Holiday Greetings:
2009 was a year of rebuilding and renewed excitement for KiptonART. Below are some highlights we'd like to share with you.
In January, we kicked off the year by launching the new album release for soprano, Joyce DiDonato. Simultaneously, we solidified our commitment to support the growing artist community. By generating unique ideas and ways of online networking, buyers and galleries are beginning to rely on KiptonART as a resource to scout out new talent. During the Spring, KiptonART began to expand partnerships in order to provide more significant art exhibition opportunities to effect sales. Through these efforts, one of our clients, Grammy-award winning violinist Joshua Bell, selected KiptonART to curate and prep his New York apartment. As a result, there were multiple purchases of KiptonART works giving each artist a unique opportunity to shine and reach a diverse, new collector base. This is one of many positive examples during the year.
In July, KiptonART hosted a second music event of the year at Norwood with cellist Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir. We collaborated with the Carnegie Hall Notables to further our commitment to support emerging musicians. The summer was full of energy and new ideas began to become a reality as I left my full-time job at Bank of America in June to focus on KiptonART full-time. After 7 years of working in finance and building KiptonART, it was time for me to pour 100% of myself into the company. We hired a consulting firm who provided guidance on implementing new site upgrades and launching the daily art blog and expanding the online magazine content. At the same time, my dream to set up a non-profit foundation to further support emerging artists was fulfilled. I received the legal approvals necessary to support artist-in-residency programs and educational programs for children. The KiptonART Foundation inaugural event was held in September during New York Fashion week to debut the newest CD for 22 year old jazz pianist, Eldar. The event held at Longchamp's soho boutique with Elle Magazine, gave us a chance to further penetrate collectors, gallery owners and patrons of the arts. The event was filmed during an episode of MTV's "The City"and, as a result, generated new outlets to reach artists around the country.
On November 2nd, SAKS Fifth Avenue in New York hosted our 2nd annual KiptonART Rising program, which included 19 finalists selected by curators Stephen Frailey, Alexander Glauber and Rachel Smith. The curatorial team made their final selections on the 6 winners who were honored that evening. The day after the event, we officially launched our new e-Commerce platform and enhanced features helping us attract the highest number of visitors in our history. The new features allow registered users the chance to connect with artists directly to either loan or purchase artwork online. The new technology now allows any artist multiple ways of marketing directly through viral mediums on the web quickly and easily.
On November 17th, seventeen artists exhibited their works during the benefit for the Alliance for the Arts at Christie's. We were very proud to exhibit a diverse group of artists during the event. A few artists from outside of New York were even able to fly to the event to attend in person. Tina Buchholtz flew in from Berlin (first time in New York) and Sharon Dowell came from North Carolina. In all, thirteen artists were able to attend making it our most successful, and high profile exhibition to date.
Our final event of the year was held on December 4 during Art Basel Miami at Nikki Beach. During the fairs, we provided daily coverage and another way to help connect artists with patrons and continue the momentum.
If you've haven't already done so, please take advantage of all the new e-Commerce technology on the site in order to expand and grow your career. Over the last year, we have dedicated ourselves to providing the necessary tools for career growth. I realize there are other artist websites offering similar services; however, KiptonART is unique because we have a built brand over many years with a specific goal of giving artists access. This is evident in the partners we work with and the collectors and high profile clients who are drawn to the cutting edge artists profiled on our site. As we continue to expand our daily, weekly and monthly content, realize that KiptonART is now hitting in over 60 countries around the globe further strengthening our company's footprint to support emerging talent.
I hope that you will continue to keep your profile active, utilize the new e-Commerce features and share your feedback on what we can do to help make the site better. We are listening to you. For those who are able to donate to the non-profit, we need your help here too.
As we look forward to continuing to provide the access you deserve, we realize nothing in life is as important as your health. On behalf of the KiptonART team, we'd like to extend our warmest wishes and thanks for helping us grow in 2010. We are grateful to have you as part of our online family. I AM for KiptonART!
