Notes from the Gallery

June 2022

Gallery sells Warhol and Picasso | New Gallery Artists | Reopening Celebration Recap | Upcoming Corporate Collection | Gallery Artist Updates | Framing Project Highlight | Art World News

"Gina" by Andy Warhol

"La Plongeuse" by Pablo Picasso

Michael Murphy Gallery sells Never-Before-Seen Original Warhol Drawing and Unique Picasso

We are excited to announce that we just sold an original, never-before seen drawing by pop art legend Andy Warhol. "Gina" is one of nine unique drawings of females created by Andy Warhol in the 50's, with similar works valued at $20,000 - $250,000.

"Gina" was sold prior to its planned showing alongside its sisters in the upcoming Masterpiece London, one of the most prestigious art fairs in the world. All artwork in the fair must go through an extreme vetting process to determine its authenticity. "Gina"'s vetting process took nearly two years. It has a detailed provenance and has been authenticated by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. 

We also were able to provide a client with a drypoint etching by Pablo Picasso titled "La Plongeuse (The Diver)." Created in 1932, it came from an edition of 100 favored by collectors; unlike the vast vast majority of Picasso's prints, each of the works in the edition is unique (same composition, different colorway). 

We are proud to be able to acquire and offer high-level works of art for our clients upon request. Contact Michael Murphy at 813-902-1414 or mm@mmgart.com for more information on our services.

Reopening Celebration Recap



Thank you to everyone who joined us at the gallery on Friday, May 27th to celebrate our reopening after the gallery renovations! Our gallery team outdid themselves with a beautifully arranged exhibit. Attendees were served champagne upon arrival to sip and enjoy as they experienced our new artists, new art, and great new look.

The reopening exhibit is still on display, so stop by the gallery anytime during our business hours to get the same experience (though we might not have champagne immediately on hand). We're open Tuesday - Friday from 11 am - 6pm and Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm. Entry is always free!

Coming Up: Corporate Collection Reveal

A corporate collection two years in the making. We cannot wait to announce this special collaboration between Michael Murphy Gallery and an exciting corporate client. Stay tuned for our big reveal!

Michael Murphy Gallery knows that a key piece of art can transform a space. We have functioned as art curators and design consultants in the most beautiful corporate spaces of Tampa Bay.

Terri Dilling

Terri Dilling is excited to announce that one of her pieces was selected for the Metro Montage exhibition at Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Metro Montage is the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art’s annual juried exhibition featuring all types of genre, medium, style, subject matter, concept, and technique in art from across the country. Metro Montage XXII features works of fine art by contemporary artists that showcase the diversity and skill within our nation’s culture. 

Eleanor Blair

Florida landscape artist Eleanor Blair enjoyed participating in the Santa Fe Springs Plein Air Paint Out this spring! Twenty-one artists set up their easels and painted outside for three days, visiting Rum Island Springs County Park, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and O'Leno State Park. Following the plein air sessions, there was a reception at a gallery in downtown High Springs. The event was open to the public so people could enjoy watching Eleanor and the other artists paint at three beautiful locations!

Salvador Dali

Salvador Dalí Enters The Metaverse With an Immersive Art Exhibition:

"On September 20, a digital art exhibition of the Spanish plastic artist Salvador Dalí will open in Barcelona, Spain. The expo, called “DALÍ CIBERNÈTIC” or “Cyber Dali for the English speaking audience,” will use the metaverse to display more than 200 of the artist’s works.

According to the Spanish media outlet El Periodico, visitors will be able to enjoy an immersive experience using virtual reality glasses, entering a metaverse where they will be able to create their own avatars to walk freely inside the paintings."

John Douglas

John Douglas is excited to finally reveal a project from this past winter: he painted Nicko McBrain's gong for Iron Maiden's current Legacy of the Beast World Tour 2022!

John says about this project: "Its an honor to paint for such a legendary band and drummer. And to recreate such an icon as Eddie on a beautiful 50” Paiste Symphonic gong was a thrill!!!"

From the Framing Desk:

Project Highlight

This month we're highlighting a beautiful framing project that recently left our framing desk! When we saw our client's designer Hermés scarf, we knew it was a work of art - that should be preserved as such! Master framer Michael Murphy chose an elegant handmade white matte lacquer frame with a bevel - one of his favorites. The luxurious 12k white gold outer lip beautifully accents the entire piece. The final result: magnifique! Beautiful on the outside and completely archival on the inside. No damage to the textile, no permanent mounting, no acidic materials and U.V. inhibiting glazing  that will protect this artwork for our client for many years.