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Welcome, everyone, to The Design Board, I'm your host, Susan Fernandez, senior vice president of marketing at UpSpring. I'm joined today by an incredible leader in art curation for the hospitality industry, Terry Eaton, president and chief curator of Eaton Fine Art.
Eaton Fine Art was founded in 1992 by Terry and his husband, Robert Williams. This award-winning, full-service art consultancy firm specializes in curating engaging and memorable art collections for hotels around the world. For more than 30 years, the company has collaborated with renowned hoteliers, design firms and procurement companies, as well as high-profile hotel brands and developers. Some notable collaborations include Rosewood Hotels and Resorts and related companies, Marriott International, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Host Hotels and Resorts.
As today's guests expect holistic travel experiences, Eaton Fine Art is proud to be rated the highest category, leader by MindClick. This organization rates the environmental health of suppliers in the hospitality industry. Eaton Fine Art is also proud to be a minority business enterprise as certified by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Today we will discuss curating a guest experience that would keep travelers coming back for more. Thank you for joining me today, Terry. I'm so excited to delve into this conversation.
Thank you, Susan. It's great to be with you today.
We're so excited. First I'd love for you to tell our listeners about your passion for travel and art and what led you to this harmonious relationship of curating art collections for hotels around the world.
My wonder lust for travel actually started when I was a young boy, when aged four, my family lived in Germany. Thank goodness I'm so blessed that my parents wanted us to travel every summer. We traveled throughout Europe. Those experiences still stay with me today. I remember the amazing art and beautiful furniture and everything within the castles we traveled to. I remember the Venetian glass, shiny objects to a little boy. It was just such a joy. As far as truly coming full circle, I sold my own artwork at the Starving Artist Fair in San Antonio when I was a teenager. It's a joy now to collaborate with so many artists and artisans around the world promoting their work. It's really a joy. I love that so much.
That's so interesting. You lived in China. That's so interesting. Can you tell us about that?
I did. I lived in China for five weeks total. I was researching either collaborating with developers in China and/or producing in China. I lived in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Hong Kong, and back to Shanghai. It was a very immersive and joyful experience ranging from these amazing little restaurants in an alleyway in Hong Kong to big, amazing five-star dining experiences in Beijing or Shanghai. I had so many memories. I traveled to museums in all of the cities, cultural touch points from the Imperial Palace, everything.
Another place that I really love traveling to is Mexico City, or CDMX, which I know so many of our friends and colleagues have been traveling to in the past couple of years also. Mexico City is such an amazing spot, filled with culture and the passionate people about the arts and the architecture. Again, strangely enough, I first went to Mexico City on a high school trip, so my visions and my thoughts of Mexico have certainly changed since that time.
Terry, it's so funny. Your life is predestined.
It really is.
It really is. It's like the universe was like, we're going to make you into an art curator whose specialty is really understanding a cultural language that there are a million words and a million visuals for, but it is a very specific language, and it just presented you with all of this. I love it.
Yeah, it is fun.
Could you share some of your favorite experiences that merge art with travel?
Oh, that's a good one and a difficult one at the same time, Susan. A few trips come to mind. I would say probably one location is when I traveled to Panama. We were collaborating on a resort there in the country of Panama. I traveled both to Panama as well as to Columbia where ownership was quite a few times.
In Panama I met with artists, artisans. The most memorable of trips combining travel and art was as I was driven down to what was called the boat dock, it's where the dirt road goes into the water, and they said, "This is your boat." I looked at my translator and I said, "This is a hollowed out log." He said, "Yes, this is our boat," but we were going up to the rainforest. It was such a joy to go deep into the rainforest to meet with the tribal leaders and his tribe and collaborate with them on weaving baskets for the resort.
Another one of those memorable moments was as we were probably 20 minutes into the water, the guide told me to keep my arms within the boat, that there were alligators within the water. Eaton Fine Art, we go to very deep and amazing means in curating an art program.
Those are some great photos.
Yes, they are, great images.
The other one is back to Mexico City. As I'd mentioned, I traveled there as a young boy, returning back in my art days as an art curator is very different. The first time I saw Museo de Antropología when I was 16 versus seeing it in the past 10 years, very different visions. But Mexico City, I toured Frida Kahlo's Museum, the Casa Azul, Museo de Numismático, is in a 200-plus year building, just phenomenal, the culture, the history, the architecture. If CDMX Mexico City is on anybody's bucket list, I'd put it up to the top of the list. It's just a beautiful place.
For the past three decades, Eaton Fine Art has curated collections for distinguished hotels and resorts. Can you share three valuable lessons that you've learned along the way?
I think one lesson that we continue to learn and that is one of the bases of our every art curation is the authenticity. I think authentic experiences allow the travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture, so one gains a deeper understanding of the traditions, the customs, and the ways of life in that destination. This leads to a more meaningful and enriching experience from our perspective and is why we collaborate with local artists and artisans curating the art collections that truly capture the essence of each destination.
I also think engaging and keeping the guests in mind. A well-curated art collection helps set the tone in the atmosphere of a hotel making it unique and memorable. I think the selection of artworks can reflect the local culture, history, and environment. It provides the guests with a sense, a place and a deeper connection to that destination. I know when I travel, and I think many people, we're looking for thought-provoking travel experiences that foster an emotional connection and encourage interactions. That's one of the things that we love to collaborate with our hotel clients on.
Then again, that local experience, discovering a local connection at a hotel or a resort can lead to that enriched travel experience. I think it really creates lasting memories that transcend mere geographical boundaries. Today's guests look for a localized travel experience during their hotel stay. I know I do. We do. We collaborate with local artists to customize our collection to capture, in some cases, the history, a theme, the creative visuals of a particular destination.
I think that really is reflected in the collections that I've seen where some of these things in the local vernacular might be a rhythm of a weaving. It might be the color of certain paint in the areas that is really prevalent. Then it is woven into your collection in a way that gives the guest, it speaks to authenticity, it keeps them engaged and it keeps them in the language.
Yes, very true.
Let's jump into the main topic of our discussion. Can you tell our listeners how an art collection and hospitality interiors helps elevate the guest experience?
I really think it goes to the basis of storytelling and for the guests within that particular property. We believe that an art collection does elevate a guest's thoughts and memories. The meaningful art, whether it's an amazing painting that invites you in, a piece of sculpture, that thoughtful print in the guest rooms or suites, or as you'd mentioned, an intricately woven textile piece.
The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek features an elegant art collection based around a custom photo shoot at that historical property. We overlaid that photo shoot and those images with contemporary art and accessories that really achieves a timeless appeal.
Similarly, the Park Hyatt Aviara has a large sculpture soaring seven feet high on a stone plinth. The great blue heron in its wings creates that concept for the guests of what they may be seeing at the property. Also, we created and curated custom sculptural art above every headboard, which allows the guests to determine what they see within the sculpture, so again, creating a memorable experience about where they are during their travels.
It's really beautifully nuanced and layered. Based on your rich experience and past success, can you describe some of the most important aspects to consider when creating a travel experience that keeps people coming back for more?
It's similar to what we've spoken about earlier. I think the authenticity and uniqueness of the curated art is so important. Whether the art embodies or speaks to the location of the property, or whether the art collection enhances the storytelling of the brand or property, as one of the many Las Vegas resorts we collaborate on, the art should excite, entice and engage the guests creating those lasting impressions so that they do remember the travel experience through the art and the subtle nuances and those layers that you mentioned.
I had the pleasure of staying in a hotel that you did the art collection for in Las Vegas. It really did add this layer of sophistication, but it also felt like we were getting to see a different side of Las Vegas. We were getting a more intimate look.
That's wonderful, thank you. I'm glad that you felt the same.
Yeah, it was really interesting. It was something that we commented on over and over again. We're like, "Whoa, look at this." I think it's almost intangible in some way of how the connection is so emotional.
Can you share three recent projects in which you and your team curated an art collection that really focused on transporting guests into a dynamic and immersive experience?
I'd be thrilled. There's so many, but I'm going to go back to one or two that we've spoken about. One of those is the Rosewood mention on Turtle Creek because it has special meaning for me. I met Caroline Hunt Schoellkopf, the founder of Rosewood Hotels, many times when my husband Robert and I lived in Dallas. 35 years later to be collaborating on the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek with the immensely talented interior designer, Thomas Pheasant, it was a joy to curate and produce an art collection with Tom for all the guest rooms, suites and public areas.
Another project is the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas, the largest Virgin Hotel in the world actually. We collaborated with Studio-Collective and Klai Juba. Our team had a great time curating the art collection for all the rooms and suites, the premier suites, the spas, and several other public areas. It was a great joy to combine the ethos of a cheeky British brand with the desert and overlay that with a little bit of mid-century modern twist also.
I think the third would actually be the joyful project we collaborated on a while back being The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Our team curated and produced all the wall-mounted art for all guestrooms, suites, premium suites, several of the restaurants and bars and the public spaces before the property opened. All of that public space art remains today. It was really fun touring the property with our team at Hospitality Design several weeks ago. The art still feels so current and so fresh. We collaborated with artists from 13 different countries. That art collection continues to elevate the spaces and excite the guests. It's fun. Every time I'm there walking the property, I see guests point at a huge art installation. Some of them are 10 feet by 20 feet. It was just one of those joys that continues to give back.
It is so immersive because it's not in a museum. Some of the work that you curate is obviously museum-quality. You look at it and you get to be a part of the experience. It is quite immersive and just a wonderful feeling of, oh my gosh, this is really in the world and I get to experience it.
It's a joy to collaborate with so many hotel owners and interior designers and brands who understand the value of curating and providing this immersive art experience for their guests. We're very fortunate.
For many guests, travel, as you've been saying, is all about forging these connections. How have you taken steps to curate an art collection that allows guests to contemplate and reflect with artwork that best represents the hotel's ethos?
It continues to be that narrative and storytelling and our team's mindful and very immersive experience of curating for the guests that are going to be within that property. A story or narrative in the art collection we would provide for a Moxy Hotel is going to be very different from a art collection we would be curating and providing for a Rosewood Hotel or a Four Seasons hotel. We're always mindful of who the guests are at and within each of the properties. We curate and create for those guests and that particular brand and story for the right property and location.
Well, you've often been in the guest experience. As a frequent traveler, how would you describe the profound impact and beauty of art on your hospitality experience?
That's a really good point. As you might imagine, I'm a little bit critical when I travel as a hotel guest.
Not surprising.
It's funny. Over the past 32 years in business, when Robert and I travel, or when I travel on my own, we do experience hotels in a different manner because of our connection with the hotels. We really think that art should evoke a response and be memorable. Maybe it entices the guests to learn more about the art, the artists or a technique.
We had the joy to collaborate on the Limelight Aspen with ownership. We were able to provide, as you said, museum-quality artwork in that project, including Robert Rauschenberg's, one of his first prints for Earth Day. We collaborated and provided art from the amazing wonderful artists, Derek Adams and David Shrigley from Europe, so many others that, as you said, their museum-quality, but the guests are able to be immersed in these artists' thoughts and how they are translating their art into thoughts and into the guests experience. We've curated and created many collections, which to continue to garner guests applaud years later.
Quite a few years ago, one of our projects was the Hyatt House, Hyatt Place Tampa and Indianapolis. The artist who was able to recycle and upcycle a used gymnasium floor for the art installation he curated around, it actually went up the two-story side of the building inside the ceiling over down the other side. It's a beautiful element which people are still asking the hotel, "Tell me more about this." Or there's the art at the Four Seasons Beverly Hill in all the suites and quarters which evoke so much meaning to that particular property.
I really think these art collections and others add to the lasting memories of the guests and their travels.
Absolutely. It really is something that there's just no other way to have it. When you talk about these installations, I mean, there's no other way to experience that than to be a guest there and to really have that be something that hits you almost on a gut level. Looking back that you've had an impressive career, looking back at the journey of Eaton Fine Art, what are you most proud of achieving in the hospitality industry? Are there any milestones or moments that stand out to you?
There are a few moments that stand out and I'm sure a few moments that I would want to have forgotten, but still I hold onto. That's the joy of being in business for 32 years. I have to say the thing that Robert and I are most proud of is the amazing team at Eaton Fine Art who makes it all happen. They truly are such amazing humans and creative people. They're the backbone of everything we do.
I'm also thrilled that we've had the honor and joy to collaborate with our clients, our friends at the many brands and industry colleagues for over 32 years.
I'm also really proud that Eaton Fine Arts' sustainability efforts have been rated as a leader, the highest rating provided by MindClick, who's the organization who rates the environmental health of hospitality industry providers. Sustainability is one of our core ethos and principles at Eaton Fine Arts. Again, that's a great honor.
Lastly, I'm really proud that Eaton Fine Art is a minority business enterprise. We've been certified by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Diversity and inclusion, again, is one of our core principles as a firm. It's a joy to be certified as a minority business.
Those are some amazing milestones to look back on, for sure.
They are, and we're so thrilled for those milestones.
I would say you've talked about your team. There is one thing that really impressed me about your team is that this vision, this approach that you have that I would say there's probably other art curators who might say the same thing, but we then see them do a property that looks like they just took a handful of stock images and gave them to the client. But there's something about the way that you've been able to build a team that I think really speaks the same language that you do. It's in such tight alignment. It is really a credit to the way that you've been able to mentor them through so they really come out with the Eaton Fine Art perspective.
Thank you. As I said, we're very fortunate. The team is amazing, so much fun.
So sadly, but lastly, the travel and hospitality industry has endured so many challenges in recent years, such as the pandemic. First, we lost all of our travelers. Now, then they came back in force. Can you describe why traveling is so important for the human soul and why we should all invest time and money and energy into visiting a new destination?
I am also very glad that travel has come back, and as you said or alluded to, the vengeance travel. I've certainly been on the road more in the past year than several years combined. It's a joy to be back on the road.
I think travel is important. Whether it's local, domestic, whether it's international, sometimes I'm traveling solo, sometimes with family or friends, and I think all of us value the new sites and experiences, the people, the natural beauty. It's amazing what we can learn and absorb as we travel. I think whether that's a relaxing vacation at the beach or the mountains or trips filled with city sites, there's so much to learn and to really create memorable experiences. Just a joy to travel and eat the various cuisines of everywhere I travel from, again, fine dining, to that little taco stand and way down the corner on a funky street in Mexico City to that alleyway making the most amazing dumplings in Beijing that I've ever had. I think travel gives us all those experiences that we treasure and that are lasting memories.
That is so beautifully put. Terry, I have to say, I want to travel with you.
Let's go, Susan.
It sounds fantastic. Thank you so much for being a guest here today.
It's my pleasure.
Thank you so much for listening in with us today. We hope you leave inspired by the ideas in today's episode. For more, follow UpSpring on LinkedIn and Instagram, and don't forget to check out the amazing lineup of shows brought to you by the SURROUND Podcast Network at surroundpodcast.com.
