In a powerful statement of cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, the EMBRACE International Art Tour 2025 embarked on a global journey, connecting cultures through multidisciplinary expression. This ambitious initiative, proudly sponsored by Christie’s Costa Rica and Marina Flamingo, celebrated unity, love, and connection through the transformative language of art. Curated by artist Bailey Lalonde and celebrated writer and art critic Anthony Haden-Guest, the multi-city tour bridged borders, bringing together diverse voices worldwide.
Spanning five international cities – New York City, East Hampton, London, Paris, and Milan – EMBRACE showcased the collaborative works of Bailey and Christi Lalonde. Their evocative paintings have gained global attention for their depth, intimacy, and universal themes. Each stop on the tour featured exclusive exhibitions, live performances, and screenings of "The Detour," a film produced by Giant Productions and filmed at Marina Flamingo, anchoring the tour’s connection to Costa Rica.
Art with a Purpose: Social Impact
Beyond its aesthetic value, the EMBRACE International Art Tour 2025 had a deeper mission: to support arts education in Costa Rica through the Marina Flamingo Foundation and aid retired boxing champions via the Taking Care of Our Own initiative. A portion of all artwork sales generated during the tour directly benefited these causes, seamlessly blending artistic celebration with lasting social impact.
Christie’s Costa Rica, as a key partner, brought its commitment to cultural enrichment and philanthropic leadership to the forefront of this initiative. Representatives expressed their belief in the power of art to open dialogue, empower communities, and create lasting bonds across nations. EMBRACE served as a reflection of these values, showcasing a model of impactful cultural sponsorship.
Christie’s Costa Rica, as a key partner, brought its commitment to cultural enrichment and philanthropic leadership to the forefront of this initiative. Representatives expressed their belief in the power of art to open dialogue, empower communities, and create lasting bonds across nations. EMBRACE served as a reflection of these values, showcasing a model of impactful cultural sponsorship.
East Hampton: A Vibrant Group Exhibition
The EMBRACE International Art Tour kicked off its public showings in East Hampton from March 28–30 at ART ROOM by Art Hampton, located within The Room, Clubhouse. This stop featured a vibrant group exhibition, highlighting the tour's collaborative spirit.
The exhibition showcased works by Bailey and Christi Lalonde alongside pieces from celebrated contemporary artists. The event also included screenings of "Toxica," a film by Francesco Bertola and Flavia YL, and "The Detour" by Giant Productions.
The exhibition showcased works by Bailey and Christi Lalonde alongside pieces from celebrated contemporary artists. The event also included screenings of "Toxica," a film by Francesco Bertola and Flavia YL, and "The Detour" by Giant Productions.
New York City: A Dynamic Retrospective
On April 1, 2025, the EMBRACE International Art Tour profoundly impacted New York City, hosting an immersive evening at Ideal Glass Studios. Nestled in the cultural heartbeat of the West Village, this New York art exhibition united diverse voices in a celebration of creativity, connection, and community.
The event featured a dynamic retrospective of Bailey Lalonde’s NYC period, tracing her work's themes of transformation and intimacy. Collaborations with Christi Lalonde and young Mexican, NYC-based painter Brandon Tellez (whose surreal portraiture explores generational identity and mental health) were also on display. Live painting by Lucas Goly, screenings of "Toxica" and "The Detour," and live performances from top New York musicians Mariné Manoukian and Travis Percy, curated by Lalonde, completed the vibrant evening.
The event featured a dynamic retrospective of Bailey Lalonde’s NYC period, tracing her work's themes of transformation and intimacy. Collaborations with Christi Lalonde and young Mexican, NYC-based painter Brandon Tellez (whose surreal portraiture explores generational identity and mental health) were also on display. Live painting by Lucas Goly, screenings of "Toxica" and "The Detour," and live performances from top New York musicians Mariné Manoukian and Travis Percy, curated by Lalonde, completed the vibrant evening.
London: A Soho Art Showcase with Soulful Music
London’s creative community gathered on April 5, 2025, at the elegant Mortimer House in Soho for a stunning presentation of contemporary fine art and live music. This London art showcase emphasized cross-cultural exchange and bold new voices in modern art as part of the EMBRACE International Art Tour.
The highlight of the event was a haunting sound healing set by London-based singer-songwriter Lilita, whose soulful presence captivated the audience. Bailey and Christi Lalonde presented works from their latest series, which focuses on unity, love, and connection. With the backing of Christie’s Costa Rica, Marina Flamingo, and Mortimer House by Maslow’s, EMBRACE London exemplified global collaboration, bridging Latin American creativity with the European art world.
The highlight of the event was a haunting sound healing set by London-based singer-songwriter Lilita, whose soulful presence captivated the audience. Bailey and Christi Lalonde presented works from their latest series, which focuses on unity, love, and connection. With the backing of Christie’s Costa Rica, Marina Flamingo, and Mortimer House by Maslow’s, EMBRACE London exemplified global collaboration, bridging Latin American creativity with the European art world.
Paris: An Art + Music Night in Le Marais
Set in the art-forward Le Marais district, the April 8 stop of the EMBRACE Tour transformed 77 Rue Charlot into a soulful fusion of contemporary art and live blues music. This Paris art event brought together international artists in the heart of the city's vibrant cultural hub.
Art by the Lalondes, Troy Henrikson (a pop-surrealist with roots in Los Angeles and Paris whose politically-charged works brought raw color and commentary), and Sabine Bouillet (a Paris-based visual artist exhibiting boxing-related illustrations) adorned the space. The event was punctuated by an electrifying live blues performance from Ladell McLin, a Chicago-born guitarist known for his work with Buddy Guy and Otis Rush, adding a transatlantic flavor that embodied EMBRACE’s mission of cultural unification.
Art by the Lalondes, Troy Henrikson (a pop-surrealist with roots in Los Angeles and Paris whose politically-charged works brought raw color and commentary), and Sabine Bouillet (a Paris-based visual artist exhibiting boxing-related illustrations) adorned the space. The event was punctuated by an electrifying live blues performance from Ladell McLin, a Chicago-born guitarist known for his work with Buddy Guy and Otis Rush, adding a transatlantic flavor that embodied EMBRACE’s mission of cultural unification.
Milan: A Fashion and Fine Art Finale
The finale of the EMBRACE International Art Tour took place on April 10, 2025, in Milan at the ultra-contemporary space ETERNO, during Salone del Mobile. Known for pushing the boundaries of creative presentation, ETERNO was the ideal venue for a night where fashion met fine art.
Bailey and Christi Lalonde presented final works from the EMBRACE series, integrating site-specific elements and layered storytelling. Francesco Bertola closed the tour by screening one of his latest films. Jacopo Berné, artist, designer, curator, gallerist, and restaurateur, hosted the final showcase in his avant-garde venue. Jeaninne Intriago unveiled a limited collection of bespoke fashion pieces, merging textile and narrative in wearable form.
Bailey and Christi Lalonde presented final works from the EMBRACE series, integrating site-specific elements and layered storytelling. Francesco Bertola closed the tour by screening one of his latest films. Jacopo Berné, artist, designer, curator, gallerist, and restaurateur, hosted the final showcase in his avant-garde venue. Jeaninne Intriago unveiled a limited collection of bespoke fashion pieces, merging textile and narrative in wearable form.
Global Journey, Costa Rican Roots
The EMBRACE International Art Tour 2025 was more than just an art exhibition; it was a movement powered by the belief that creativity can foster global empathy and healing. From the serene waters of Marina Flamingo in Costa Rica to the art capitals of Europe and the U.S., the presence of Christie’s Costa Rica as a lead sponsor underscored the country’s growing cultural voice on the world stage.
This journey exemplifies how art can bridge divides and create shared experiences. While the tour moved through renowned art galleries and performance halls, its true destination was more enduring: shared humanity and a commitment to positive social change.
This journey exemplifies how art can bridge divides and create shared experiences. While the tour moved through renowned art galleries and performance halls, its true destination was more enduring: shared humanity and a commitment to positive social change.
Fostering Dialogue and Connection
The entire EMBRACE tour was designed to open dialogue and foster connection across nations. By showcasing multidisciplinary expression, from evocative paintings to live music and film screenings, the initiative created spaces for engagement and shared understanding.
Each city's event offered unique opportunities for attendees to interact with the artists, explore diverse creative forms, and consider universal themes of unity and love. This emphasis on collaborative expression and cross-cultural exchange exemplified the tour’s dedication to promoting a global sense of community through the power of art.
Each city's event offered unique opportunities for attendees to interact with the artists, explore diverse creative forms, and consider universal themes of unity and love. This emphasis on collaborative expression and cross-cultural exchange exemplified the tour’s dedication to promoting a global sense of community through the power of art.
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