Leitz Leather Bracelets with Gemstones and Luxury Hardware

KMR Arts Gallery will host the dynamic husband and wife team Eric and Sherry Leitz who will be showing theit latest collections of accessories. The holiday shopping experience will take place today, Friday December 11th and tomorrow, Saturday, December 12th from 11 am to 5 pm at the gallery which is located at 2 Titus Road, Washington, CT 06794.

Leitz Luxury Leather accessories are the epitome of bohemian chic. and the rock and roll chic bags, belts, cuffs and bracelets are individually hand crafted. Their clients read like a who's who of Hollywood and includes such stars as Tom Cruise, Janet Jackson and Will Smith. Their newest collection of bracelets and necklaces combine leather with cultured pearls for a sexy, modern look.

Gallery owner, Kathy McCarver Root is a big fan of the collection, "The Leitz leather designs strike the perfect balance: bold yet cool, sophisticated yet utterly wearable. Eric's sense of color, proportion and materials is impeccable. I love that each piece can be custom, with handsome embossed initials, stitching, and color choice. It's great to stay local, it really makes a difference to small businesses.... and who doesn't need a little rock n roll this time of year!"

Eric and Sherry Leitz with a Signature Handbag and Weekend Bag

 

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING ALL!

 

 

Brendan O'Connell at The Matthews Group Office (photo courtesy of Mike Yanin)

Brendan O'Connell, whose work is currently being shown in our Washington Depot office, has recently finished a spectacular art installation at Emory University. You can view the time lapse of this project by clicking on the link here.

Brendan O'Connell and Pels Matthews (photo courtesty of Mike Yanin)

Brendan and Pels have a common connection as mentioned by the artist, "Pels and I both have coincidental history with Tucker, GA, where I grew up... His Grandfather had the famous roadside dive Matthews' cafeteria."

Abstract Paintings by Brendan O'Connell (photo courtesty of Mike Yanin)

The abstract work that graces the walls of the Matthews Group office evokes emotions with a combination of bold palettes and strong composition. These collections look impressive singly or in groups as featured above. It is an amazing opportunity to purchase paintings by this truly talented Ameican artist. Stop by the office during our open hours from 9 am to 5 pm or call 860-868-0511 for more information.

Painting by Brendan O'Connell

Brendan O’Connell is best known for his paintings of iconic brands and the aisles of Walmart. O’Connell infuses these modern day environments with a magical quality that transforms both shoppers and products into art. His artistic interpretation of the superstore had some in the media crowning him the “Warhol of Walmart’. Though the concept and subject matter is similar, Warhol put a literal focus on the brand as is seen in print advertisements. O’Connell, on the other hand, infuses his paintings with human warmth paying tribute to everyman and daily life.

 

A Trio of Brendan O'Connell Paintings on view at the Matthews Group Office (photo courtesty of Mike Yanin)

Brendan O'Connell has been featured in the New Yorker, Time Magazine, The Boston Globe as well as his work being reviewed in Art in America. Brendan also appeared on the quintessential Pop American show, Comedy Central’s, ‘The Colbert Report’. O’Connell’s work is collected by celebrities such as Alec Baldwin and Darrell Crate, the former chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party and in 2012 he was honored with a Rubin Foundation Award.

For more information about the artist, Brendan O'Connell, please click here.

 

Exquisite Pink Leather Handbag

"It's not what you spend but how you wear it that counts. The key is often to dress up inexpensive basics with accessories. Something like a beautiful designer bag or belt can make everything else look richer and more luxurious."
Chloe Sevigny

Those words ring true for any of us lucky enough to have discovered the amazing leather collections of Washington-based husband and wife team Sherry and Eric Leitz. Their stunning pieces meld a little bit of rock n roll style with luxurious materials and design. As a team they started making by hand one-of-a-kind vintage studded belts and cuffs out of their NYC apartment. What started as a hobby has now turned into a full time business which they run out of their home in the country. Their current collections include handbags, wine carriers, bracelets, belts and other distinctive accessories for men, women and children.

The secret is out and this Friday and Saturday you can shop these collections at KMR Arts, 2 Titus Road, Washington Depot, CT 06794. This not to be missed 'Pop Up' Shop will take place Friday, August 28th 11 am- 5 pm and Saturday, August 29th, 11 am- 5 pm.

Eric and Sherry Leitz

Eric Leitz is an FIT Graduate who started his career with Giorgio Armani and went on to launch Ralph Lauren Purple Label Men's Clothing. He has dressed celebrities from the worlds of film, music and politics including Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, Dustin Hoffman, Whitney Houston as well as Presidents George H.W. Bush and son George W. Bush among many others. Sherry Leitz explains that her role has been to "encourage, inspire and support my talented husband so his creativeness was able to flow and grow into this amazing leather business." Sherry brings her experience of being a custom clothier dressing high level executives in NYC to their company in addition to being a full time mother to their two beautiful children.

Leitz English Bridal Leather Wrap Bracelet available in double or triple wrap with gold or silver studs.

A Rich Selection of Colors can be found in the Handbag Collections

Oak bark tanned all natural English Bridal Leather Wine Totes in Single or Double Size. They are made to order and can be monogrammed with hot foil stamp.

Black bridal leather with gray interior and natural stitched handles

We asked Sherry what made the handbags so unique and beautiful:

"All of our handbags are completely made by hand using a single piece of leather by Eric here in Connecticut. We buy our hides from which the bags are made here in the U.S. All leather goods are dyed, painted, stained and saddle stitched by Erics own hands. They also can be personalized using real gold, copper or silver leaf foil."

Saddle Tan Custom Studded Handle Tote Bag with baby blue lining. Available in a variety of color combinations with gold or silver studs. 

I’m so happy to see Eric and Sherry using their vast retail experience towards launching their own brand. I have never seen another leather product like this that is truly HAND made, one at a time. I have several bags and absolutely love them. Just got the new pink one! Pels wears the bracelets and belts every day and we love to give the leather wine carriers as gifts.

Stop by on Friday or Saturday at KMR Arts to meet this talented couple and shop for your next fabulous accessory!

For more information, see below:

917-734-5044
SherryLeitz@icloud.com
Instagram: LeitzLeather

This exquisite family compound simply has it all with over 10 acres with Shepaug River frontage. This provides plenty of options for outdoor activities including tubing and fishing from your own back yard!

The Shepaug River is a 26 miles long river in Connecticut. The river begins in Warren and runs south through Washington, Roxbury, and Southbury, where it joins the Housatonic River at Lake Lillinonah. It is a pristine flowing body of water running through beautiful countryside such as this property.

Nature in all its Forms enhance the Grounds

The Stunning Poolhouse also serves as a Guest house

A view from above of the Poolhouse and Pool

Beautiful Landscaping around the Property

The interior is spectacular with a five bedroom main house that includes a gourmet eatin kitchen that opens to a family room with a cupola. There are main and second floor master bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms and a finished lower level with a gym and a sauna. 

A beautifully designed Master Bedroom

A light-filled Master Bathroom

Splendid Patios for Entertaining

Quiet Spots to sit and enjoy the Countryside

This Uber Chic Barns boasts a Game Room and a Guest Room

Design by Justin Shaulis

Interior Designers, Architects and Industry Experts return to The Mayflower Grace for a 'Day of Design' on Saturday, June 13th. These design experts and industry gurus will discuss their inspirations, style secrets and design aesthetic. We are thrilled to be a sponsor of this event which introduces another stellar group of panelists to the area. There will be an al fresco lunch provided by the restaurant ‘Muse by Jonathan Cartwright’ and a VIP ‘Meet the Designers’ cocktail party with a book signing with Robert Couturier and Susanna Salk

Stacey Bewkes, Robert Couturier and Susanna Salk at last year's event.

Alan Barry Photography

The first morning panel, ‘Styling the Collection’ will bring together Kathryn McCarver Root of KMR Arts Gallery with designer Alan Tanksley and the Editor in Chief of New England Home Magazine, Kyle Hoepner to discuss how to curate, style and display your collections.

A styled collection by Alan Tanksley

The second morning panel is ‘The Narrative of Wallpaper’. Our friend, dynamic interior designer Philip Gorrivan and Fromental North America Director, Melissa Mittag will give an informative talk on how wallpaper can transform a modern interior.

Exquisite wallpaper from Fromental

The first afternoon talk covers ‘Bold Moments in Design’ a subject that examines what are those elements of design that make the strongest statement. The three panelists have rich backgrounds; Stacy Kunstel is a designer, stylist and a writer for national magazines who also founded the design company Dunes and Duchess with her partner, photographer Michael Partenio. Katie Curtis and Justin Shaulis are young energetic interior designers with an eye for what is fresh and exceptional.

Design by Kati Curtis

Following this panel is a discussion of ‘Designing Paradises’ with internationally renowned Robert Couturier who is included in Architectural Digest’s prestigious annual list of the best decorators. From Morocco to South America to the Litchfield Hills, the residences that Couturier has built and decorated are the houses of dreams.

Design by Robert Couturier

The moderators for the panels are two of the most preeminent style setters and design mavens in the industry. Susanna Salk, a Litchfield County resident is a prolific author of highly regarded design books including her latest publication, ‘Decorate Fearlessly!’. Stacey Bewkes, founder and writer of Quintessence, has a mantra to ‘Experience, inspire, inform – it’s all about living well with style and substance.’ After 17 years as an art director in New York City, she left the corporate world for Connecticut. She adds, “It is a continuing love of design that led to the creation of this lifestyle blog, a discerning online guide to those special discoveries that make life just that much better.”

Reservations are required and can be booked by calling Christine Afiouni at The Mayflower Grace 860-868-9466