Columnist Muriel Stevens: Getting to the heart of Qualita art

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1999 | 9:07 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping column appears Wednesdays. Her dining column appears Fridays. Reach her at muriel@vegas.com or 259-4080.

Visiting art galleries is a favorite pastime of mine. Getting to see the works of both established and new artists is, to me, an exciting form of art appreciation. A prime example of the kind of gallery I enjoy most recently opened at the Grand Canal Shoppes in the Venetian.

Qualita Fine Art features exhibits with specific themes that enable this contemporary gallery to showcase a wide range of artists. The mix includes paintings, sculptures, museum-quality glass pieces from mostly American artisans, photography, and that lovely catchall French phrase, "objets d'art."

Qualita opened its doors on Aug. 27 with an exhibition entitled "Summer Pleasures." It was wonderful. I viewed the show again when I attended a special reception the night before the annual Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation's Grand Slam for Children fund-raiser at the MGM. Agassi made an appearance at the gallery to celebrate the unveiling of this year's commemorative artwork.

The painting that was auctioned off at the dinner, "Cheek to Cheek," is the work of artist Romero Britto. It is a prime example of the artist's bold, colorful style. Central to this appealing work is a heart, the traditional symbol of all Grand Slam for Children artwork.

The heart signifies the outpouring of love for at-risk children. All of the money raised by the Agassi Foundation benefits at-risk youngsters.

Said Britto at the Qualita unveiling, "For me it's wonderful to be involved with an organization where there is a sense of inspiration and compassion for children. I must congratulate Andre Agassi and everyone who supports the Grand Slam for Children."

Qualita showcases fine art by contemporary artists throughout the year. "Summer Pleasures" will be on display through Oct. 27. The work of more than 20 artists makes up the show.

A new show, "The Magic of Venice," opens Oct. 28 (the official grand opening of the gallery) and will feature glass by Venetian artists, as well as pieces by artists from such glass centers as Seattle, New York, and Sydney, Australia.

This opening will be grand, indeed, with a masked ball that will take place on the plaza adjacent to the gallery, the same area where they had the Agassi/ Britto reception.

Curator of Qualita Fine Art is Nancy Hoffman, who is the owner and director of the Nancy Hoffman Gallery in New York City's historic Soho district. Hoffman's outstanding reputation is based on her discerning eye and fine taste. A look at her current show is a confirmation of her expertise.

Another form of art is the gallery itself. Architect Adam Tihany is world renowned for his restaurant and hotel designs; this is his first gallery design.

It is a jewel with an elegant floating staircase, 14-foot-high arched windows that offer an inviting view into the gallery from the square, polished cement floors and pristine white walls that are ideal for presenting the art. Curator Hoffman worked with Tihany to achieve the impressive results.

Qualita Fine Art welcomes all art enthusiasts and invites them to wander freely on both floors of the gallery and to ask questions. The staff is most obliging. The gallery is open Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight.