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The Holtzman Gallery Brings Art to New Levels in Atlantic City

3/30/2015

Looking down upon the Holtzman Gallery at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City from its 3rd floor

Saturday, March 28, brought stars, celebrities, artists, and a very chicly dressed list of guests to the heart of Atlantic City with the grand opening of the Holtzman Gallery in the Claridge Hotel. What? An art gallery in a hotel? Yes! And it’s a multilevel 20,000 square foot display of beauty, that immerses you in the look and feel of a museum as you stroll through it, seeing great works of art by Anthony Quinn, Burt Young, Peter Max, (a follower of TheLadyinRed on Twitter), Evelyn Pino, John Dzedzy, several other exquisitely talented contemporary artists, and owner David Holtzman himself.

The black-tie optional event began with Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony. The week before, a select audience who attended the Garden State Film Festival awards dinner got a sneak peek at the gallery which hosted their star-studded cocktail party as the perfect backdrop prior to the gala that followed in the Claridge ballroom, including actors James Wilder, Ed Asner, and Armand Assante.

Left to Right: Artist and actor Burt Young, Mayor of Atlantic City Don Guardian, and Holtzman Gallery owner and artist, David Holtzman cut the ribbon to officially open the Holtzman Gallery at the Claridge Hotel

The Holtzman Gallery hosted the cocktail party pre-awards dinner for the Garden State Film Festival the weekend prior to its official grand opening. Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr

Gallery owner David Holtzman chatting with actor James Wilder the week prior to the official gallery opening at the Garden State Film Festival cocktail party - Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr

Actors Armand Assante and James Wilder enjoying a preview of the Holtzman Gallery before its official opening, at the Garden State Film Festival cocktail party a week prior - Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr

Actor Ed Asner visited the Holtzman Gallery at the Claridge Hotel during the Garden State Film Festival. Here he is taking some time to make me laugh. Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr

Included in the elegant unveiling of artwork this past Saturday, were attendees Miss America 2015, Kira Kazantsev, Miss New Jersey, Cierra Kaler Jones, and actor Burt Young (known most famously for his starring role in “Rocky” movies).

Miss New Jersey and Miss America take time for photos at the Holtzman Gallery opening in Atlantic City, NJ

I love Miss New Jersey's bubbly personality! So glad I got to meet her!

This is the second time I've met Miss America. I actually first met Kira as Miss New York on the day of the Miss America pageant, before she was crowned!

The gallery is a collection of modern sculpture, mosaics, three dimensional artwork, paintings, - and not all paintings are flat paint on canvas. Some incorporate cold wax into colors, or painted-over resin is laid on canvas creating texture and depth that’s really fascinating to look at up close.

A panoramic view inside Holtzman Gallery at the Claridge Hotel.

Hmmm..... theme appropriate art? ;) I think so!

Incredible 3-D mosaics!

This is a 3-D piece of art! Depending on your vantage point, the art "changes"! Amazing!

3-D resin paintings were breathtaking!

Champagne flowed, cocktails were poured, and light fare of cheeses, and hors d’oeuvres, were served as many mingled and had a chance to meet artists who answered questions and engaged people with their artistic visions that lined the pristine tall white walls which curved and created an intriguing environment on their own, spanning three levels. As usual, Claridge event manager Joel Ballesteros went above and beyond creating a dreamscape for a spectacular evening.

This is not a flat canvas! It's a must-see created with resin and paint to produce a three dimensional feast for your eyes!

The artist speaks with guests as they inquire about his art.

The enthusiasm and support of the models for paintings by the artist John Dzedzy could clearly be seen.

Somewhat into the evening, artist and gallery owner, David Holtzman addressed the crowd and had a blessing placed upon this place of expression.

Artist and gallery owner David Holtzman ready to address his guests at his gallery opening.

David Holtzman's wife, Beth, takes his hand as the gallery is given a blessing and press look on.

The cold wax incorporated with paint, medium, and obviously the color captured my attention in artist Evelyn Pino's exhibit!

Some of my favorite paintings just spoke to me… struck a chord inside of me, and I was drawn to them. Artist Evelyn Pino created an exhibit of red that inevitably caught my attention. David Holtzman had a piece behind the main bar upon entry that appeared to change the more I looked at it --- the further back I stood, the more the tiny points of paint formed a scene which transfixed me. Equally embracing was meeting Burt Young, who graciously sat with me for a few minutes while I told him how his paintings really moved me.

Actor and artist Burt Young is very talented on and off camera! He sat with me for a few minutes while I told him how impressed I was with his paintings.

The lighting... the ambiance... The Holtzman Gallery

The beautiful Beth Holtzman (left) greeted guests at the gallery opening. She has a great sense of humor and a warm heart.

All artwork is for sale, and the gallery is open daily. See the website for hours of operation and details about featured artists, artistic styles, and parking. It’s truly a must see when visiting Atlantic City!
Hands down, the Holtzman Gallery at the Claridge is the place I would select as a backdrop for any event I would host!

Gallery owner and artist David Holtzman was the perfect host for the stellar evening. Hands down I would choose his gallery as the backdrop for any event I would host!

I love the neon colors!

Guests had the opportunity to meet the artists at the gallery opening.

There is a lot of variety in the styles of art featured at the gallery; a little something for everyone.

Photos can not do the gallery justice. The presentation of visual euphoria must be experienced in person.

The 3 levels of the Holtzman Gallery were filled with guests for the grand opening.

Follow the Holtzman Gallery on Twitter @hg_claridge

Like the Holtzman Gallery at the Claridge on Facebook

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Benefit Night for the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City Kicks Off the Garden State Film Festival & The Movie Makers Start Rolling Into Town

3/20/2015

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Garden State Film Festival Board Member Margaret Fontana presenting the award for Best of the Shore Encore to Director/Writer Greg Chwerchak and Writer Gabrielle Berberich for "Greetings from the Shore" on the kickoff night of GSFF at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

Last night the Garden State Film Festival officially opened with a benefit night for the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, New Jersey and a screening of the Jersey-esque film “Greetings from the Shore” at the Claridge Hotel. The evening started off with NBC news anchor Dara Brown addressing the audience with opening remarks and introducing Robert Taylor, the Director of the Boys & Girls Club.

Garden State Film Festival Board Member Margaret Fontana with NBC News Anchor Dara Brown at GSFF [Photo Courtesy of Margaret Fontana]

The Boys & Girls Club helps children in Atlantic City who meet challenges by providing them with support, mentoring them, and giving them a place to go. 35% of all children under 17 in Atlantic City live in poverty, and the organization is their safety net that provides them with friends and a community that nurtures a safe and supportive environment.

Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr

GSFF Board of Directors Member Margaret Fontana introduces the Q&A session for "Greetings from the Shore" [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

“Greetings from the Shore”, starring Paul Sorvino, Kim Shaw, and David Fumero was the feature film shown. If you grew up near or regularly visited the Jersey shore, there are so many familiar scenes in the movie serving as a backdrop for a very relatable storyline circling around a summer romance and gives you a peek inside a summer at the beach.

Barnacle Bill’s mini golf, gazebos, Route 35, and of course the boardwalk all lend nostalgia to the coastal area (especially for me since I grew up across the bridge in Toms River, which is very close to Lavallette).

Writer Gabrielle Berberich and Director/Writer Greg Chwerchek answering audience questions after the screening of their film "Greetings from the Shore" [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

“We shot before Hurricane Sandy. 90% of the locations are gone now after the hurricane. So many people watched the movie after Sandy and said ‘Thank you for making this film,” said writer Gabrielle Berberich at the Q&A session.

Many locals volunteered to be extras in the half-a-million dollar budgeted movie.

GSFF Board Member Margaret Fontana with Director Greg Chwerchek post award presentation [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

Writer Gabrielle Berberich with her GSFF Award for Best of the Shore Encore

“People didn’t believe we shot in New Jersey,” continued Berberich. “They asked, ‘Where did you shoot? In Malibu?' reflecting on some of the beautiful sunset and ocean scenes in the film. “Now it’s played all over the world. It’s really exciting to have a postcard of New Jersey out there.”

One of the challenging aspects of filming a seasonal movie like this one is to not be affected by the influx of thousands in the height of the summer since the Jersey shore is such a hotspot. Any native notices right away that beaches and surrounding areas in the scenes aren’t quite as crowded as it would be in prime time summer.

Director/Writer Greg Chwerechek shared “We started filming at Labor Day and filmed in September right through October. We had to get special permission and wait until the season was over.” So although it looks like summer on screen, the actors were taking plunges into 45 degree water and freezing in bikinis on the beach!

GSFF Board Member Margaret Fontana and Writer Gabrielle Berberich leave the stage post Q&A [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

“Greetings from the Shore” won the Best of Shore Encore Award, presented by Garden State Film Festival Board Member Margeret Fontana.

The showroom at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ is just one of the viewing venues for films at the Garden State Film Festival [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

Director of the Garden State Film Festival Diane Raver - the whirlwind of energy behind the weekend [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

At almost every corner turned, you can encounter cast and crew from the multitudes of movies being screened over four days. Filmmakers from Los Angeles to England and around the world are gathering for a “Great Gatsby” of parties, dinners, readings, screenings and more, all converging with the Atlantic City Beer Fest at the same time! What a weekend! Stay tuned for more star-studded moments right here!

You can purchase tickets to events and screenings at gsff.org

Cast and crew of the feature film "The Antwerp Dolls" with me (TheLadyinRed) last night. They ventured to NJ all the way from England to attend the Garden State Film Festival! [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

Meeting the men behind "The Antwerp Dolls" movie last night at GSFF. [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

"The Antwerp Dolls" movie cast and crew at GSFF [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

Smile! :) GSFF volunteer Rachel is mid-moment capturing photos. [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

GSFF Director Diane Raver (middle) greeting guests at the festival. [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

The volunteers who help make it all happen at GSFF. [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

Los Angeles Director Robert Rothbard of "The Painting" attends the benefit night at GSFF [Photo Credit: Patrick Zehr]

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"The Painting" Will Take Possession of You at the Garden State Film Festival

3/19/2015

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All photos courtesy of Robert Rothbard / "The Painting" except where noted.

I can’t recall a movie where eccentricity borders on the verge of gruesome, edgy, slightly comedic horror the way “The Painting” does. The feature film debuting on Saturday, March 21, at the Garden State Film Festival, exemplifies when greed takes over one’s soul to the point of madness. The slightly twisted plot, interwoven with the occult makes this film a “must see” upon its release.

The lead, Edward Lexington (Robert Homer Mollohan), lives in the shadow of his father’s legacy. He is a talentless painter, always trying to usurp the masterful natural talent of his British impressionist father, Alfonso Lexington (Ronnie Marmo), by unscrupulously assimilating the art of others under his own name, making a fortune. When the usefulness of an artistic understudy expires, so does their life, under his charge.

[Left:] Robert Mollohan as the crazed Edward Lexington, son of [Above:] the great deceased painter Alfonso Lexington (Ronnie Marmo), whose shadow he lives in

Filming one of the eerier nighttime scenes in the movie as graves are dug and spirits rise

The Painting @GardenStateFilm @LadyInRedBlog @THBillboard @robertdrothbard pic.twitter.com/eLcBcOAmZ4
— RobertHomerMollohan (@RobertMollohan) March 18, 2015

The movie is as diabolical as "Edward" (Robert Mollohan's) laugh.

Funding the crazy crusade is the enamored Cassandra (Merilee Brasch), with the hopes that her millions in painting purchases, despite the reservations of her husband, Hollace, (Henry Hereford) of Edward's presumably authentic artistry, will spur a multitude of collectors to buy more of Edward’s diabolical signature-laden stolen paintings and make both of them wealthy beyond their wildest dreams.

Henry Hereford as Hollace (left) looks on as Robert Mollohan (Edward) and Merilee Brasch (Cassandra) cozy up with their madness to make millions

Ivet Corvea behind the scenes getting made up as the homeless voodoo practitioner and painter as Marie Lavaux

The fatal flaw that Edward makes is when he hires a homeless voodoo priestess, Marie Lavaux (Ivet Corvea), to paint for him. She doesn’t just paint, but she taps into the spiritual forces that possess Sven’s (Caleb Lane) last painting of Edward’s portrait. As Edward becomes more obsessed and possessed with securing his name in the art world, both “The Painting” and Edward change, exhibiting grotesque monstrous characteristics representing the gory murderous path he’s taken.

Left to right: Janet Fontaine as Drina, Edward's deranged mother, Sven (Caleb Lane) about to meet his demise for fulfilling his artistic usefulness, Edward (Robert Mollohan), and Aytas the ever faithful murderous butler (Joe Dalo)

Edward invites Cassandra’s niece, Debby (Allexa D’Alessio) to his home to paint her portrait, and while there, she discovers letters which enlighten her as to the role Edward’s mother, Drina, (Janet Fontaine) and the butler, Aytas (Joe Dalo) have played in Edward’s life as well as his father’s demise. She encounters the ghost of Alfonso Lexington who beckons her to release his soul by doing the right thing.

Janet Fontaine as Drina, with Joe Dalo as Aytas behind the scenes during the filming of "The Painting"

Director Robert Rothbard on set making movie magic

I had the opportunity to interview the two opposing characters, or should I say, forces, where the demonically twisted, and overly ambitious money seeker is neutralized, ironically enough by a homeless voodoo priestess who battles his murderous destruction by unleashing borderline satanic forces of her own.

Authentic voodoo props were created for the movie

It’s a rather interesting choice that a voodoo priestess was the catalyst that led to the ultimate demise of Edward Lexington. Many other horror-humor films have chosen to stick with fictional, monster, or Wiccan type characters to culminate the plot. This is a refreshing departure.

Interestingly enough, Ivet Corvea, who portrayed the occult priestess has a background in voodoo herself! Director/Producer/Writer Robert Rothbard related, “Ivet Corvea, who played Marie Lavaux, knew firsthand about voodoo, and brought an authentic flair to the role. Sally Lamb, (Executive Producer/Writer) and her team created the authentic voodoo props. It seemed fitting that a homeless voodoo lady would bring down a wealthy psychopath.”

“Voodoo has a toe in faith; witchcraft less so. I like pitting them against one another.” commented Rothbard on his selection of a less commonly used destructor of his twisted protagonist.

Ivet Corvea as Marie Lavaux filming a scene where she is chanting

The ghostly appearance of Alfonso Lexington (Ronnie Marmo)

“This is my first time playing a voodoo priestess. I was so excited when Robert Rothbard offered me the role, because as he mentioned, I have some knowledge of the practice. Growing up in Cuba, I lived near a Santera, which is the name used in Cuba. I was able to attend several ceremonies and was always drawn to the practice. Then later on when I lived in New Orleans, my knowledge expanded tremendously and specifically with the Creole influence…particularly everything that had to do with Marie Lavaux,” shared Corvea about the authenticity she gave to the role.

As she wove her magic on screen, she got to see the results of her “spells” on set. Corvea’s favorite moment was when Sven (a newly murdered artist), rises from the grave.

Corvea told me that her character cross-over, into real life, if you will, was when, “Robert Rothbard was inspired that I, too, get in on the floor and start chanting, since it was because of my character's magic that it was all happening. I loved that so much! …just jump in and play; also, I must say Caleb Lane, the actor, was so wonderful. I loved the whole cast!”

What’s even more interesting is that the occult influenced Rothbard’s development of the story, too. Do you believe in ghosts? He does:

“I’ve had several occasions with ghosts and believe in them. I believe that the dead can communicate with the living, and in our movie Alfonso Lexington (Ronnie Marmo) finds his opening to tell Debby (Allexa D’Alessio) his side of the story, which turns out to be the truth in order to free his soul. As far as comedy, that seems to invade everything I’ve ever written. It’s my style…walk a fine line between keeping the audience invested in your story and making them laugh. Maybe easier now, lots of directors blending different styles,” explains Rothbard.

Filming a scene with Caleb Lane (Sven)

His writing-producing partner, Sally Lamb, also inspired “The Painting”.

“…when I told her I wanted to make a horror genre film [she] responded with ‘I’ve always wanted to make a horror film called ‘The Painting’.’ I liked the title, ambiguous yet mysterious… we proceeded to spitball the story one afternoon.”

Behind the scenes with the actors and crew filming "The Painting"

The entire story was written in about two weeks, cast quickly, and shot in 11 days. The film spent 11 months in post-production, which brings us to this point, where the public gets to view the entire film for the first time at the Garden State Film Festival this weekend.

While it may seem that the horror genre is a departure from the norm for director/producer Robert Rothbard, it’s actually a return to his beginnings.

“My very first script was a horror script – ironic, but I never finished it… too graphic and horrible… didn’t really know what I was doing. I learned to write by trial and error…began to understand that it was a passion for story that made me get out of bed and stay up late to write. Never really understood all the technical stuff, but I learned that too - second nature now,” says Rothbard.

The painting itself, a self-portrait of Edward, is not first revealed to the audience and later transforms into one of the more grotesque elements. The unveiling to Edward alone is Mollohan’s favorite scene from the movie.

“My favorite… is when Edward discovers Sven's (Caleb Lane) "self-portrait" of Edward on the balcony. It was the most difficult moment in the film to create as an actor, and I love that Mr. Rothbard doesn't show the painting until later in the film, so it

Edward "before"

Edward "after"...well, in the midst of his transformation....

leaves the audience to imagine what Edward is emotionally moved by,” shares Mollohan.

He also admits that becoming a monster “was just awesome.”

Mollohan becoming a monster

“Vincent Guastini and Josh Wasylink over at VGP Effects Studio were amazing. The monster make-up speaks for itself. It was a blast to work with these guys. I hope to do it again. And make-up artists Lauren Bracco and Martha Sanchez really stepped up and did some wonderful work,” he continues.

In addition to the very imaginative plot, the make-up and costuming of the cast was equally impressive and suited the gothic décor of the Lexington mansion which only enhanced the Grand Guignol film style.

For those familiar with Mollohan’s work, you’ll recognize right away that he’s not a native Brit but yet pulls off a very convincing British accent, and he had this to say about it:

“It was difficult to stay in character with a British accent. To make it easier, Joe Dalo stayed in character with his accent, and I did the same. I also had a dialect coach, Henry Hereford, who is actually in the film, and plays the hilarious Hollace. He's so damn funny! I've worked with Henry in the theatre but this is the first time we've been able to do a film together. After breaking the dialogue down phonetically, we worked it relentlessly, and I'm a big fan of Downton Abbey, so perhaps that helped, as well. I hope I did it justice.”

Original artwork was used in creating the gallery shown in "The Painting"

All original artwork was featured in the film, and some is for sale! Producer Sally Lamb is one of the featured artists whose paintings can be seen in some of the gallery scenes. Actress Ivet Corvea also had several of her paintings on screen.

Artist and actress Ivet Corvea created some paintings for scenes in the movie. Here she is with some of her finished ones. Photo Courtesty of Ivet Corvea

“I am so proud that one of my paintings was featured in the film! I thought the art was a powerful part of the movie and the talent showcased was amazing. Part of my preparation for the character was to create some art... I imagined how she would be able to paint with little to no supplies... It was a lot of fun to dive in and create. I didn't use any paint brushes, just my hands. I made 7 pieces as Marie Lavaux. I gave some of the pieces to my friends, as it is a tradition with me to always give away my paintings. I did however keep a couple for myself; they are now hanging on my wall,” said Corvea.

The gallery showing in "The Painting"

Artwork by Cheryl Kline is for sale at the Kline Academy of Fine Art (www.klineacademy.com), located at 3264 Motor Ave, LA 90034 (310) 927-2436.

Artist Lola del Fresno has pieces for sale, as well. Inquire at www.loladelfresno.com (310) 428-0667

To attend the screening of “The Painting” (8:30pm, Saturday, March 21 at Claridge Hall) and many other diverse and engaging films at the Garden State Film Festival (3/19 – 3/22) in Atlantic City, NJ, visit gsff.org for purchasing event passes and tickets.

You can also follow @GardenStateFilm on Twitter to keep up with events, films, and information
Like Garden State Film Festival on Facebook
Follow @gardenstatefilmfestival on Instagram

TheLadyinRedBlog will be covering red carpet events, cocktail parties, after parties, and the awards dinner at the Garden State Film Festival. Look for updates here on TheLadyinRedBlog.com and

On Facebook at a lady in red who writes
On Twitter @LadyInRedBlog
On Instagram @the_lady_in_red

You can follow Director/Producer/Writer Robert Rothbard on Twitter @robertdrothbard
Follow Actor Robert Homer Mollohan @RobertMollohan
Follow Actress Ivet Corvea @IvetCorvea
Follow The Painting @thepainting1234
Like The Painting on Facebook

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The Holtzman Gallery Brings Art to New Levels in Atlantic City

Benefit Night for the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City Kicks Off the Garden State Film Festival & The Movie Makers Start Rolling Into Town

"The Painting" Will Take Possession of You at the Garden State Film Festival

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Read TheLadyinRed's latest interview with PopGeeks magazine here!

Exclusive interview with TheLadyinRed in the current issue of
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The Holtzman Gallery Brings Art to New Levels in Atlantic City

Benefit Night for the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City Kicks Off the Garden State Film Festival & The Movie Makers Start Rolling Into Town

"The Painting" Will Take Possession of You at the Garden State Film Festival

Subscribe to TheLadyinRed Newsletter

Read TheLadyinRed's latest interview with PopGeeks magazine here!

Exclusive interview with TheLadyinRed in the current issue of Talent Spotlight Magazine

TheLadyinRed is in MOLL Magazine

Archives

Exclusive interview with TheLadyinRed in the current issue of
Talent Spotlight Magazine