NEW YORK.- Famed restaurateur Gennaro Sbarro, in collaboration with The Art Alliance of Soho, presents world class exhibitions to upscale Midtown connoisseurs at SALUTE!, Sbarro�s latest shining star in a restaurant dynasty. Gennaro hosts an inaugural cocktail reception featuring the work of Nora Hutchinson Johnson, on June 29th, 2005 from 7-9 p.m.

�Mind and Matter� features the work of artist Nora Hutchinson Johnson, selected by the Art Alliance of Soho as the first artist to be presented in SALUTE!�s exciting new exhibition program �New to New York.� Johnson has been practicing her craft for more than 20 years and exhibiting at SALUTE! provides a unique opportunity to her for wide-scale visibility in the heart of Manhattan.

As part of Gennaro Sbarro�s commitment to cultivate new experiences in the art of dining, he is excited to bring his guests exhibitions from world class artists. The �New to New York� program at SALUTE! will feature museum quality works. �SALUTE! is honored and eager to support talented artists in their first New York showings, providing an elegant and supportive venue, and offering fine taste in the visual as well as the culinary arts,� states Gennaro Sbarro, owner.

Non traditional and alternative venues have been gaining favor with the arts community. They often provide shows of longer duration, higher public visibility, and a captive audience which serve to create a more enduring experience for the viewer. Says Leah Poller, Director of the Art Alliance and Curator of SALUTE!�s �New to New York� exhibition program, �this is a unique opportunity to work with a patron of the arts, Gennaro Sbarro, and give a real break to deserving talent.�

Nora Johnson�s work is simultaneously earthy and cosmic. Her abstract imagery, executed in natural colors and literally sent into orbit with mercurial metallics, is both a grounding experience and a molten projection into the unknown. �My two dimensional works incorporate earth materials, pigments and metals, which astrologically are symbols of cosmic energy in solidified form,� states Johnson.

The �Mind and Matter� cocktail/reception opening will be held at SALUTE! on Wednesday, June 29th, from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. A special appearance of the Bill Wurtzel Jazz Duo will add to the evening�s program at which a significant number of high profile client�s of SALUTE! will commingle with the newly garnered art community. The exhibition will be visible until July 25 during restaurant hours.