Ed Berkise and Barbara Fiorino, a brokerage team at New York-based DJK Residential, recently hosted an art exhibit and real estate networking event called “The Art of Real Estate: A New York Frame of Mind.”
The event was held at John Allan’s salon in the Financial District, where paintings by Berkise and photographs by Fiorino will continue to be exhibited and are available for purchase throughout the next month. Berkise’s paintings are priced from $295 to $850, while Fiorino’s photography is priced at $95. Michael Lomio, sales manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, provided wine.
“Ed and I love what we do, both in real estate and for fun, so it seemed natural to bring the two together,” said Fiorino. “This was the first of these events that we’ve hosted, and we’ll definitely be doing it again. We had a great turn out and enjoyed getting to know our peers in a venue outside of the typical real estate transactions.”
Both Berkise and Fiorino sold pieces during the event, and they also hosted a raffle, awarding Linda Derector of Out of the Ordinary Eyewear with one of Fiorino’s photos; Sandy Abbas of Regal Financial won a Berkise painting called “Gaga’s Monsters;” Salvatore Buccheri of Lifetime Brands received a full-service haircut, shave and shoe shine at John Allan’s salon; and Susan Eastham of Mizu Salon won a gift certificate to Sotto 13 in the West Village.
Another way Berkise brings art and real estate together is by providing a custom painting as a housewarming gift for each buyer he works with.
“It’s another way I like to connect with my clients and buyers, to learn about their tastes and provide them with gifts that will decorate their new homes,” said Berkise. “We’re in an industry where making lasting relationships is half the battle, and for me there’s no greater personal touch than creating a piece of artwork for someone.”
