By Liz Leamy
Last Wednesday, more than 125 people gathered at The First Bank of Greenwich Cos Cob headquarters to celebrate the spring season with festivities in sparkling style to experience and view the fantastic display of culturally inspired paintings and other artworks created by Dollka and Dave Morico of the Dollka & Dave Gallery in New Canaan.
All throughout this event, The First Bank of Greenwich main room was teeming with all sorts of people who spent their time visiting and chatting with one another while also taking in the Morico’s extensive display of paintings, prints and other mixed media works centered around such iconic cultural individuals, brands and National treasures as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Coca Cola, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, among more subjects.
“Dollka and Dave are amazing and both of them have different flares with their artwork,” said Frank Gaudio, President and Chief Executive Officer of The First Bank of Greenwich. “This is a big day for me because of this and the fact that everybody here is a dear friend of mine.”
Gaudio also spoke about the importance of art in its relation to the community as well as The First Bank of Greenwich.
“As I drive down North Street every day on my way to work, I’ve never really looked at the greenery as the way I’ve been looking at it this year. It is gorgeous and it is like art,” said Gaudio. “Art comes in many ways, in paintings, in music and in the friends and moments we all have together.”
Certainly this sentiment was also felt among all of those on hand at this event, especially the Doricos, who expressed their deep gratitude at being part of this event, with their work scheduled to be displayed at the bank’s Cos Cob headquarters for an extended period of time, with it also being available for purchase.
“Thank you Frank, you guys are our family,” said Dollka Morico in response to Gaudio. “You’ve welcomed us so many times and we are so grateful to be here. I study art and I think a lot about it, whether it’s Chanel, Polo or whatever it is or might be. I think it through and how it connects to us and affects us emotionally. It all connects us together.”
Dollka Morico also spoke about how the subjects of her paintings represent hope, strength and so much of what can be accomplished through staying true to a dream.
“Women like Coco Chanel didn’t give up and with Marilyn, it was the same thing,” said Dollka Morico. “Ralph Lauren and his Polo brand are also amazing. His work reflects the American dream as well as the classic style of so many Hollywood movies. He personifies America and its dream and possibilities.”
In addition, she talked about the effect these individuals have had on the culture as a whole.
“I always look for the goodness in what all of these people represent and how they affect us and how people also want to be part of it,” said Dollka Morico.
Along with this memorable display of art, attendees also enjoyed food and beverages provided by local establishments such as Meli-Melo and Versailles Patisserie and V Bistro, both of which are located on Greenwich Avenue as well as Val’s Putnam Wines & Liquors, while listening to live music performed by Lawrence Cooley and some of his colleagues.
More than anything, it was apparent everyone at this celebration played an integral role in its terrific success, that is for certain.
“Working and being at this beautiful event with The First Bank of Greenwich has been amazing. The artwork is gorgeous and I love the meaning behind it all,” said Chantal Benavidez, an event team staff member. “Everyone has been so kind and helpful and it has just been a wonderful experience in every way.”
Dollka Morico concurred, adding that the whole mood of the event expressed so much of the spirit of Greenwich.
“Greenwich is beautiful with such an incredible community of people,” said Morico. “It’s beautiful how everyone supports the community whether it’s through their love of the arts or other things. People want to give their best and that’s what I love about it. It makes me want to do better.”
For more information on the Moricos and their art, please look them up at:
DOLLKADAVEGALLERY@gmail.com
DOLLKAANDDAVE.com
DDMorico (instagram)
