Authors: Winter 2024

Monarch Book Recommendations

DEBORAH G. PLANT
Of Greed and Glory

Of Greed and Glory by Deborah G. Plant is a riveting exploration of human nature, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked desires. Plant crafts a compelling narrative that follows characters navigating a world driven by greed and the pursuit of glory. With vivid prose and well-developed characters, the author delves into the complexities of power dynamics and the moral dilemmas faced by those on their quest for success. The novel captivates readers with its rich storytelling and thought-provoking themes, offering a nuanced reflection on the darker aspects of human behavior. Plant’s keen insights into the human psyche make Of Greed and Glory a thought-provoking and immersive read.

KWAME ALEXANDER
This is the Honey

This Is the Honey by Kwame Alexander is a poetic masterpiece that weaves together the sweet and bitter threads of life. Alexander’s compelling verses create a rhythmic dance that resonates with readers while exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience. The author’s unique blend of words paints a vivid tapestry of emotions, inviting readers to savor the beauty and complexities of existence. With each poem, Alexander skillfully captures moments of joy and heartache, leaving an indelible mark on the soul. This Is the Honey is a celebration of the human experience wrapped in the honeyed warmth of Alexander’s eloquent and evocative language.

MORGAN PARKER
You Get What You Pay for

Morgan Parker’s You Get What You Pay For is a captivating exploration of contemporary life and the complexities of human connection. With raw and unapologetic prose, Parker delves into the intricacies of identity, love, and societal expectations. The collection of poems tackles issues such as race, gender, and power dynamics, offering a poignant commentary on the world we inhabit. Parker’s distinctive voice shines through, blending humor, vulnerability, and sharp observation. The poems are a dynamic mix of introspection and social critique, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths. You Get What You Pay For is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work that leaves a lasting impact.

TABITHA BROWN
I Did a New Thing

Tabitha Brown’s I Did a New Thing is a refreshing and empowering guide to embracing change and pursuing personal growth. Brown, known for her positivity and authenticity, shares insightful anecdotes and practical advice, encouraging readers to step out of their comfort zones. The book is a delightful blend of motivational storytelling and actionable tips, making it accessible and relatable. Brown’s infectious enthusiasm and genuine warmth shine through, creating a supportive and uplifting atmosphere. I Did a New Thing is a beacon of encouragement for anyone seeking inspiration to navigate life’s transitions with resilience and joy. Brown’s narrative style makes the journey toward self-discovery both engaging and rewarding.

COMMON
And Then We Rise

And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self by Common is a transformative journey into self-discovery and self-love. Through poignant reflections and practical insights, Common serves as a compassionate guide encouraging readers to prioritize their well-being. The book explores the intricate layers of personal growth, offering a roadmap to navigate challenges and embrace one’s authentic self. Common’s wisdom, drawn from his own experiences as an artist and activist, infuses the pages with sincerity. With a perfect blend of vulnerability and empowerment, And Then We Rise emerges as an indispensable companion for those seeking a holistic approach to self-care and a deeper connection with themselves.

SEPTEMBER GRAY
Proprietor of September Gray Fine Art Gallery

BIO 

Gray’s life’s work is a reflection of her enduring passion for the arts. Following a noteworthy career in the performing arts, Gray launched a successful fine art consultancy practice wherein she was celebrated for her ability to assist corporate and private collectors with articulating and executing single acquisition and long–term collecting strategies. Gray’s career in the arts and decade as an art consultant inform her role as gallerist. An avid collector, Gray has a talent for “speaking the language” of both artist and collector and a knack for connecting the gallery’s clients to works by artists whose vision and methodologies resonate with their individual tastes, complement their existing collections and honor their overall investment strategy and appetite for risk. Gray holds a B.A. in Art History from DePaul University. A committed art education advocate, Gray serves on a number of non-profit boards and is co-founder of The Gray Foundation, an organization committed to building a world of enriched life options for youth through the promotion of art and education. Gray shares art news and collection strategies in her electronic quarterly journal, The Gray Book.

https://septembergrayart.com/

JUSTIN SULIVAN, CFP
Senior Vice President Market Leader

BIO 

Justin oversees a team of professionals striving to achieve the highest level of client satisfaction. His top priority is that the team not only meets, but also exceeds the client’s expectations. Through Justin’s leadership and commitment, he helps ensure that the client benefits form a full complement of investment, trust, financial planning and private banking services to help them achieve their financial goals.

XAVIER DANIELS

BIO  

Paintings are influenced by his experiences with brotherhood at both Morehouse and as a firefighter. In creating his art, he is actively thinking about the perception of black men and attempting to be a catalyst for a different view on the black male experience. According to Daniels, the conversations happening in popular culture about black males leave them invisible in discussions about themselves. The portraits of black men Daniels creates are large in an effort to symbolically assert black male presence into those conversations. His work has been shown around the world through Almine Rech and Richard Beavers Gallery. Xavier lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia.

https://xavierdaniels.com/

MARRYAM MOMA

BIO

A Tanzanian-Nigerian visual artist based in Atlanta, GA, is renowned for her prolific exhibition history. Moma’s dedication to her art has earned her prestigious residencies at The Migration Artist Residency, Atlanta, GA, and a blended residency and teaching opportunity at The Swimming HoleFoundation in Upstate NY. The Hambidge Center for the Arts awarded her a Distinguished Artist Fellowship, enriching her narrative-driven solo exhibitions like “ICONoclasts.” This showing intertwines paper cut elements to celebrate and empower revolutionary Black figures. Moma continues to innovate within her practice, expanding her presence through murals, public art installations and exhibitions including an indoor mural for Clark Atlanta universities student innovation lounge sponsored by Dell Technologies and Home depot, ICONoclasts Atlanta building-wide public installation sponsored by Dashboard and If Not Us then Who public digital art mural sponsored by A&E Atlanta. 

https://www.marryammoma.com/

DL WARFIELD

BIO

Atlanta-based artist DL Warfield, a veteran artist who has consistently proven himself a talent of the highest caliber – one who has delivered at the highest levels repeatedly throughout his life and career. Yes, many artists are talented; DL Warfield is prolific.

Warfield’s body of work proves his instinctive knowledge and understanding of pop culture and has given him a permanent place at the cutting edge of the new and next. From St. Louis to New York City, Atlanta and worldwide, his talent, skill and endless creativity have taken him to the top of his field again and again, and he intends to push forward wherever a path to artistic excellence can be forged.

The following is a snapshot of his works and clientele. 

Nike, Sprite, Heineken, Anheuser-Busch, Geffen Records, Sony Entertainment, DreamWorks, Sony Music, OutKast Inc., Universal Records, Boys & Girls Clubs, HBO, Virgin Records, Coca-Cola, Adidas, Vibe Magazine, automotive giant Ford Motor Company. He designed the branding for the City of Atlanta’s Film and Entertainment office and at the same time, His fine art has been featured at national landmarks, including the Time-Life Building in New York City, and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY, which he loaned two original pieces for three years.

https://dlwarfield.com/

EDDIE FONTNO

BIO

A native of the Bronx, New York, is most inspired by the brilliance and uniqueness of excellence within the African American culture. The subjects of his work have all possessed a transformative greatness, which paved the way and changed the lives of many, providing a guiding light for the world around them. Fontno takes a subtle approach and focuses on that “light” to capture the detailed nuances through his usage of graphite and oil paint (black and white) that enhances the contrast between light and dark. Fontno’s never-ending quest to find truth and beauty in its most natural form is reflective in the choice of figures in his pieces; paying homage to those who have in some way shaped his view of the world and positively affected his evolution as an artist, father and man. Fontno attended the High School of Art & Design in New York, New York and Howard University in Washington, DC. His work has been displayed in the White House (Madam Vice President Kamala Harris’ private office) and the much-acclaimed October Gallery in Philadelphia, Pa. He has also been commissioned for portraits throughout the Northeast region. 

www.eddiefontno.com

RSVP

We are no longer accepting RSVPs for the Art of Luxury Lifestyle Dinner, but you are welcome to RSVP Here for the Portrait Reveal Event from
9:30PM to 11:30 PM!

ROBERT KOOL BELL| LE KOOL CHAMPAGNE

BIO

For many years, Robert Kool Bell, Leader and Co-founder of Kool & The Gang, sought out Grand Cru Vineyards from owners that have been selling for generations and decided to work with Paul Berthelot a Multi-Vintage producer since 1884. Voila The Celebration Champagne was born! 

https://lekoolchampagne.com

EDDIE FONTNO

BIO

A native of the Bronx, New York, is most inspired by the brilliance and uniqueness of excellence within the African American culture. The subjects of his work have all possessed a transformative greatness, which paved the way and changed the lives of many, providing a guiding light for the world around them. Fontno takes a subtle approach and focuses on that “light” to capture the detailed nuances through his usage of graphite and oil paint (black and white) that enhances the contrast between light and dark. Fontno’s never-ending quest to find truth and beauty in its most natural form is reflective in the choice of figures in his pieces; paying homage to those who have in some way shaped his view of the world and positively affected his evolution as an artist, father and man. Fontno attended the High School of Art & Design in New York, New York and Howard University in Washington, DC. His work has been displayed in the White House (Madam Vice President Kamala Harris’ private office) and the much-acclaimed October Gallery in Philadelphia, Pa. He has also been commissioned for portraits throughout the Northeast region.

Website: www.eddiefontno.com