El Artista Cigars has announced a new initiative known as Artista Studio Works (ASW). ASW is described as a collaboration between the El Artista Factory and Dominican Artists from all medium meant to showcase Dominican culture through works of art and inspiration.

The initial art work includes humidors and 3-panel wall art for the David Ortiz and Buffalo TEN brands.

“We make tobacco and cigars,” Says Radhames “Ram” Rodriguez, President of El Artista Cigars in a press release, “and that is our art. But there is so much artistic expression around us here on the island and I wanted to make an opportunity to share that with anyone who is curious about the Dominican Republic; we are so much more than just tobacco.”

“Artista Studio Works aims to discover talent, bring the artist into the Studio and allow them to interpret the factory, our brands, or the general cigar lifestyle,” States Kevin Newman Director of Marketing & Sales for El Artista Cigars, “and in that way we hope to support, uplift, and generate interest in the artist and in the wonderful community of artists here on the Dominican island.”

Under the project, ASW will seek out artists from around the island and invite select artists at regular intervals and in different mediums to join the collaborative. Artists’ works will then be licensed and reproduced and the artist will receive compensation for their work as well as the notoriety and exposure.

The first artist selected to join Artista Studio Works is René Peña, an accomplished Dominican painter who describes his styles as, “simple realism, abstract and colorful”. Says Rodriguez: “René made for us two brand new works, one of David Ortiz and the other of Buffalo TEN. These are incredible works of oil on huge canvas that will be transferred to artwork and merchandise for the cigar smoking public. We are so very excited to bring these items to the light of day and to showcase René in this way!” Added Newman, “Our intention was to showcase our first artist, René, at this years PCA however it did not work out in the way we had hoped.”

The initial artwork released includes a three-panel wall at (20″ x 18″), which will be used for promotional retailers for El Artista Cigars. In addition, there will be 50-count humidors signed by the artist. A total of 200 humidors will be available priced at $150.00 for the Buffalo TEN and $190.00 for the David Ortiz one. These humidors will be for sale beginning December 1st.

Photo Credits: El Artista Cigars