Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1033490
84 I t's a dream collaboration any way you look at it: International home design wholesaler Global Views has acquired Dallas–based Areté Collection, the line of handcrafted furnishings and accessories founded by George Sellers and Bradley Clifford. Sellers is known for his stunning plaster sculpture, including oversized gilded bugs and classically inspired busts. (Rihanna recently purchased one of his gilded praying-mantis sculptures.) Last fall, when Clifford parted ways with Areté to do his own thing, Sellers was connected with David Gebhart, CEO of Global Views. Gebhart's Dallas-based company has showrooms around the world and offers collections by Barbara Barry, Dwell Studio, Ann Gish, and the historic Williamsburg Collection, among others. "I knew of George's amazing plaster work already, and when he asked if I'd be interested in taking on Areté, I couldn't say no," Gebhart says. "I believed his talent level and creative soul would bring a new dimension to home decor." When it debuts at High Point Market this month, Global Views and its Areté Collection will have more than 40 new introductions, including the plaster sculpture and designs the artist is known for (created for Global Views in ceramic due to the frailty of plaster), along with hand-blown Murano glass accessories, bronze lighting, and exquisitely crafted and detailed case goods and upholstered furniture. Sellers has been hands- on from the start and brought his nephew Ely Sellers on board, who is also a plaster artist and master mold maker. Last fall, George Sellers spent months visiting Global Views' MASTER OF PLASTER GEORGE SELLERS JOINS DESIGN POWERHOUSE GLOBAL VIEWS, WITH A DASHING DEBUT COLLECTION BY REBECCA SHERMAN. ART DIRECTION MICHELLE AVIÑA. PHOTOGRAPHY PÄR BENGTSSON AND CINDY JAMES. A hand-plastered room in George Sellers' studio. The 1940s chair inspired a chair design for Areté. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE