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IN GOOD COMPANY

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TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 06 A study in what makes hospitality feel meaningful by connecting with those around you.

04 Allison reflects on the value of gathering with the people who inspire us.

08 Inside the art program at Cameo Beverly Hills with perspective from its lead designer.

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18 KBAA Art Advisors consider what a new creative renaissance could look like in 2027.

20 Detailing the inspiration and craftsmanship behind the art program at Sofitel New York.

26 An appreciation of ceramics and a soundtrack made for gathering.

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A N OT E F RO M A L L I S O N

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The importance of gathering together. I’ve always believed that hospitality begins with making people feel welcome. Whether we’re gathering with friends, sharing a meal with family, or inviting someone new into our lives, there is something special about making room for one another. Growing up, family dinners were an important tradition. A round table was always preferred because everyone had a voice and a place in the conversation. Those gatherings taught me early that sharing a meal is about much more than food. It’s about connection, laughter, and the feeling of being in good company. That same spirit has always been part of KBAA. Founded by my dad, KBAA is a family company that I’m proud to lead today. The sense of care I grew up with still shapes how we work—with our team, our clients, our artists, and our partners. We want to deliver exceptional service while remembering that every relationship begins with people: their ideas, their aspirations, and what makes them feel understood and welcome.

(Left) Ronald Rupert Santos’ “Outdoor Opulence” uses abstract forms to capture a sense of movement and connection at Cameo Beverly Hills.

(Above) Enjoying learning Mahjong for the first time with the team.

Some of my earliest memories of KBAA go back to when I was seven or eight, and my dad worked Saturdays at his gallery, The Incurable Collector, in West Hollywood. He would bring my brother John and me along, and we’d spend the day playing on the intercoms and getting into trouble in the framing factory. Sometimes I’d even stand outside on Robertson Boulevard and ask people to come inside and buy art from my dad. I wanted them to meet my family, experience the gallery, and discover something new. That instinct to invite people in has never really left me. It’s part of why our annual team gatherings mean so much to me. At a recent one, we learned to play a little Mahjong, getting acquainted with the beautiful tiles and the language of “cracks” and “bams.” Learning something new together gave us a chance to laugh, connect, and simply enjoy one another’s company. This issue celebrates that spirit of togetherness. In the spaces we create and the moments we share, small gestures of hospitality can make a lasting difference. I hope these pages offer a little inspiration for welcoming others in—and making everyday moments feel more special. Warmly, Allison Barry 5

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ABOUT THIS ISSUE

OBJECTS FOR CONVERSATION

Great hospitality is often revealed in the relationship between the things you own. A stack of intentional books, a custom ceramic vessel, a strange knickknack, it can be anything! Beautifully curated objects spark curiosity and give people something to ask about.

IN GOOD ii.

ROOMS DESIGNED FOR DIALOGUE

A beautiful room is only as good as the way it allows guests to experience it. Being considerate of feng shui principles, seating arrangements, and the simple pleasures of an exceptionally comfortable chair can influence how long we linger.

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ABOUT THIS ISSUE

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COMPANY iv.

IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS. REALLY.

Often it is the smallest gesture that sticks with people. A perfect playlist, a welcome drink, a handwritten note, or something thoughtful placed at the table can turn a simple gathering into a forever memory.

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CREATE YOUR INTERESTING LIFE

The best conversations begin long before the party. Take the art class, visit the unfamiliar city, read the book, and follow your curiosity because a life filled with experiences gives us more to share.

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C A M E O B E V E R LY H I L L S

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Reframing the Art of Glamour Cameo Beverly Hills is a hidden retreat within one of the world’s most iconic neighborhoods, balancing timeless glamour with modern ease as part of Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts collection. Working alongside Ashford, Premier Project Management, and LXR, KBAA developed an art program inspired by the spirit of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Rather than feeling newly assembled, the collection was curated to suggest a private residence shaped over time, with each artwork carrying its own sense of history and character. We were deeply inspired by Pickfair, the Beverly Hills estate of silent-film stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. In the 1920s and 30s, it became one of Hollywood’s most famous gathering places, known for lavish dinners, poolside parties, and global guests. Together, the works create a layered visual narrative rooted in the art of gathering.

(Right) The trio of pigmented concave mirrors in Nick Biddle’s “Silver Platter” welcome guests in with a luminous glow.

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(Left) In the suites, custom KBAA prints evoke the layered history of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

A close look at the textures of “Radiance”by Alan Alldredge.

At Zampo, restaurant guests can admire Zoe Dering’s “Ceramics Wall.”

In the guestrooms, romantic abstractions by Caryn Baumgartner fit beautifully alongside a custom KBAA piece.

“Environment is everything. Some spaces need harmony, some need tension and/or surprise. The balance should appear as accidental perfection.” - Alan Alldredge

Throughout the hotel, there is always another story to discover. In public spaces, those stories reveal themselves through bold moments of art and craft. At Peruvian restaurant, Zampo, 25 handcrafted ceramic vessels offer a contemporary interpretation of Peru’s rich ceramic heritage. As seen on the cover, Alan Alldredge’s shimmering piece recalls the beaded gowns, draped fabrics, and glamour of Hollywood’s 1920s elite. The storytelling continues in the quieter spaces of the guestrooms and suites, where our advisors imagined the collection as an extension of the private rooms of the Pickfair estate. Look closely and you’ll find art that feels gathered over time, from mementos of Mary and Douglas’s travels to experimental portraiture and expressive abstractions. Together, the works create the feeling of a personal collection shaped by a life well lived. 11

“All of my work holds story and transformation in an obscure way and I hope that the mechanism of the work makes an opening that might spark curiosity, conversation or connection.” - Alyson Khan

That approach comes to life at Zampo, where Alyson Khan’s colorful abstract works draw from Peru’s handmade textiles and richly dyed materials. Suspended against floor to ceiling drapery, their shifting forms bring energy and movement to the outdoor patio. Khan describes the works as having a strong feminine presence, with translucent and opaque layers that suggest elegant, abstracted dress forms. Abstracted figures appear throughout the property in quieter ways too. In the guestrooms, Caryn Baumgartner’s “Abstract Portrait” reduces the figure to gesture and form. KBAA curated selections from Caryn’s expansive collection, carefully collaborating with Baumgartner on palette, scale, and finish before overseeing production and framing. Together, these pieces create special moments that feel layered and deeply personal.

Suspended in Zampo, Alyson Khan’s work adds unexpected moments of color.

An expressive detail of Caryn Baumgartner’s “Abstract Portrait.”

A close look at the rich tones and layered color in Alyson Khan’s work.

Cameo looked to KBAA to translate the team’s vision into a cohesive collection that could balance the grandeur of the property with the intimacy of a private art collection. Each work was treated as an individual jewel, layered with texture, expressive mark making, and unexpected color while contributing to a larger story of place.

(Right) Kippi Leonard’s “Painting the Town” brings a painterly sense of movement to the collection.

A glimpse inside abstract artist Peggy Lee’s Southern California studio.

“My practice centers on exploring color harmony, intuitive compositions, and the nuanced space between cultural identities and shared human emotions.” - Peggy Lee

Maja Dlugolecki’s “Garden Dance” captures the joyful movement of the gatherings once held at Pickfair.

The spirit of movement and joy became a recurring thread throughout the Cameo art program. You can see it especially clearly in the work of Korean American abstract artist Peggy Lee. KBAA selected two existing works from her portfolio, then collaborated with Lee on imaging and framing to thoughtfully translate them into the space. Rooted in color harmony, intuitive composition, and cultural memory, her work feels especially at home within Cameo’s layered interiors. For Lee, environment is an important part of how a painting is experienced. Light, architecture, and the presence of other people all become part of the work. That sense of shared energy carries through pieces like Maja Dlugolecki’s “Garden Dance,” where expressive movement recalls the lively gatherings once held at Pickfair. Together, these works capture what KBAA hoped to create throughout Cameo Beverly Hills. A collection that feels personal and collected over time, while inviting guests to discover new stories around every corner.

(Left) Peggy Lee’s “Ordinary Days II” draws you in with vibrant color, paired with pieces from KBAA that offer a contrasting study in texture and form.

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PA RT N E R Q & A

DISCUSSING CAMEO’S LAYERED DESIGN STORY

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traditional interpretation of Beverly Hills luxury, we looked to the landscape, materiality, art, lighting, and how people actually use the spaces. The result feels distinctly Beverly Hills, but in a more understated, contemporary, and confident way.

From design vision to thoughtful details, Jillian Adams reflects on the collaboration between Premier Project Management and KBAA.

There are clear references to Beverly Hills and the Golden Age of Hollywood, but the result still feels contemporary. How did you approach nostalgia without letting it become overly literal? We approached nostalgia through suggestion rather than representation. We weren’t interested in recreating a particular period of Hollywood. Instead, we wanted to capture the feelings associated with it: glamour, visibility, performance, and that sense of anticipation when you enter a room.

Our art program was designed to feel as though it was gathered over time. How did this approach complement Premier’s vision for the interiors?

As an award-winning design and development firm, Premier understands the importance of creating a distinct sense of place. How did Beverly Hills inform your vision for Cameo, and where did you choose to challenge expectations? For us, Beverly Hills was less about a particular visual language and more about its social culture and the duality of the place. Cameo sits in a discreet residential pocket, creating this interesting contrast between being close to the glamour and energy of Beverly Hills while still feeling removed from it. We intentionally moved away from anything overly expected or literal. Rather than relying on obvious Hollywood references or a

We wanted Cameo to feel collected rather than overly designed, moving away from a conventional idea of luxury where everything can feel too perfect or coordinated. We loved how KBAA connected that perspective with the art program, embracing variety in medium, scale, and presentation rather than making everything feel stylistically identical. Some pieces have more dimensional or unexpected treatments, while others are quietly integrated throughout the property.

In your opinion, what can art add to a hospitality space that stunning interiors alone cannot? Art can introduce emotion, curiosity, and a point of view that materials and architecture alone can’t always achieve. It also gives us a way to introduce color, texture, and visual energy that

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PA RT N E R Q & A

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might feel too garish or overwhelming if translated directly into upholstery, wallcovering, or other interior materials. Through art, those same elements can feel incredibly sophisticated. It also creates moments of discovery. That ability to surprise a guest and create a more personal connection is what art can bring to a hospitality environment beyond beautiful interiors alone.

Describe the experience of your collaboration with KBAA. What was exciting about what we were able to bring to the table? KBAA was a key part of the art conversation from the beginning. They joined discussions with our design team, ownership, and the brand to make sure we were creating an art program that responded to everyone’s unique perspective and priorities. Their ability to understand those different viewpoints and translate them into a cohesive program that supported the larger design narrative was incredibly valuable.

At what point in the design process is art most valuable to you, and what changes when the art advisor is brought into the conversation early? I think art is most valuable when it enters the conversation early enough to be considered alongside the architecture, interiors, and overall narrative, rather than something that gets added at the end. When the art advisor is involved early, there’s an opportunity for the artwork and interiors to inform one another. We can think about scale, sightlines, color, lighting, framing, and even the way a guest moves through the space before those decisions are finalized. That was particularly valuable at Cameo because art was so important to establishing a sense of place. Having the Kevin Barry team involved throughout the process allowed us to consider the collection as a whole and how it would contribute to the experience of the property.

One of the things I appreciated most was their ability to help us determine where the art needed to make a statement and where it could be quieter. We wanted certain pieces to really pack a punch and create memorable “wow” moments, while other areas called for something more subtle. Most importantly, KBAA became an extension of the design team. They weren’t simply filling walls. They were thinking about storytelling, scale, placement, presentation, and the guest experience alongside us. That collaboration is what helped the art feel truly integrated into the property.

“Silver Platter” by Nick Biddle reimagines Mary Pickford’s serving pieces as sculptural forms.

Caryn Baumgartner’s “Mr. Fairbanks” imagines a portrait from Mary and Douglas’s creative circle.

Ronald Rupert Santos’ work invites a closer look, adding to the sense of anticipation that comes with entering a room.

A custom KBAA graphic on gold Mylar adds a subtle sparkle to the suite.

Human Made As AI makes images infinite and free, value returns to what technology can’t replicate. Works by artists like Janna Watson, Dani Cavalieri, Skoby Joe, and Sarah Martignoni celebrate the unmistakable presence of the human hand.

Lived In As featured in Vogue, a return to lived-in, time-worn interiors suggests a growing desire for spaces with history, imperfection, and the feeling of a life actually being lived.

KBAA PREDICTS

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Future Heirlooms From brands like Bottega Veneta and Loewe, fashion is highlighting pieces made to endure. Intricate handwork, rich materials, and detailed construction make luxury feel truly timeless.

A NEW RENAISSANCE

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S O F I T E L N E W YO R K

New York’s Softer Side Sofitel New York offers a softer expression of Manhattan luxury, pairing the energy of the city with the effortless elegance of Paris. Newly renovated throughout its public spaces, 398 guestrooms and suites, the Accor property was imagined as a meeting point between two cities with distinct identities and an enduring creative connection. Working alongside HBA San Francisco and ownership group KSSNY, Kevin Barry Art Advisory developed an art program designed to evoke the ongoing exchange of ideas, style, and creative influence between New York and Paris. French artists were intentionally incorporated into the collection, allowing the Sofitel brand’s heritage to become part of the guest experience in a way that feels specific rather than decorative. At the same time, works rooted in New York bring contrast and momentum to the program. Together, the pieces create a visual scrapbook of two cultures continually influencing one another, from fashion and architecture to fine art and the rituals of everyday life. 20

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S O F I T E L N E W YO R K

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For the guestrooms and suites, we created the theme of Je T’aime Plus, or I Love You More. Inspired by the design team’s personification of Sofitel New York as both French and American, KBAA imagined the two cities exchanging visual love letters across the Atlantic. New York admires Paris for its romance, history, and effortless style, while Paris looks toward New York for its audacity, ambition, and unmistakable energy. The resulting collection, recognized at the AHEAD awards for hospitality experience and design, feels like a handcrafted record of their correspondence. Works by French and American artists come together through layered compositions, feminine details, Art Deco references, and fluid lines that speak to the artistic and architectural influences the cities have shared for generations. Together, every piece we curated reflects what New York and Paris admire in one another, creating an experience that feels intimate, expressive, and distinctly Sofitel. 01

(Previous Page) Thoughtful dialogues between old and new unfold throughout the space, like these lovely giclée works paired with a custom-framed piece from the ownership’s existing collection.

Muriel Napoli’s expressive composition captures the energy of a popping champagne cork.

A close look at the rich textures of a handwoven textile piece by Cecilia Lusven.

Robert Williamson’s rhythmic circles echo the form of metal sewing machine bobbins in a refined composition.

Julie Maren’s dimensional mica artwork catches the ambient light, creating subtle glints and shadows that shift as you move through the space.

Works from French visual artist Alphée Ballester were selected from her stunning En Fleur series, bringing an abstract sensibility to the space.

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S O F I T E L N E W YO R K

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TEAM QUESTION

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“This piece explores motherhood, the passage of time, and the cycle of life, all expressed through Klimt’s signature decorative style. What resonates with me most is the mother and child at its center, representing the quiet and unconditional companionship of motherhood. I’m a mom, and ever since becoming one, have learned that as difficult and beautiful motherhood is, at the end there is no better company than the human being you birthed.” – DANI GOMEZ, ASSOCIATE ACCOUNT MANAGER

The Three Ages of Woman Gustav Klimt, 1905 Oil on canvas

EVOKING THE FEELING OF TOGETHERNESS “What draws me to “Family Dinner” is both the craft and the concept. Twenty-four bowls join into one continuous ring as rice flows from one vessel to the next. To me, it’s a beautiful image of connection and lineage, where no one’s bowl runs empty because everyone is connected to the same source.” – CHLOË LE PICHON, ART ADVISOR

Family Dinner Vivian Chiu, 2025 Pine crate wood, jasmine rice, plywood

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TEAM QUESTION

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“The print depicts the legendary Fudesute Mountain at Sakanoshita. What drew me to this piece is the contrast between the dramatic mountain landscape and the teahouse filled with travelers. For me, being in good company means spending time with the people who support you and finding places that help you feel renewed. The mountains offer that kind of reset, while the teahouse brings in a sense of hospitality, rest, and togetherness.” – CHELSEA PRATER, PROJECT MANAGER

The Peak of Fudesute Mountain from Sakanoshita Utagawa Hiroshige, 1833 Color woodblock print (nishiki-e) on paper

The KBAA team shares artwork that captures the joy and intimacy of gathering together. “I’ve always enjoyed the whimsy of Chagall’s work, especially the way he captures love as both grounding and uplifting in this piece. One figure is planted firmly on the ground while the other floats above, with only their hands connecting them. To me, that balance says so much about good company. It’s finding someone who can lift you out of the ordinary while still keeping you grounded. Knowing Chagall painted this joyful scene during a period of war and upheaval makes it even more meaningful. The right people can bring joy, escape, and a sense of aliveness even in the hardest moments.” – ERIN BROWN, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CREATIVE SERVICES

La Promenade Marc Chagall, 1917 Oil on canvas

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A RT S TO RY

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A MOMENT FOR

There’s something about making an object with your own hands that gives it a beauty almost impossible to replicate. If you’ve ever tried to build a clay pot or sit down at a pottery wheel, you know how much harder it is than it looks! It begins with a heavy block of clay, cut down and worked slowly with water, pressure, and patience. Then comes the first firing, with the hope that nothing cracks. A glaze is selected, often with only an idea of how the color will emerge from the kiln. Then it is fired again, cooled, and finally revealed. After all that, the finished piece still has to make its way safely to its final home. Fragile, imperfect, useful, and deeply human, every ceramic object carries some trace of the hands that made it.

A shelf filled with wonders from Meredith Metcalf’s Southern California studio.

Asheville artist Camilla Crittenden draws inspiration from the Blue Ridge Mountains in her handmade glazed tiles.

Lisa Belsky’s porcelain vessels transform textile techniques into sculptural ceramic forms.

A glimpse of Clara Graziolino’s ceramic wall sculpture, built slowly by hand.

Eric Serritella’s hand-carved ceramics are rich with environmental metaphor, both literal and implied.

Veronica Volborth’s work balances fragility with strength.

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CERAMICS

Humans have been working with clay for tens of thousands of years, which may explain why ceramics somehow feel so instinctive to us. It’s a joy to see how artists continue to push this ancient material in entirely new directions. Highland Park artist Meredith Metcalf balances the skilled with the primitive, the loose with the meticulous, and the contemporary with something almost elemental. Lisa Belsky’s mind-bending ceramic works begin as hand-knit or crocheted fabric, dipped in porcelain and fired until the textile burns away, leaving its stitches preserved in clay. Clara Graziolino builds monumental ceramic wall sculptures slowly, piece by piece, allowing color, light, and material to become inseparable. Different hands, different approaches, one material that has followed us through nearly the entirety of human history. How wonderful.

IN GOOD

ENJOY OUR KBAA SPOTIFY PLAYLIST S C A N Q R CO D E TO L I ST E N

The perfect playlist to put on during a gathering for the best vibes. Whether you’re hosting a party, chatting with a friend, or even working on something solo that may end up being a gift for someone.

COMPANY 27

A close look at the handcrafted ceramics that greet guests at Zampo, the Peruvian restaurant inside Cameo Beverly Hills. Created in collaboration with artist Zoe Dering, each piece offers a contemporary interpretation of historic Peruvian vessels. Her work reflects a fascination with texture, pattern, and the quiet poetry of the handmade, while honoring the lineage of primitive craft in a contemporary context. KEVINBARRY.COM | 888-255-3563