ALUMNX NEWS: Molly Gambardella (VA ’23) & the Maison Courvoisier Collection
VCFA MFA in Visual Art alumnx and sculptural artist Molly Gambardella (VA ’23) was recently commissioned to be included in the permanent collection at Maison Courvoisier, the historic home of the Courvoisier cognac brand’s founder, Félix Courvoisier. For the collection, Gambardella created a lichen-inspired sculpture for the “Flower Salon” at Maison Courvoisier.
“I’ve always been inspired by the resilience and diversity of lichens,” explains Gambardella of the story behind the sculpture. “For this piece, I wanted to capture that essence and relate it to the enduring legacy of Courvoisier. The idea was to create a work that reflects on growth, resilience, and the beauty of adaptation—themes that are central to both the natural world and Courvoisier’s heritage. It’s about finding harmony between nature and craftsmanship.”
The art created by Gambardella was a part of a restoration project led by the renowned French design studio, Gilles & Boissier, who initially contacted Gambardella about the Maison Courvoisier project.
“The opportunity came about quite unexpectedly,” notes Gambardella. “My work was part of an exhibition that caught the attention of the Courvoisier renovation team, led by Gilles & Boissier. They were looking for art that would resonate with the Maison’s rich history and future vision. We had several discussions about how my lichen series could fit into this context, and it evolved from there. It was a collaborative and thrilling process, blending my artistic vision with the Maison’s legacy.
Being part of this historic restoration and having my work included in the Maison Courvoisier’s collection has been incredibly energizing. It’s a vivid reminder of the impact art can have in diverse spaces. This experience has broadened my perspective on where art can take you and the potential it has to engage with history and culture. It’s been inspiring and motivating, pushing me to explore further and deeper in my work.”
The Maison Courvoisier restoration, as well as Gambardella’s piece, was covered in a behind-the-scenes feature and video by Architectural Digest.
To her VCFA peers looking to find new and exciting ways to showcase their work in venues around the world, Gambardella encourages determination and experimentation.
“Keep pushing your work into new spaces and conversations,” says Gambardella. “Opportunities can come from the most unexpected places, and it’s important to be open to where your art can lead you. This experience with Maison Courvoisier started with a simple exhibition viewing and evolved into something much bigger. So, my advice would be to stay true to your vision but also be flexible and open to the paths your art can create.”
Support Molly Gambardella’s work at her website, www.mollygambardella.com, and view her work with the Maison Courvoisier at Architectural Digest.