Glassell School of Art, Art Institute of Houston and the University of Houston.

A noteworth contingent from the Houston arts scene, including Mandy Graessle, Fresh Arts Coalition
executive director; Wade Wilson of Wade Wilson Art gallery; PaperCity arts editor, Catherine Anspon; The Museum of Fine Art's Claudia Solis; and PR guru and Lawndale Art Center board member, Paula Murphy, selected winning entries, whose talented creators will receive cash, prizes and cocktails ...

Will these monnalisas end up on the walls of one of our town's top galleries ?  It's too soon to know... but in our book ~ literally ~ they deserve a toast."

002 Houston magazine, July 2009

LA Hollins placed 2nd recieving cash prices and free hotel stays at Hotel Sorella, Houston and Valencia on the River Walk, San Antonio - Monalisa Grand Opening reception party