New York Flower Show™ Gala

Nicholas Varney has always been inspired by nature and the organic as a jewelry artisan. His extensive travels throughout his childhood opened his eyes to the beauties of nature and the richness of different cultures around the world. After growing up in a family with a sophisticated influence in design, it came as no surprise when he decided to open his own design studio in New York after graduating from the Gemological Institute of America in Vicenza, Italy. Nicholas’ use of precious metals, rare natural pearls, and colorful gemstones mixed with wood, cork eggshell, and coral create an unexpected and whimsical beauty rarely seen in fine jewelry. He has received many accolades for his bold designs over the years, including being inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2006, named one of Forbes' “Five Jewelers Working Today That You Will Be Collecting Tomorrow,” and featured in various publications including Veranda, Town & Country, Vogue, and W Magazine. Nicholas splits his time between Florida and his beloved farm in Millbrook, New York.

Based in New York City, Will Cotton is a contemporary artist best known for his photorealistic work that features scenery completely comprised of sweets. Inspired by themes of indulgence and desire, his paintings, drawings, and sculptures highlight subjects dressed in bright sugary confections surrounded by candy-inspired landscapes that include marshmallows, peppermint sticks, cakes, and macarons. Cotton’s work is high-profile and he has participated in a number of well-known collaborations, such as the creation of a new confection in partnership with Ladurée and photographing actress Elle Fanning dressed in his candy-inspired clothing for New York Magazine. In 2009, Cotton opened a pop-up French bakery that doubled as an art installation, giving visitors the experience of viewing his work while also surrounded by the aroma of freshly baked sweets. One of Cotton’s most notable and easily recognizable works is his creation of the Candy Land-inspired set of the “California Gurls” music video for pop singer Katy Perry. Cotton’s painting of Perry reclining on cotton candy clouds, titled “Cotton Candy Katy”, was featured on the cover of Perry’s album, Teenage Dream. Cotton received his BFA from Cooper Union and is represented by Mary Boone Gallery in New York and Galerie Daniel Templon in Paris. You can find his work in the permanent collections of several prominent museums such as the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.; Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.; and Orlando Museum of Art, Florida.