BURBANK, CA.- On the heels of unveiling The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, Warner Bros. Consumer Products continued its 70th anniversary celebration of the classic film with The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection. An acclaimed array of artists was among the chosen few selected to re-interpret The Wizard of Oz through their own unique visions and artistic mediums. Their creative works premiered during the highly anticipated and revered Art Basel Miami Beach art fair at Ocean Drive Magazine's Paint the Town Green Presents: "The Emerald City" event on December 5, 2008.
The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection features one-of-a-kind interpretive works of art, including painting, drawing and sculpture from esteemed artisans Angelo Aversa, Romero Britto, Gentle Giant, Phillip Graffham, Gris Grimly, Marcus Antonius Jansen, Johnny Johns, William Joyce, Joel Nakamura, Nelson De La Nuez, Glen Orbik, Ragnar, Alex Ross, Todd White and Yakovetic.
"The Wizard of Oz and its timeless themes and characters have endured for decades," said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "We are proud to partner with such creative minds to bring to life their unique interpretations of the world of Oz. We hope fans of all ages, across the globe, are as delighted as we are with this impressive art collection."
As the presenting sponsor for Ocean Drive Magazine's innovative affair Paint the Town Green, Warner Bros. Consumer Products brought the glorious experience of Oz to art collectors, designers, celebrities and international luminaries. The event was themed "The Emerald City" in honor of the upcoming 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz in 2009.
The highlight of the evening was the dazzling display of The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection and The Ruby Slipper Collection exhibited throughout Ocean Drive Magazine's Photo Studio in Midtown Miami, paying homage to the weeklong celebration of global artistic influence accredited to Art Basel Miami Beach. The Wizard of Oz exhibition was held at a creatively designed suite within "The Emerald City" Photo Studio. Sparkling, custom-designed Ruby Slippers were suspended mid-air in clear orbs, adding to the magic and wonder of The Wizard of Oz themed atmosphere. The unique fine art creations were featured on a soaring gallery wall, which captured the imagination of those in attendance. Experienced throughout the Studio was the ambiance of Oz, as Dorothy look-a-likes strolled among small fields of poppies and greeted guests.
Among the attendees at the festive affair included notable artists Marcus Antonius Jansen, Todd White and Joe Yakovetic, whose works were all featured in The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection. Also walking the "Yellow Brick Road" were Pamela Barnes (CEO of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation), Jason Binn (President of Niche Media), Jenny Oz LeRoy (Owner of The Tavern on the Green in NYC and granddaughter of Mervyn LeRoy, producer of The Wizard of Oz), Lisa Pliner (Contributor for the Ruby Slipper Collection) and Ivana Trump.
The celebration continued with an exclusive reception held on Saturday, December 6 at SET, Miami's popular nightclub. The soiree was hosted by Jennifer Oz LeRoy and artist Todd White, whose piece Bar Tales is featured in the Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection. Capping the night was a special drawing for a trip for two to Hollywood and VIP tour of Warner Bros. Studios, which was held to benefit philanthropic partner, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection and the Ruby Slipper Collection will be on display to the public at the Miami Children's Museum from December 9-23, 2008. A private reception for the Children's Museum exhibition will be hosted by Romero Britto, (contributor for The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection and world-renowned, Brazilian-born pop artist based in Miami), along with local notables Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz.
"We are thrilled to bring The Wizard of Oz to the children and families of Miami through the Inspirations of Oz Fine Art and Ruby Slipper Collection," said Deborah Spiegelman, CEO and Executive Director, Miami Children's Museum. "This is a special opportunity for the Miami Children's Museum to extend the essence of Art Basel Miami Beach to our guests in such an endearing and authentic way. We are certain that these classic collections will enrich the lives of so many families through the ageless themes of the story of The Wizard of Oz."
Following a year of special events spanning the globe, the complete and original The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection and select original pieces from The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection, including those by the philanthropists Romero Britto and Angelo Aversa, will be auctioned at a gala event in October 2009 with the proceeds benefiting Pediatric AIDS. Several of the artists participating in The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection will also have the opportunity to sell limited edition The Wizard of Oz interpretive works through the gallery channel beginning in fall 2009.
Beginning in January 2009, select images from The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection will be featured as limited-edition US postage stamps as part of an ongoing partnership with PhotoStamps.com. The custom-designed stamps will be available for purchase, along with The Ruby Slipper Collection stamps, throughout 2009 the total net proceeds benefitting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
In September 2008, The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection was unveiled at a red carpet, in-store gala event at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City, which served as the official kick-off for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The stunning shoe collection adorned with CRYSTALLIZED™–Swarovski Elements features re-interpretations of Dorothy's iconic Ruby Slippers for modern times. Composing The Ruby Slipper Collection are contemporary works of art from the likes of fashion masterminds A. Testoni, Abaete, Alberta Ferretti, Betsey Johnson, Botkier, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Lisa Pliner, Manolo Blahnik, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Stuart Weitzman, Tibi and Tuleh.
