TABLEAUX VIVANT
BY TERRI PROVENCAL
A cast of artists join Brian Bolke at The Conservatory on Two to foster the generous spirit of the art world.
B
rian Bolke is known for his nothing-less-than-extraordinary approach to retail. The Conservatory on Two is no exception. Newly revamped and relocated to the opposite side on the second floor in Highland Park Village, beneath Park House, his newest space highlights his commitment to considered fashion brands for men and women combined with his love for artisans and art, making the boutique not only consciously curated, but also interesting and contemplative. In addition to opening the boutique amid the sweeping omicron variant, as TABLEAUX: 60 Years of Art Ball (1962–2022) chair, Bolke was entangled in preparations for the ’60s-themed April 9 fête. “Having been immersed in chairing Art Ball benefitting the Dallas Museum of Art (after two cancelled years) and spending a lot of time at the museum, I have learned firsthand the generosity of the art world of Dallas,” says Bolke. Marguerite Steed Hoffman released her two-volume tome, Amor Mundi: The Collection of Marguerite Steed Hoffman at The Conservatory to coincide. “When I learned of Marguerite Hoffman’s extraordinary book of her collection, much of which is earmarked to the DMA, it cemented the idea of doing something to celebrate our art community, and the generous spirit of its patrons,” he says. Hoffman donated proceeds from her book to Art Ball. He also refers to the generosity of guest artists (Nic Nicosia, represented by Erin Cluley Gallery, and Annabel Daou, Anthony Sonnenberg, and Stephen Lapthisophon, all from Conduit Gallery), and a pair of his ongoing artisans, Matthew Gilley and Larry
The Conservatory on Two founder Brian Bolke. Rebecca Patton for Beckley Photography.
Matthew Gilley in his studio. Photograph by Swoon, the Studio.
Above: Stephen Lapthisophon, Crazy Weather (for JA), 2018, latex, collage, spray paint, coffee, India ink, pencil, and charcoal on canvas, 40 x 30 in. Left: Anthony Sonnenberg, Candle Column (Modeled Blue/Green), 2020, porcelain over stoneware, found ceramic tchotchkes, and glaze, 22 x 8.25 x 8.25 in. Courtesy of the artist and Conduit Gallery.
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