Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Launches Monthly Event, 'Art & Wine: A Perfect Pairing'

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Wine pairings are not just for food anymore.  Do you love art?  Fine wine?  Why not combine the two for an enjoyable evening discovering the worlds of wine and art and their many similarities at the new Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) event, "Art & Wine: A Perfect Pairing."  The kick-off event will be Wednesday, November 10, during BGFA's popular "Locals' Night."  

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Jason Smith, Bellagio's Director of Wine and one of four of the hotel's Master Sommeliers, will pair wines from Bellagio's cellar with artworks featured in the current exhibition, "Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form."  Pairings will include Pierre-August Renoir, Young Algerian Woman Leaning on a Parapet, paired with Domaine de Triennes Viognier "St. Fleur" Cotes de Provence 2008, and Vik Muniz, Boy with a Pipe, After Pablo Picasso (Pictures of Pigment), paired with John Duval Shiraz "Plexus" Barossa Valley 2006.

"I have spent many years studying wine, and these events are pushing my wine knowledge to a whole new level," Smith said.  "'Art & Wine: A Perfect Pairing' not only allowed me to view the works of art from a different perspective, but it added a visual dimension to the joy of tasting wine."

A unique way to experience BGFA's world-class exhibitions again or for the first time, "Art & Wine: A Perfect Pairing" will be the second Wednesday of every month (upcoming dates include December 8, 2010 and January 12, 2011) and will feature art and pairings that will vary from champagne to tequila to possibly beer, depending on the inspiration.  This special event will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with an interactive wine and art conversation with Smith and BGFA Director Tarissa Tiberti beginning at 6 p.m.  Ticket prices are $25 for BGFA members and $33 for non-members.  

Tiberti said, "During this collaborative effort, we explored the many commonalities of art and wine.  They are both subjective, evoke emotion and tend to be very personal.  I've enjoyed the creative discussions we've had internally and look forward to having them with our guests as well."

"Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form" will be on view through January 9, 2011.  Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is open Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Last admissions are sold 30 minutes prior to closing.  

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for Nevada residents and seniors 65 and older, $10 for students, teachers and military with valid ID.  Children 12 and younger are free.  Tickets and information are available by calling (702) 693-7871 or (877) 957-9777, or online at www.bellagio.com or www.ticketmaster.com.  Audio tours are included in the price of admission.  Located adjacent to the gallery, The Gallery Store offers a selection of prints, books, stationery and unique gifts.

SOURCE MGM Resorts International