Launched on November 7 with a prominent billboard in New York City’s Times Square, The Next Original contest asked up-and-coming artists to submit original artwork – including paintings, sculptures, photography, mixed media, fiber, printmaking and other media – to be reviewed by a panel of judges led by Kessler. The Kessler Collection received submissions from more than 1,500 artists across the United States.

On Friday, Dec.16, the ten finalists were invited to the private judging ceremony at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District where Richard Kessler announced the nine grand prize winners. The nine finalists for The Next Original competition include:

  • DEIRDRE BARRETT, Cambridge, Mass.
  • SHANNON “SHAN” FANNIN, Austin, Tex.
  • OLGA FURMAN, East Brunswick, N.J.
  • ALFREDO GONZALEZ, San Francisco, Calif.
  • KARIN HOLZER, Long Island, N.Y.
  • HALLIE PACKARD, Brooklyn, N.Y.
  • CHASE PARKER, Tampa, Fla.
  • LAURA PAWLIK, Denver, Colo.
  • ELAINE SCHLOSS, Valley Cottage, N.Y.

The grand prize winners will have their artwork featured on a billboard in Times Square on New Year’s Eve and will be showcased in The Kessler Collection’s newest properties. In addition, the grand prize winners will receive a one-year partnership with Grand Bohemian Gallery to exhibit their art and have prints of their artwork sold in Grand Bohemian Galleries alongside local, regional and signature artists.

About The Kessler Collection

The Kessler Collection's portfolio of passionately created and artistically inspired boutique hotels boasts chic design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance and intuitive service. Whether visiting properties in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina, each hotel's exquisite art, music and cultural influences are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire mystique and to encourage unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are immersed in redefined Bohemian luxury, from a cutting-edge downtown icon to a premier luxury lodge, Savannah's entertainment destination and an elite ski lodge. The Kessler Collection was the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, introduced with seven Autograph Collection branded hotels. Each property is a bold, original hotel carefully created with style and the individualist traveler in mind. For more information about The Kessler Collection, please visit kesslercollection.com or call 888.472.6312.