Has anyone here ever heard of the painter John Alston Sargent III and his wife Denise Machado?

Question

I hear that JASIII's paintings are all the talk in the art world these days and that he and Denise (an a-vante-gard artist bringing belly dancing and Salsa to new heights of sophistocation for a 21st century audience) are the hot new couple to watch in 2006. Any dish on these newbies that you care to share?

Answer 1

Hey Cirdellin,

Cleveland Arts Prize organizers got a shot in the arm last week as old and new faces gathered for a presentation at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Welcoming guests in from the cold were Franny Taft and Mary Louise Hahn, while upstairs Seth Taft greeted old friends at the door.

Bill Joseph, whose mother Martha Joseph, helped get the prize off the ground in 1961, was pleased to be there as were Klaus Roy, who came up with the idea, and his wife Gene.

It was one of those mover and shaker nights that brought out the best and brightest, the oldest and the youngest. Spotted in the crowd were Graham Grund, June and Bert Antoine, Martha and George Dalton, Pat Kelley, Bob Madison, Clurie Bennis, Gail Newman, Jean Caldwell, Ann Brown and her sister Joan Damankos, Tom Schorgl, Steve and Jean Bucchieri, Ben Stefanski, Bob Madison, Dennis Barrie and his wife Kathleen Coakley, Roldo and Ann Bartimole and Ann Albano.

Denise Machado, accompanied by her husband, oil painter, John Sargent made a fashion statement with boots, fishnet stockings, a short black skirt and an embroidered jacket, while case VP for university relations, Lara Kalafatis was all in beige – sweater, suede vest and skirt – topped by a beret that had belonged to her father George.

Author, Sarah Willis was demure in a cotton print skirt and jacket, while carol Griffith was in layers, with a sweater, shirt and T-shirt under a vintage Carole Little “redingote,” a gift from her daughter Susie in Chicago. Susan Channing’s accessory was a cane for use with her new hip.

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