TABLEAUX VIVANT

A cast of artists join Brian Bolke at The Conservatory on Two to foster the generous spirit of the art world.

BY TERRI PROVENCAL

Brian 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

Matthew Gilley in his studio. Photograph by Swoon, the Studio. The Conservatory on Two founder Brian Bolke. Rebecca Patton for Beckley Photography.

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.

Whiteley, who will each donate a portion of sales to Art Ball. The artists were eager to pay homage to Hoffman and participate in the March 24 book signing and ongoing effort. “Further proof of the generous spirit of our art community.”

Larry Whiteley has collaborated with Bolke for many years on both stunning custom store installations and hand-forged sculpture. “Without a doubt, I have learned firsthand from Larry the extraordinary feats that it takes to make something that literally looks light and effortless. His work in metal is so fluid, so nature-inspired…it moves. We worked closely on our new entrance to The Conservatory on Two, and it is magical. I see a new detail every time I look at it.” Recently discovering the ceramic work of Matthew Gilley through the boutique’s architect, David Droese, and Sam Sano with the creative agency Swoon, he says, “When I finally got to his studio in The Cedars, I was hooked the minute I met him and saw his amazing studio. I love seeing where artists create.” Gilley’s clay vessels are a surefire hit and already selling quickly.

Enjoying a successful career as a Dallas-based artist, Nic Nicosia is someone Bolke knew he wanted to include. “The whimsy and the hidden ‘nuggets’ in everything he does… There is both beauty and a subversive context to his work, and I love the tension between the two. I was lucky enough to purchase one of his pieces from TWO x TWO in 2019, and I will treasure it forever.”

Along with Nicosia, work by Dauo, Sonnenberg, and Lapithisophon are in Hoffman’s collection. Daou investigates language and nonverbal modes of communication through her multidisciplinary practice, while Sonnenberg is fascinated with Silenus, the Greek god of winemaking and drunkenness, and with self-awareness. His captivating dripping ceramic sculptures echo the opulence of Baroque and Rococo periods. Lapithisophon is a conceptual artist and educator who addresses critical theory and disability studies through his teachings and practice. To inform his newest works, he combines text and letterforms with deep references to literature to create poetic improvisations through unconventional materials: pigmented animal fats, spices, dirt, and coffee grounds.

A portion of proceeds from the artworks and Amor Mundi: The Collection of Marguerite Steed Hoffman will benefit the DMA’s Art Ball 2022 through April 9, 2022. P

Annabel Daou, as you are as I am, 2021, ink and watercolor on microfiber paper, 52 x 30 in. Courtesy of the artist and Conduit Gallery. Nic Nicosia, 2 moons, 2.1227.2019, 2019, Paperclay, iron, wood, Styrofoam, yellow pencils, 43 x 16 x 3 in. Courtesy of the artist and Erin Cluley Gallery.

Larry Whiteley in his studio. Photograph by Luis Martinez.

The Conservatory on Two featuring a custom installation by Larry Whiteley. Rebecca Patton for Beckley Photography.