V E R · N I S · S A G E (noun) (French): "the varnishing"; originating from London’s Royal Academy of Arts and the French Salon of the 19th century, this term refers to the day prior to an exhibition’s official opening. During this time, the artists would add a final layer of varnish to their paintings, while the most important collectors and esteemed art critics had the first preview, making the Vernissage the most exclusive and coveted time during an exhibition.
Vernissage operates as an art advisory firm based in Los Angeles and Miami. Our focus centers around investment-grade and museum-quality artworks. We specialize in the acquisition and de-acquisition of artwork for prestigious collections, individuals, and museums.
Co-Founder Rachel Cole is the Director of Client Relations and the Principal Art Advisor of Vernissage. She is continuously informed of all aesthetic and economic trends and her wealth of knowledge stems from her well-rounded background in the art market. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Since then, she has worked as a research assistant at Columbia University's Art History Department, in the Education Department of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, within American Paintings at Christie's Auction House in New York City, and as Director of De Re Gallery in Los Angeles. Rachel is based in Los Angeles, but spends much of her time also in Chicago and New York.
Co-Founder Chelsea Petronko is the Director of Operations of Vernissage. Prior to her career in art, she had a career as an international model, working in Asia, Europe, and North America. After leaving the modeling industry, she studied Economics and then furthered her art history studies at Sotheby's. Her knowledge of international arts and culture left her with direct relationships with private art collections around the world. Prior to Vernissage, she was manager and artist liaison of De Re Gallery where she and Rachel worked closely together, sharing the responsibilities of programming and running the art gallery. Most recently, Chelsea has expanded Vernissage to Miami.
Co-Founder Rachel Cole is the Director of Client Relations and the Principal Art Advisor of Vernissage. She is continuously informed of all aesthetic and economic trends and her wealth of knowledge stems from her well-rounded background in the art market. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Since then, she has worked as a research assistant at Columbia University's Art History Department, in the Education Department of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, within American Paintings at Christie's Auction House in New York City, and as Director of De Re Gallery in Los Angeles. Rachel is based in Los Angeles, but spends much of her time also in Chicago and New York.
Co-Founder Chelsea Petronko is the Director of Operations of Vernissage. Prior to her career in art, she had a career as an international model, working in Asia, Europe, and North America. After leaving the modeling industry, she studied Economics and then furthered her art history studies at Sotheby's. Her knowledge of international arts and culture left her with direct relationships with private art collections around the world. Prior to Vernissage, she was manager and artist liaison of De Re Gallery where she and Rachel worked closely together, sharing the responsibilities of programming and running the art gallery. Most recently, Chelsea has expanded Vernissage to Miami.
Chelsea Petronko and Rachel Cole in a client's home in front of artwork they placed (Mickey and Minnie by Damien Hirst).
Ian Bailey Photography.
Ian Bailey Photography.
