The art world united behind Art Miami founder Nick Korniloff and his wife, Pamela Cohen, when Perry Cohen, her son and his stepson, was lost at sea in July 2015.
Now, street artist Al Baseer Holly, known as ABH, will donate 50 percent of the proceeds from sales of commissioned portraits to the Perry J. Cohen Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the couple.
The “Portraits for Perry” initiative hopes to raise $400,000 to establish the Perry J. Cohen Wetlands Laboratory at Jupiter Community High School, in Jupiter, Florida, where the teen was set to begin school in the Environmental Research & Field Studies Academy just three weeks after his tragic disappearance.
“Perry was extremely passionate about art, our environment, marine life and the wild. He was a teenager with big dreams and a great imagination,” said Korniloff and Cohen in a statement. “The art world has been a positive source of support since day one after our son went missing, and a critical participant as we continue the healing process and carry on Perry’s legacy.”
Jorge Pérez with his portrait by ABH. Courtesy of Nick Korniloff.
In addition to providing environmental education, the laboratory will feature a mural of Cohen created by street artist Shepard Fairey, who designed a logo for the foundation.
Collectors wishing to commission ABH to create their portrait are asked to submit a photograph to the artist’s gallery, Arcature Fine Art of Palm Beach. Prices begin at $10,000 for a 38-inch-square canvas, and all commissions are subject to the artist’s approval.
The artist counts Miami-based art patron Jorge Pérez and fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger among his fans, with Hilfiger praising him as a “true street artist with a bundle of talent” in a statement.
“Portraits for Perry” will officially launch January 12–15 at the latest addition to Korniloff’s art fair empire, Palm Beach Modern & Contemporary Show.