Many people are enamored with masks. Maybe it’s the thrill of becoming a whole new person for a while and dumping the dissatisfaction of the loser that you really are. Or maybe it’s just hiding your not so attractive face from the public and sparing them the horror. But let us get on to the real issue… Masked balls remain a staple of charitable events, and although we are not throwing balls, we did the next best thing – Celebrity art. The concept is simple but potent. We produce an exhibition of clay masks designed by a variety of high profile celebrities. The masks are shown along with paintings and prints from some of the most prominent artists in the world. All the artwork is auctioned off and the proceeds from its sale are given to charitable causes. The charities we support benefit from the sale of the masks and other artwork and their corporate sponsors enjoy the publicity and brand building generated by the event. We have had over 1,000 celebrities create masks in the past 10 years. These masks give the viewers a brief but powerful insight into the personalities and gifts bestowed upon the individuals who painted and decorated them. Whether their artistic renderings were designed to conceal, reveal, or empower their creators is part of the challenging guessing game for those who travel through our exhibitions. Below is just a snap shot of some of the celebrities who have brought forth their artistic sides for us.
STING
Sting, or Sir Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (for those of you who prefer a more syllable intensive workout) has been quite the busy Englishman as of late. But first, let us take a brief trip back to the self-aimed social activism of the 70s and the infectious and often ridiculed pop culture madness of the 80s. This time saw the rises of Lamborghini Countaches, mobile phones the size of cucumbers, and other stuff like… uh, the Carbon allotrope fullerene! But in the midst of all this wonderment, there arose a little new wave band called the Police. With Sting embedded in the fun, they released five chart-topping albums and won six Grammy awards. Like a RV family, they drifted from Punk, to Reggae tinged rock, and even walked the roads of minimalist Pop. While never formally breaking up, the members began their own solo projects. As the sands slipped through the hourglass, it seemed as if the Police were decommissioned and the possibility of reuniting seemed as likely as Pac-Man chomping himself to a miserable flop.
However, the seemingly impossible was warped into something possible. On February 11, 2007 the Police, almost like flakes of snow being commingled together into a firmly packed ball, reunited and hurled itself into the face of the music world once again giving it a healthy smack leaving its powdery goodness adhered. But the excitement didn’t end there, as the band announced its Reunion Tour in which the first concert was held in Vancouver on May 28th in front of 22,000 delighted fans whose cheers could have drowned out the noises of Howler Monkeys having an orgy. The Police will be on tour for approximately a year, beginning with North America and eventually spreading the lovable infection into Europe.
Barry Manilow
Everyone rejoice! It’s the almighty Copacabana! Not even his hip surgery can put a stop to his, dare I say… Hipness. Adults, youths, even single celled Amoebas can’t resist the fantasm. Well, okay… there was one time when Australian officials played his music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in order to drive loitering youths away, but Manilow skillfully released a tongue-in-cheek statement suggesting that perhaps the youths might like his music, and I bet they sure did! Yeehaw!
All you Manilow Maniacs out there, you may find this giant of a man working on his Manilow Fund for Health and Hope which supports a number of great organizations that focus on cancer, AIDS, children’s issues, victims of abuse, the homeless and music education. And if that’s not enough, he’ll be at the house show over at the Las Vegas Hilton, which just so happens to be one of the few hotels to not suffer from Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13) by having a 13th Floor. If that doesn’t draw you in, then I don’t know what will. Go, go, go! Oh yeah, if you haven’t sampled Manilow wine, you have not lived yet.
Elton John
Yes, Sir Elton John. What makes this man great? Is it because his middle name is Hercules? (Yes, that’s true. Its officially part of his name) Is it because he is a five time Grammy and one time Academy Award winning pop/rock singer, composer, and pianist? Is it because he has sold more than 250 million albums? Hmmm, the choice is hard… Let’s pick them all!
In addition to the previously mentioned highlights of his resume, John has long been associated with AIDS charities raising large amounts of money and using his public profile to raise awareness of the disease. More recently in 2006, Elton donated the smaller of two bright-red Yamaha pianos from his Las Vegas show to auction on eBay to raise public awareness and funds for the foundation. For his AIDS charity, John has hosted annually a glamorous White Tie and Tiara Ball, to which many famous celebrities are invited. (1) I guess mine was lost in the mail. Don’t worry John. I’m sure there’s a sensible reason.
On top of that, every year since 2004, he has opened a shop selling his second hand clothes. Called "Elton's Closet" the sale this year of 10,000 items was expected to raise $400,000. Buy something while you still can! I myself have my eye on a purple and orange polka dotted leather suit with a picture of an Ostrich on the backside. Okay, I made that not-so-funny statement up… But only to highlight my enthusiasm, which I hope you’re absorbing too!
1. http://www.chopard.com/worldwide/fl/eltonjohn07/eltonjohn2007.htm
George Michael
George Michael, as I’m sure you all know, (if you don’t, shame on you!) is an English singer-songwriter and pop star who performs soul influenced pop. Personally, I like his full original name: Georgios-Kyriacos Panaylotou. Sounds catchy, doesn’t it? It wasn't until he formed the duo Wham! (Yet another superb name) together with Andrew Ridgeley in 1981 that success came for Michael.
In more recent happenings, he began the “25 Live Stadium Tour 2007” on May 12, which will tour throughout Europe and will end on July 26th, 2007 in Athens, Greece. Due to an overwhelming response by fans to his recently announced tour celebrating 25 years in the music industry, Michael, as stated by his publicist, is considering a North American tour as well. To coincide with the tour, a new greatest hits collection, Twenty Five, was released on 9 November 2006, including four new songs. George Michael also stated that he, and his former Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley have recorded 2 songs, with George doing the vocals, and Andrew playing on guitar. George hopes that these new songs will appear on his new album, planned to be released in late 2007. (1)
He also confirmed his intention to form a civil partnership with long-time partner Kenny Goss, breaking the hearts of people everywhere… Mine included. He stated that they would perform the legal ceremony and then hold a party. He also said that none of them would be donning a dress. Yet another disappointment for me again!
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_michael
Phil Collins
Philip Collins is an English singer, songwriter, drummer, and actor, and best known for his membership in the rock group Genesis.
Unfortunately, Collins reported losing his hearing in one ear, and in 2003 announced his last solo tour. Even though that was years ago, flowers are still withering from the news till this day! He called it the "First Final Farewell Tour", a tongue-in-cheek reference to the multiple farewell tours of other popular artists. Collins wanted to complete one last large-scale tour internationally before spending more time with his family. Outside of the tour, he has only performed occasionally. (1) However, just like my stomach rumbling from a semi-digested lunch, I have a gut feeling that he’ll make a comeback. If my gut is wrong, then I’ll take some Pepto Bismol.
The best part about this guy’s resume (at least in my opinion) is that he made an appearance as himself in the 2006 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. He appears in three missions in which he must be saved from a gang that is trying to kill him. After, the player is given the opportunity to watch a performance of 'In the Air Tonight.' Absolutely priceless. When you’ve been digitized in video game entertainment, you know you’ve made it.
More recently, Phil also has a new DVD called The Long Goodnight: A Film About Phil Collins. So why are you still sitting there for? Waiting for life to shower you with meaning and happiness? Well, you can get it with the DVD.
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Collins
