Edward Hopper | Chop Suey, 1929

"Chop Suey" is the most iconic Edward Hopper (1882-1967) painting.

The 1929 masterpiece became the most expensive work of pre-war American art when it sold for $91,875,000 (including buyer’s premium) on 13 November 2018 as part of An American Place: The Barney A. Ebsworth Collection.

Cesar Santos, 1982 | Contemporary realism painter

Cesar Santos is a Cuban-born American painter, best known for images that transmit the impression of paintings of the past, but are also imbued with contemporary, fresh concepts and his own philosophy.

His work shows a wide range of influences, including sources as diverse as the Renaissance, Nineteenth Century academic work, and contemporary society.

His artistic energy drives him to arrange elusive figures and objects in conceptual designs, yet rendering them in a believable and convincing way.

Romel de la Torre, 1963 | Figurative painter

"I find spiritual beauty in all the things that I paint.

The innocence of a child's face, the endless blue color of the sky, the smell of flowers in the garden, the sound of raindrops falling on the roof.

These gives joy in my heart, inspiration, and gratitude... of being an artist" - Romel de la Torre

Born in Cebu City, Philippines in a community of artists, Filipino painter Romel de la Torre's artistic interest started at a very young age.

With the encouragement of his parents he began sketching the world around him.

Henry Clive | Art Déco / Pin-up Illustrator

Henry Clive (born Clive O'Hara, 1883-1960) was a prominent Australian-born American graphic artist and illustrator, best known as a master of Art Déco and pin-up art.

He gained iconic status for his vibrant, idealized portraits of screen celebrities and "pretty girl" illustrations that defined the visual style of the Jazz Age.

Clive's paintings are prized by collectors, but are rare, as only a few are known to exist.

Nancy Crookston | Figural Impressionist painter

Nancy Seamons Crookston (1948-2023) was a California-based artist awarded the title of Master Oil Painter of America.

One of the most widely recognized artists in the nation, Nancy Seamons Crookston passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on November 17, 2023 from complications of shoulder surgery.

She was 74, a week away from her Thanksgiving Day birthday.

Stanislav Sidorov, 1954 | Romantic Impressionist painter

American artist with Russian heritage Станислав Сидоров was born in the city of Blagoveshchensk, in the Far East of Russia.

This Town is the capital of the Amur Region and has a unique location directly on the border with China.

Stanislav came from a family of artist's who nurtured and encouraged his creative talent.

He started his art education as a child in the Creative school for Gifted kids then, 4 years in college, then 6 years In the Vladivostok University of Fine Art with formal studies focused on the traditions of the Russian Realistic School of painting characterized by artist's of the 19th century.

George Bodine | Figurative / Cityscape painter

Professional artist George Bodine paints landscapes, cityscapes and people.

Recently, he has been travelling extensively in Europe, and his paintings reflect his unique vision here and abroad.

He paints almost exclusively in oils, many of which are from small, niche manufacturers.

George often hand stretches Belgian linen sized with rabbit-skin glue and primed with white lead, techniques dating from the 16th. century.

When Christmas was prohibit

A 1931 edition of the Soviet magazine Bezbozhnik, published by the League of Militant Atheists, depicting an Orthodox Christian priest being forbidden to take home a tree for the celebration of Christmastide, which was banned under the Marxist-Leninist doctrine of state atheism.

While Christmas is celebrated globally, throughout history, various nations and regions have banned Christmas celebrations for religious, political, or ideological reasons.

These bans ranged from 17th-century religious reformations to 20th-century state-sponsored atheism.

Even today, in 2025, there are nations that maintain strict bans or significant restrictions on Christmas celebrations.