HIGHLAND PARK'S PLEEZ HOSTS CHICAGOLAND'S FIRST ART EXHIBIT FOR INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ARTIST KNOWN AS THE 'IRISH PICASSO'

PLEEZ, Highland Park’s newest contemporary American restaurant, bar and lounge with live entertainment, is proud to bring the works of internationally acclaimed artist, Graham Knuttel, to Downtown Highland Park. Often referred to as the “Irish Picasso,” the public is invited to the artists’ first exhibition in Chicagoland on Wednesday, May 27th from 6-8:30pm at PLEEZ, 1935 Sheridan Road, in Downtown Highland Park. An intimate wine and cheese tasting will also be taking place for all attendees.

“Although Graham has not yet had the opportunity to visit Chicago, he has always felt a pull toward this town – perhaps because of its deep Irish roots and its unpretentious love of art and beauty,” says

Miranda N. Cohen, Director of Knuttel Worldwide Ventures LLC. “Graham took an unconventional path to his current success – the first institutions that exhibited his works were restaurants and bars, before galleries and auction houses. So Knuttel artwork feels right at home at PLEEZ and we’re grateful that this is Knuttel’s first stop in Chicago.”

Graham Knuttel has exhibited works in galleries across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Two years ago, Graham partnered with a long-time collector in Las Vegas, Nevada to open the first ever Knuttel-exclusive gallery. The Knuttel Gallery at the Venetian/Palazzo on the Famous Las Vegas Strip hosted the who’s who of Las Vegas and beyond before Knuttel Worldwide expanded and moved on to exhibit at galleries across the United States.

Knuttel has attracted an eclectic and diverse group of notable collectors including Frank Sinatra, Colin Farrell, Whoopi Goldberg, Bono, Michael Stipe, Jerry and Jane Weintraub, Joanna Lumley, the William Morris Agency, Goldman Sachs and Sylvester Stallone, who took a liking to the artist’s work in 1993 and has since amassed a large collection. Fans worldwide are drawn to the vivid color, distinctive humor, and exuberance of Knuttel’s work.

PLEEZ owner, Steve Schwartz happened upon the Knuttel Gallery in Las Vegas when he was about to open his new restaurant. He immediately fell in love with the artwork and worked out a deal to become one of the nation’s first consignees of the artist. “I remember walking into the gallery and being unable to take my eyes off of his pieces,” says Schwartz. “His art really speaks to me, and that feeling still fills me every time I look at his work throughout my restaurant.”

PLEEZ is decorated with Graham Knuttel artwork from large prints on the walls to miniature plates, candle holders and vases throughout the restaurant, bar and lounge areas. Knuttel has certainly left his mark on the Highland Park restaurant, and Schwartz is thrilled to share Knuttel’s creations with Chicagoland.

Ms. Cohen will give a brief presentation on Knuttel, his work, career, and the effect his art has created worldwide. The collection on exhibit at PLEEZ will include an array of works representing Knuttel’s several well-known themes, such as Bar-B-Que, Flower Girls, Bringing Home The Catch, Mr Punch Backs A Winner, Keeping Watch, Still Life with Clouds, as well as Tipperary items such as plates, candles, books and vases. All artwork will be available for purchase, with a 15% discount for all attendees.

For a preview of Knuttel’s works, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/127128194@N08/sets/72157648718632797/