Welcome to Bella Unica
Bella Unica is a European style, contemporary and modern art gallery, bringing little-known local and international artists in a moderate to premium price range. The core collection is inspired by Impressionism, Abstract and Contemporary-Realism movements. We also are big supporters of young and unknown talent. Our Creative Farm showcases artists who have no exhibition history. Artists in the Farm are strictly non-gallery artists.
Meet Our Creative Team
Natalie Vélez: Founder and CEO
Our Founder is originally from St. Petersburg, Russia; now a resident of her sister city, St. Petersburg, Florida. Having studied fine art and marketing at the St. Petersburg State Academy of Culture and having traveled around the world to many global art centers and visited their top-rated museums (Moscow, St. Petersburg Russia, Paris, London, New York, Venice, among others) and through Asia, gives Natalie a unique perspective on art and culture.
She loves spending time at artists’ studios, while conversing about art, inspiration, personal stories and future plans; she creates unforgettable art shows and promotional campaigns.
Natalie’s an artist in her own right. Here paintings and art photography have hung in several shows and now belong to some private collections in the US and Europe.
“I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF ART TO SPARK IMAGINATION, GIVE LIFE TO THOUGHT, BREATHE EMOTION INTO MUNDANE EXISTENCE, CREATE DIALOG, AND TO ADD BEAUTY AND ENJOYMENT TO LIFE. “
Dee Perconti: Art Attaché
Dee Perconti is Vice President of Perconti Data Systems, a St. Petersburg based software development company.
Dee is well known as a patron of art and a supporter of local charities. She was elected to the Board of Directors of Rapha International, which is an organization that rescues children from human trafficking in South East Asia and Haiti.
Dee is serving on the Board of Directors as a Secretary at Petersburg Opera Company and she is also a member of the St. Pete Glitter Queens, who has raised more than $300,000 for children’s charities.
In addition, she is a mixed-media artist who has shown her work at the Chapel Gallery, The St. Petersburg Opera Co. Mirella Cimato Gallery, the historic Vinoy Hotel, Carrollwood Cultural Center and others.
She is pleased to have collectors nationally and internationally.
“I MAKE ART TO SHOW HOW WE ARE EVER GROWING, CHANGING, EVOLVING AND TRANSFORMING. IT’S A MESSAGE OF OPTIMISM AND HOPE. LIFE IS EXCITING, VIBRANT AND FULL OF SECOND CHANCES. “
Eddie Velez: Co-Founder and Director of Marketing and Sales
Eddie Vélez has over 25-years of experience in formulating marketing strategies and implementing tactics and support material necessary for a synergistic plan.
Eddie is a graduate of The School of Art and Design, in New York City, with a major in advertising and a minor in cartooning. He also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and was apprenticed by Neal Martineau of Ogilvy and Mather—a three-time winner of the Ogilvy Award for Advertising Excellence. Eddie Velez is an 8-year infantry Marine Corps, Gulf War veteran.
Eddie contributed the chapter on the Internet and websites for Secrets of Successful Inventing: From Concept to Commerce – 16 Experts Spill the Beans. He has designed and implemented marketing and training programs for companies big and small, and even Hollywood projects.
Our Signature Events
Annual Art, Fashion and Spirits social event. Bringing community together.
Art at The Vinoy. Weekly art shows and art sale at the historic venue.
