​By Jorge S. Arango On January 9, 2019

​Virginia Woolf’s assertion that “a woman must have money and a room of her own” feels particularly real these days. Blame it on politics, media, popular culture—all of them combined—but more and more the need to carve out a place devoted to our passions and pursuits feels necessary, dire even. And apparently, that urge is reaching a critical mass, thanks to a new kind of women’s club that is making it easier (and more enjoyable) to find a room of one’s own.

The word “club” has varied roots—from the literary women’s groups of the 19th century to the smoky patrician bastions of male privilege of the early 20th century—but the new model for women’s clubs is far more evolved, with a focus on building community rather than advancing social division. Just ask Cate Luzio, a career banker who found Luminary—a 15,000-square-foot establishment in New York’s NoMad neighborhood—this past November. “We purposely don’t call ourselves a club,” she says, explaining she prefers the descriptor “collaboration hub for women.” Luzio believes the potential elitism of old club models can actually be counterproductive. “Moving women around at the top is never going to change the numbers. When you step out of that box, real cross-pollination happens; when you have something exclusive, that doesn’t happen.” To that end, Luminary has an open application process and offers flexible memberships, day passes, and coming this January, a frequent-flier-style program, to allow for members of all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.

Clearly, Luminary is no knitting circle—and it’s not alone in its quest. Last March, London’s AllBright opened in an 18th-century Georgian townhouse with the mission to facilitate networking among women to “build their sisterhood” and “remedy the gender imbalance in the business world,” says cofounder Anna Jones says. In Minneapolis, The Coven is built on inclusivity, billing itself as a “creative, comfortable, and safe workspace for women and non-binary folks,” according to the organization’s cofounder Alex West Steinman. And another women’s collaborative space, The Wing, already has three locations in New York, one in Washington, D.C., and another in San Francisco just two years after initially launching.

​Leave it to the modern woman to turn the old club model of entitlement and exclusivity on its head. At The Coven, members include city councilwoman Andrea Jenkins, the first black openly transgender woman elected to public office. The club also sponsors a “five-for-one” community-funded membership program, whereby for every five memberships purchased, the club grants one free. “They’re prioritized to people of the community who have been historically pushed to the margins,” says Steinman.
The new clubs also aim to create holistic spaces that cater to specific female needs. “If you look at women’s lives, what suffers most is wellness and self-care,” Luzio says. “Women need spaces for things like lactation and meditation. We provide a full ecosystem for them.” This includes a fitness studio with classes and a beauty bar. The AllBright also has a salon that offers members and their guests beauty treatments. Aside from a beauty bar with skincare products, The Coven tenders a “Parent + Prayer” room.
If the new brand of women’s clubs aims to be everything to everyone, it seems to be working: The AllBright will open a second branch in Mayfair this spring that, at 12,000 square feet, is triple the size of the original. The Wing has its sights set on openings in Toronto and five more U.S. cities over the next few years. And The Coven has more than doubled its membership in just 10 months. Finally, it seems, we have a room—many of them in fact—of our own.

CLICK HERE FOR ORIGINAL ROBB REPORT ARTICLE BY Jorge S. Arango

What a privilege!  Those who know me well know that I have been a big supporter of women moving forward to the best of their potential in whatever path they choose.  Sometimes, its the actions that we take quietly and behind the scenes that matter most.  In this  case, I got to do it in bigger than life-size proportions - namely 9 feet tall! Cate Luzio, who has been an amazing force behind organizations that empower women, has launched a new venture called Luminary.    This space allows women to connect, network, and take advantage of a myriad of services and opportunities. It's nothing short of fabulous in every way. 

Through Mary Cantone's William Ris Gallery in Jamesport, on the North Fork of New York, I was invited to do a solo exhibit of my work for the launch.  The exhibit was curated by the meticulous eye of Brooke Cantone.  The Luminary team is an impressive group of women with expertise in various fields ready to put their seemingly endless energy to work.  The launch was a great success with over 300 people in attendance.  

Cate Luzio has deservedly gotten a lot of press on this venture.  I had an extra treat today when I saw an article in Lonny Magazine full of pictures featuring my artwork! Must admit my friends and colleagues had to tolerate a bit of bragging from me today... 

I'm so thrilled to be a part of this for so many reasons.  As an artist, it's always an honor to be able to exhibit in wonderful spaces like this one. My background is finance and I was on Wall Street for many years.  Those skills serve me well advising clients as a licensed real estate salesperson with Douglas Elliman and running "the business of art".

As a businesswoman, my worlds of art, design, real estate and architecture are complimentary to each other.  There is a good synergy at the intersection of all those industries but it takes some definite balancing and hard work.  I know first hand how important it is to have supportive forces and mentors that can open doors and provide insight.  I'm so excited to see the energy behind new resources that provide opportunities for continued self development and growth.  To combine both art and support women in the process is great inspiration for the start of the new year. 
Grateful... 

La muestra "Vivencias" de la artista plastica uruguaya neoyorquina Anahi DeCanio abre en el Consulado General del Uruguay en Nueva York a coincidir con celebraciones por el 25 de Agosto en conmemoracion del 193 Aniversario de la Declaracion de la Independencia de la Republica Oriental del  Uruguay.  La apertura de la muestra conto con la participacion de la destacada soprano uruguaya Luz del Alba Rubio. 

Anahi es una artista multidisciplinaria que usa medios mixtos, fotografias, y collage como su forma de expresion.  Sus influencias son tan variadas como el arte que crea.  Anahi ha atraido la atencion de la prensa en publicaciones como The New York Times, Time Magazine, y el Palm Beach Post. Sus obras han sido distinguidas con numerosas premiaciones, incluidos varios honores de primer lugar.  Nacida en Uruguay, ha vivido en New York desde la adolescencia.  

Su trabajo ha sido exhibido internacionalmente en variados lugares prestigiosos como museos y galerias importantes incluyendo el Boca Raton Museum of Art, Brown University, Steinbeck Center and Museum, Guild Hall, Art Basel Miami.  Cuadros y fotogragias de la artista tambien son parte de producciones de cine y television.  Anahi, es la directora creative de ArtyZen Homes y fundadora de eARThHAMPTONS. 

​Usando su experiencia en finanzas y su pasion por el arte, Anahi es tambien asesora de bienes raices con la empresa Douglas Elliman. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

New York artist and realtor with Douglas Elliman Anahi DeCanio has solo art exhibit at the Consulate General of Uruguay in New York City.  "Vivencias" was organized to coincide with the celebration of the commemoration of the 193rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Uruguay on August 25th 2018.  The well attended festivities included the participation of noted Uruguayan soprano Luz del Alba Rubio and features new abstracts. 

Ms. DeCanio is an award winning multi-disciplinary artist using mixed media as her favorite form of artistic expression.  Her long previous career in finances combined with her design sensibilities are the perfect synergy in her role as full time realtor with Douglas Elliman in New York.  "Design and architecture mixed with a solid investment background is a natural fit" says Ms. DeCanio.  She serves on the board of Artists Alliance of East Hampton as the Communication Chair and on the board of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Long Island as the Sponsorship Director. 

Anahi DeCanio Contact Information: Through this website or at Anahi DeCanio Douglas Elliman

​This was a jaw dropping pleasant surprise. I was asked by the ALWAYS fabulous Rio Hamilton to answer a few questions for him. I thought nothing of it at first. The questions were fun and light hearted but thought provoking as well. I was rather busy at the time and it took a bit for me to respond. But he is detail oriented and the ultimate professional and kept following up.  And then...this morning I see the link.  He makes everything sound interesting - including me!  

I'm a genuine fan long before we even met.  Look up the video of his place highlighted on Open House NYC and you'll catch a glimpse of his impecable taste and his warm and infectious personality.  Must admit - I took screen shots of the video because I so loved how his home was designed.

Mr. Hamilton has been a luxury lifestyle industry insider and connector for over 15 years. His expertise has a wide range but and is at its best cultivating and promoting creative luxury brands.  Imagine how honored I must feel right now! 

For those interested or involved in art, design, architecture, fashion and all things chic, Mr. Hamilton is a must follow! He is at the forefront of all things design. His fashionable appearances at design events are always memorable and substantive. Incredibly grateful to have had the chance to be part of this project.  And yes... I'm gushing - but the love is real.

These are Rio's links:
Facebook
Website  
LinkedIn
Instagram

The Consulate General of Uruguay in New York City has graciously extended an invitation to artist Anahi DeCanio for an exhibition to coincide with a celebration to commemorate the 193rd Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Uruguay "Vivencias" - a title I "borrowed" from my dad who had started a book by that name will feature work inspired by her childhood in Montevideo and her love of New York. 

The event coincides with a celebration for the 193rd anniversary of the Uruguayan Declaration of Independence.  An added highlight of the event is the participation of noted Uruguayan soprano Luz del Alba Rubio will perform. 

​La artista plástica uruguaya Anahí DeCanio exhibirá nuevas obras abstractas en el Consulado General de la República Oriental del Uruguay en la ciudad de Nueva York.  La muestra se titula "Vivencias" - titulo derivado de un libro comenzado por el padre de la pintora.  La muestra coincide con la celebración del 193 Aniversario de la Declaratoria de la Independencia de la República Oriental del Uruguay.  La recepción  cuenta con la participación especial de la soprano uruguaya Luz del Alba Rubio. 
Para recibir información futura del Consulado General del Uruguay en Nueva York, por favor contacte a:   cgnuevayork@mrree.gub.uy

Anahi DeCanio will be exhibiting new abstract work at the Solely Women Group Show at The William Ris Gallery in Jamesport, NY.  The exhibit will be on view from May 12 to June 10th with an opening reception to be held on Saturday May 12th from 4 to 7 pm.  William Ris is adjacent to the Sherwood House Wine Tasting Room.
The William Ris Gallery is pleased to present a group show which expresses the nuances of the female experience through the visual arts. Fourteen accomplished female artists will exhibit over 40 works ranging from oil and acrylic paintings, drawings, collage, watercolor, ceramic sculpture and photography.
Curated by Gallery owner and director Mary Cantone, Solely Women brings together women artists working on the East Coast. The works on exhibit are expansive in their range of theme, medium and inspiration. Included will be:
Anahi’s new zen landscape abstracts to be exhibited along with Erin Hinz’s sun-soaked floating female images, Phyllis Hammond’s colorful aluminum large- scale sculpture, Alex Ferrone’s sensual aerial landscape photography, Marilyn Weiss’ collages created with repurposed materials, Jessica Nissen, Rorschach -like illustrative work, Jane Kirkwood’s, paintings which combine realism with a dream world, the subtle and provocative botanical watercolors of Marissa Bridge, Lori Hollander’s relationship inspired realist portraits, figures in pastel by Ellen Goldstein, textural mixed media works by Valerie Zeman, street photographs of Susan Saunders, Micheline Klagsbrun’s mythological inspired paintings and Pares Mallis’ sinuous ceramic sculpture.

Anahi DeCanio, is honored to be collaborating with Angel Naula and exhibiting once again at the Architectural Digest Design Show 2018 to be held in New York City at Piers 92 and 94.  The exhibit runs from March 22 to March 25th 2018.  Anahi will be displaying new abstract work at Naula's Booth 320 and exclusively at the AD Show Lounge which was solely conceptualized and furnished by Naula Workshops.  Her pieces were especially created to compliment Naula's new sexy and luxurious collection created for the show.

Naula has reimagined the idea of the lounge with pieces from their Soho and Premier Collections. All of their furniture is custom made in Brooklyn. Always on trend, Angel Naula and his team have meshed culture, style and emotion into a cohesive and tranquil environment. Please stop by Naula, booth 320, for the debut of the highly anticipated Bello Sectional Sofa.

This is one of several shows in the past few years where acclaimed designer Naula Workshops collaborates with Anahi DeCanio to create environments that are modern and vibrant while maintaining a feel of classic luxury.

Anahi's work can also be seen at Naula's showroom in Bushwick, William Ris Gallery in Jamesport, through Robin Baron Designs and Accetra Arts.  For additional information you can also contact us through the contact page on this website.

Anahi has upcoming shows in the Hamptons as well as a solo show in NYC.  
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​Hope to see you at the show!

eARThHAMPTONS, now in its third year, will be returning to East Hampton at Ashawagh Hall on Earth Day Weekend 2018.  Stay tuned for more exciting news!  Please follow eARThHAMPTONS on Instagram!