The Art of Relationships: A Reflection by Kevin Barry
In celebration of KBAA’s 30th anniversary, we’ve invited our founder Kevin Barry to step into the spotlight and share his reflections on this incredible milestone.
As we mark KBAA’s 30th anniversary, I find myself reflecting deeply on the journey we’ve taken together. From the very beginning, one thing has always remained at the heart of everything we do: building trusting, meaningful relationships. I often look back and marvel at how much we’ve grown, both as a business and as individuals. It’s hard to believe that my daughter Allison has been a part of this from such a young age. I still remember her standing outside our first gallery in West Hollywood, enthusiastically inviting people in with a smile and a simple, “Come on in, we’ve got great art!” Even then, she had an incredible gift for connecting with people. Today, Allison is not just part of KBAA—she’s one of the driving forces behind our success, helping to lead a team of passionate and creative individuals who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Over the past three decades, we’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of talented artists and clients, each of whom has shaped KBAA in unique and meaningful ways. The relationships we’ve built with these individuals have been at the heart of everything we do, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many visionary and inspiring people. These partnerships have not only helped us grow, but have also taught us invaluable lessons about trust, creativity, and the power of shared vision.
As we look ahead to the next 30 years, I am inspired for what’s to come. Change is inevitable, and as the art world continues to evolve, we’ll keep adapting, innovating, and exploring new opportunities.
With the leadership of Allison and her brother John, I know we’ll continue to grow and find new ways to make an impact. But as I reflect on everything we’ve learned, I realize that the true measure of success is not just in the work we do, but in the relationships we’ve built along the way. We are only as good as the people around us, and the trust and collaboration we share with our team, clients, and artists will always be our greatest strength.
Here’s to the next chapter of KBAA’s journey—full of new collaborations, new challenges, and countless more moments of inspiration. The best is yet to come.
Sincerely,
Kevin Barry
30 years of Telling Stories through Art
For 30 years, KBAA has been privileged to collaborate with amazing partners and clients, transforming spaces through the power of art. From our first gallery space on Melrose in West Hollywood to our evolution into a global team who has worked with over 5,000 artists on more than 10,000 projects worldwide, every step of our journey has been guided by a vision to create meaningful connections through thoughtfully curated art.
A family business at heart, every project reflects our shared belief in art’s ability to inspire, our commitment to building lasting partnerships, and our dedication to telling powerful stories. As we look ahead to the next 30 years, we’re more excited than ever to continue this journey with you, pushing creative boundaries and bringing bold visions to life. We’re truly grateful to be part of your story, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll create together!
How does art connect you to your past?
Liz Schnurstein
Sabino Gomez
BOOKKEEPE r
“While viewing artwork, we naturally look for meaning or something to tie it to. We’re made up of our past learnings and memories, so connecting the artwork with our past is inevitable. But art is also a way to look at things in a new, exciting way. Seeing new art makes me wonder how I can bring some of those ideas into my own work, or play around with different ideas.”
“As the years have passed, I’ve loved watching KBAA’s careful selection of artwork resonate with each location. Personally, art inspires me to view the world with an open mind and enjoy life peacefully.”
Harada
“Being a visual person, art becomes my emotional diary that captures the essence of a particular time, place, or experience. When visiting someplace new, or experiencing something special, I always like to collect a new piece of art to remind me of that time. My blank walls continue to inspire my next adventure!”
How does art inspire your future?
Lisa Isola
“Art serves as a bridge between my past and future, evoking memories of significant moments while inspiring new ideas. Like humans, art is ever-evolving, challenging me to see the world differently and embrace creativity. It continues to spark personal growth and reflection, guiding me toward new possibilities. ultimately, art connects me to where I’ve been and illuminates the path ahead.”
Jennifer Esperance
“Viewing the art with the team after installation is so special, but my favorite aspect of art is working with the artists who are making the future a little bit more beautiful.”
Valerie Hogan
“As an artist myself, now working for a company that provides talented artists with platforms to share their work, I could not be more proud of what I do. Our partnership allows many artists we regularly work with stability to expand their focus into new bodies of work. Knowing that we have a hand in keeping creators creating is what inspires me for the future!”
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR A HISTORIC HOTEL
Step into the newly reopened Fairmont Breakers Long Beach, where California’s golden Age finds fresh expression. This iconic property has played many roles—from a beacon for aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh to a limelight escape for Hollywood legends like Cary grant and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, it stands as a testament to timeless elegance, where historic grandeur meets contemporary coastal sophistication.
In partnership with HBA San Francisco, developers Pacific6, and Fairmont’s in-house team, KBAA crafted an extraordinary 650-piece art program for this historic venue. Thoughtfully curated across public spaces, guest rooms, and the distinguished Presidential Suite, the collection weaves together multiple narratives: the sophistication of 1950s fashion, the glamour of Hollywood’s heyday, and the eternal allure of the California coastline. Each piece was selected to honor the property’s legacy while creating fresh moments of discovery for today’s guests.
The “urban coastal” aesthetic bridges classic and contemporary styles, with local artists bringing fresh perspectives to time-honored themes while glittering photographs offer windows into the property’s storied past. Throughout the property, this careful balance transforms spaces into a gallery of California dreaming—where vintage glamour mingles effortlessly with modern sensibilities. This vision comes to life particularly well in Nettuno’s bright, contemporary dining space, where carefully composed gallery walls mix historic photography with modern artwork, creating an engaging visual cadence that feels both fresh and grounded in the property’s rich heritage.
g allery walls in the dining space weave together artworks of varying scale and style.
Caroline Bullock’s “Shimmer” connects hotel guests with the elevated beauty of the natural world.
The art throughout Fairmont Breakers’ public spaces thoughtfully matches the rhythm of guest experiences—from vibrant social gatherings to moments of quiet repose. This dynamic range comes to life in pieces like local artist ronald rupert Santos’s engaging works, where a process rooted in serendipity creates lively compositions perfectly suited to an extravagant evening out. In contrast, a collection of stainedglass pieces by Olivia MacDougall, commissioned specifically for the property by KBAA, pay homage to Art Deco design while offering a moment of striking beauty.
In the guest rooms, the art program takes on a more contemplative tone. Here, among others, Caryn Baumgardner’s evocative pieces create a perfect dialogue with serene ocean vistas. Each of her works serves as a meditation on transformation—capturing fleeting moments like petals falling or seasonal shifts in a tree canopy. Through a process of creation, destruction, and reconstruction, Baumgardner breaks down and rebuilds her images, revealing fresh perspectives that echo nature’s own cycles of change.
At the front desk, guests are welcomed by “LBC,” a KBAA custom piece featuring the iconic hotel exterior in a bold graphic language.
Dimensional stained glass works by artist Olivia MacDougall.
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“The Break of Day” and “Midnight Artist” by ronald rupert Santos.
“For more intimate spaces with the vantage for largescale artwork, our selections were more subtle but no less spectacular. With the outstanding team at KBAA, we created moments of pause and introspection with smaller pieces placed in ideal locations. These thoughtful decisions allowed us to integrate the art seamlessly.”
- Kasra Esteghamat, Design Consultant for Fairmont Breakers
“Overstory” by Caryn Baumgardner sits between Long Beach vistas.
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KBAA’s custom-designed dimensional wall sculpture, composed of layered resin, creates depth and visual interest in the guest rooms.
The art program’s contemporary vision comes alive through pieces that challenge traditional boundaries while honoring timeless aesthetics. Manon Steyaert’s innovative works use silicone as their medium, draped and folded across structural supports to create compositions that blur the line between painting and sculpture. As seen on this edition’s cover, this piece offers a playful nod to fashion and design while pushing artistic conventions into fresh territory.
In contrast, Mark rebennack’s “Exhale” drawings capture the essence of breath in undulating waves. These meditative works not only record the artist’s process but invite viewers into a state of restful presence—creating moments of pause throughout the property.
The interplay between innovation and tradition, movement and stillness, mirrors the Fairmont Breakers’ broader transformation. As we look to the future, the art program stands as a testament to how beautifully the past can be honored while embracing contemporary expression. Each piece contributes to a larger story where California’s golden age doesn’t just echo through history—it continues to inspire new moments of wonder.
“Each
freehand line is drawn for the length of one breath and mimics any imperfections from the previous line. It’s an organic process focused on mindfulness and honesty.”
- Mark rebennack, Artist
Mark rebennack’s “Exhale” Series. Ink on paper.
A collection of six mesmerizing works adorn the bridal suite, creating an artful backdrop for cherished moments.
Design Consultant for Fairmont Breakers
Kasra Esteghamat
Q&A WITH
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role within the Fairmont Breakers project.
As a Long Beach resident, I greatly appreciate the city’s proximity to the beach, its diverse community, and its historic architectural treasures. I’m privileged to have the developers, Pacific6 Enterprises, as friends—their commitment to preserving the Breakers hotel allowed me to integrate my expertise and passion as design consultant on the project, where my experience as luxury travel agency owner, at Eden For Your World, contributed significantly to achieving the desired aesthetic.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting, can you give us a glimpse into the space, and how you integrated art into the overall vision?
given that it is a historic property with significant classic architectural details integrated into its structure, we had limited flexibility in our design choices. Carved plaster columns and ceilings, iron archways, mirror and brass paneling, and beautiful windows are the focal points of this renaissance revival gem. Our walls and spaces couldn’t accommodate large-scale artwork, and often, there wasn’t enough room to step back and appreciate pieces from a necessary perspective, so we had to be more subtle with our selections, but they were no less spectacular. With the outstanding team at KBAA, we successfully found artists and artworks enabling us to create moments of pause and introspection. Smaller pieces were strategically placed in ideal locations, while larger pieces were chosen to complement rather than compete with the architecture. These thoughtful decisions allowed us to integrate art seamlessly.
How did the history of the space play a role in the art program?
The hotel is approaching its 100th anniversary, so its rich history and evolution were key influences. We’ve subtly woven these elements into the design, with many pieces nodding to our name, Breakers, and our deep connection to the ocean and beach. However, there’s more to discover—like a mural featuring a quote from Clark gable, a regular guest of the hotel, or an intimate portrait of Elizabeth Taylor, another frequent visitor and brief owner during her marriage to Hilton. We’ve also included historic photos and artworks that pay tribute to the key decades and eras that shaped the hotel’s storied past. More than that, we’ve been lucky to reimagine the hotel in new ways, bringing in pieces that reflect not only its legacy but its exciting future for the years to come.
Do you have a favorite art piece or area that KBAA curated?
There are a few pieces in the hotel I’d easily call my “favorite,” but if I had to choose, it would be Wallride by local artist Chasen Wolcott. There’s something captivating about the chaos in the piece—the way the dark and light seem to collide. Its placement also plays a big part in its impact. I see it every time I enter. Surrounded by the clean lines of the architecture and furniture, this formation—almost like a wave or a school of fish—feels both dynamic and immersive. It never fails to pull me in.
We had such a great time working alongside you! Can you tell us about the collaboration between your in-house team and KBAA?
It was a pleasure to collaborate with KBAA, with the exceptional contributions of Katie, Megan, Valerie and Julia. The team diligently worked within our budget to maximize our art package, ensuring significant impact where it was most needed. One of the primary achievements was the sense of genuine collaboration. KBAA worked tirelessly alongside me and our design firm, HBA San Francisco, to perfect every detail with constant communication and dedication. Collaborating on projects of this scale is crucial— without it, you risk overlooking ideas or artists you might never have encountered. Honestly, I cannot imagine undertaking this without the guidance of an advisor, with their expertise, resources, immense knowledge, and fresh perspectives.
What advice can you give other design professionals about working with our advisors on projects of this scale and caliber?
It’s a collaboration, so come in with an open mind, ready to explore new ideas and approaches. At the same time, it’s important to be clear about your overall vision and intentions for the space(s) you’re working with. Balancing flexibility with focus will help guide the process and ensure everyone is on the same page.
“Wallride” by Chasen Wolcott is driven by the inescapable qualities of the natural world. Oil and charcoal on canvas.
ON THE HORIZON
FLI r TIN g WITH FIBE r
Across art and design, timeless textile traditions like quilting and embroidery are pushing into fresh territory. Cutting-edge technology woven with craftsmanship make for serious textural allure.
“Liquid Botanicals” by Joana Schneider
Sculpture by LA-based Mary Little
“Vexillum #2,” 2023, by Bumin Kim
“Flask of Nectar” by Kristy Kún
IN ART CURATION
WA r PIN g TH r O ug H TIME
Retrofuturism merges mid-century sci-fi optimism with dynamic color palettes and strikingly contemporary silhouettes, putting us fully on board to go back to the future.
ABST r ACTIN g THE D r AMATIC
Vibrant brushstrokes and rhythmic forms pulse with energy and prompt personal interpretation, transforming spaces with the big and the bold. No statement is too strong for 2025.
“Infernal Medusa 924” by Jan Kaláb
“Awake, O Sleeper” by Jonathan Todryk
“BlueWaves” by Marcel Rozek
“Light Glyphs” collection by Casper Brindle
Sculpture by Matt Devine
CREATING SANCTUARY: ART AND HEALING AT CITY OF HOPE
When patients enter the City of Hope Outpatient Center in Duarte, California, they’re greeted by more than just a medical facility—they’re welcomed into a space where art transforms the healing experience. Through a carefully curated art program featuring 65 custom commissions and over 300 thoughtfully selected pieces, every corner tells a story of hope, joy, and community. The result is an environment that goes beyond traditional medical settings to offer moments of reflection and peace.
Beginning in July 2022, KBAA embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the Duarte Outpatient Center into a space where art and healing intersect. The mission was clear: create an artistic oasis that would support patients and families throughout their recovery journeys. u nderstanding that many patients spend several days a week at the facility during their treatment, the team focused on crafting an environment that feels both empowering and peaceful.
“We wanted to create a space that offers something new to discover with each visit,” explains Katie Luka, Senior Art Advisor at KBAA. “When you’re undergoing treatment, these small moments of joy and discovery can make a significant difference in your day-to-day experience.”
Ball-Nogues Studio’s dynamic installation of over 25,000 feet of aluminum bead chain, titled “While Sifting through a Me Dream.”
“San g abriel Canyon Ensemble” by artist David Disko brings together a playful sky, distant mountains, rugged slopes, and the California Poppy.
prints by artist Cassie Suche.
A Symphony of Color and Form
At the heart of the art program lies a stunning suspended ceiling sculpture by Ball-Nogues Studio. This signature piece required extensive collaboration between KBAA, the artists, project architects, and lighting engineers to ensure both aesthetic beauty and structural integrity. The result is a breathtaking installation that transforms the space into something extraordinary.
The art program’s aesthetic is built around playful colors and organic forms that reflect the natural world. From multidimensional wallcoverings to site-specific installations, each piece was selected to create an environment that feels lively and nurturing. Local and regional artists were specifically chosen for focal works, helping to ground the space in its community while maintaining the vibrant, hopeful aesthetic that defines the program.
The Power of Three
A custom triptych by Tom Owens, titled “Transforming Care, Breaking Through, Advancing Hope,” perfectly embodies City of Hope’s mission. using flashe emulsion, each panel creates dynamic compositions that speak to different aspects of the healing journey—from convergent lines propelling viewers toward hope, to subtle shifts representing the transformative power of care, to celebrations of breakthrough innovation in healthcare.
Throughout the center, art creates moments of connection and contemplation. These carefully selected pieces work in harmony with the space to offer gentle respite, reminding us that in the journey toward health, moments of beauty can provide comfort and support.
“Forest” by rosa Inés Vera is a semi-abstract representation of the beauty of nature. 15
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A stunning view accompanies artist Marion g riese’s textural abstract composition, “Hush.”
19 Luisa u rréjola’s diptychs using mixed media on clear methacrylate.
18 Trevor Copenhaver depicts the Old San g abriel Canyon road Trail. Acrylic on canvas.
“ u nity I” by rosa Inés Vera incorporates diversity and unity in her colorful figures.
“My previous works and ideas always inform and inspire the next. For example, the colors of my photographic work would be the colors of my next paintings, videos or sculptures. The idea is to create a relationship between my artworks this way.”
- ronald rupert Santos
How does your art speak to the past?
“Each piece is my personal record of witnessing transformation over time - a flower shedding its petals, a tree canopy changing through the seasons. I explore this process through creation, destruction, and reconstruction, breaking down and rebuilding the image to reveal new perspectives.”
- Caryn Baumgardner
“Life is much like watching the scenery of a day unfold. Bright moments fade into shadows, only for light to return again. Both light and darkness are integral parts of life, coexisting and shaping our experiences. Understanding this flow brings a deep sense of solace. Perhaps it would be meaningful to offer a glimpse into this coexistence, encouraging reflection on such a life.”
- Bumin Kim
How might your art inspire the future?
“My work embraces dichotomies and the state of unknown, joyfully resting in an open-ended state of possibility and transformation.”
- Nicole Mueller
Frieze LA FEB 20 - 23
Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary
MA r 20 - 23
EVENT CALENDAR
Salone del Mobile Milano
AP r IL 8 - 13 Expo Chicago AP r IL 24 - 27
HD Expo MAY 6 - 8
Frieze NY
MAY 7 - 11
HCD Forum J u NE 23 - 25
HCD Expo OCTOBE r 25 - 28 BDNY NOV 9 - 10
Art Basel Miami DEC 5 - 7
RAISE A GLASS
The Golden Oldie
Ingredients
1 sugar cube
4-6 dashes Angostura bitters
4-5 ounces Champagne Long, thin lemon twist
Quite possibly the oldest cocktail there is, the classic Champagne Cocktail is sure to delight all the senses. Simply add the sugar cube to a chilled champagne glass. Douse with bitters, then top slowly with champagne. garnish with the lemon twist, and start the celebration!
Photo: acouplecooks.com | recipe: cooking.nytimes.com
Hugo Spritz Mocktail
Ingredients
1/2-1 oz elderflower syrup
1 oz N/A spirit
4 oz N/A sparkling wine
1 oz club soda
3-4 mint leaves fresh
A standout cocktail of the recent past, the Hugo Spritz is made even more of-the-now as a non-alcoholic refresher. Combine ingredients into a glass with ice cubes and fresh mint, saving club soda for the end. garnish with more fresh mint and enjoy!
Tim Nusog | recipe: veggiekinsblog.com
Celebrate our 30th anniversary with these blasts from the past and the present! Our latest playlist pays tribute to the most popular hits dating back to 1995, compiled by the team at Kevin Barry Art Advisory.
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