SCHOOL BENEFITS FROM WATCHMAKER’S ESTATE

COLUMBIA, PA:  The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC Inc) recently received a generous gift from the estate of Kenneth C. Hoxie, a former watchmaker from New Holland, PA. Hoxie, a member of the Association from 1969 to 2007, designated 30% of his estate to be used as an endowment fund in which the income will be used for the operation of the NAWCC School of Horology in Columbia.  The resulting $175,000 will benefit the School in its daily operations and education of its students.

An area resident most of his life, Hoxie was the owner and operator of Hoxie Jewelry Shop.  Along with his affiliation with the NAWCC, he was the founder of The Watch Makers Guild of Lancaster. Hoxie also enjoyed his membership in the Pennsylvania Jewelers Association, the American Watch Makers Institute, and the Genealogical Institute of America. He was also very involved in numerous civic organizations, including the Susquehanna Masonic Lodge #364 of Millersburg, Harrisburg Shrine Club, Rajah Temple, the Reading Consistory, and charter and past president of Millersburg Lion’s Club.

The NAWCC is proud to assist in the preservation of our horological heritage.  One of its primary goals is education of both this and future generations into timekeeping and timekeeping devices.  Persons who would like to assist in this educational mission by making a current gift or a planned gift for the future, should contact Executive Director Steve Humphrey at 717-684-8261, ext. 209 for more information.

The School of Horology is licensed by the State of Pennsylvania Department of Education Division of Private Licensed Schools and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).  The School of Horology is dedicated to the preparation of students for entry into horological business fields. The School’s mission is to preserve established skills and knowledge of the art of clock and watch making, repair, and restoration, while encouraging interest in horological research.  Class sizes are small to ensure students the personalized instruction necessary to master the specialized skills.

The NAWCC School of Horology is a division of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Hundreds of students have come through the School’s programs since it opened in 1995.  The NAWCC also operates the National Watch & Clock Museum and Library and Research Center in Columbia, PA.  Additional information can be obtained by visiting our website at www.nawcc.org.

Artist Bill Neale’s Stirring Homage To Racing Champ Fangio To Be Unveiled At Pebble Beach Concours

Pebble Beach, Calif. – July 31, 2008 – Bill Neale, a founding member of the renowned Automotive Fine Arts Society, will unveil several new paintings including “Fangio’s D50 Lancia/Ferrari” at the 23rd annual AFAS art show at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008.  Neale’s spectacular works, such as his stunning salute to the five time world champion driver, will be a highlight of the annual show on the fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links in an exhibit sponsored by the Lincoln Division of Ford Motor Company.

“I had the good fortune to meet Juan Manual Fangio many years ago,” said Neale.  “Like so many of the truly great drivers, he was a gracious gentleman outside the race car but a real lion behind the wheel.  He was as impressive an individual as he was a sportsman, which is why I wanted to create a painting that celebrated him doing what he loved most.”

Argentinean Juan Manuel Fangio, often called “El Maestro” (“the Master”) dominated the first decade of Formula One racing.  He won five F1 championships, which is a record that stood for 46 years, with four different teams including Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz and Maserati; no one has repeated this accomplishment.  Many still consider him to be the greatest driver of all time.

Fangio drove a mighty Mercedes Benz W196 for the Daimler Benz team in 1955, where he won the F1 World Championship.  In 1956, Fangio moved to Ferrari to replace Alberto Ascari, who had been killed in an accident.  There, he drove the D50 Lancia/Ferrari to his fourth title.

In Neale’s 21″ X 27″ oil painting, Fangio is setting his blood red D50 up for a fast corner.  The steely eyed Argentinean looks coolly ahead as he prepares to downshift the five speed transmission and blip the throttle to the 152 c.i.d. high revving V8.  With the dominating car set against a sparse background, Neale captures every detail of the suspension, bodywork and pilot while conveying the dynamic fluidity of the moment.  The F1 Lancia/Ferrari D50 seems to be tearing off the canvas as it roars toward the next apex.

“Most of Fangio’s major accomplishments as a driver came while in his 40s, which was an age when many racers were retiring,” added Neale.  “It’s amazing that he was so dominating when the perception was that racing was a young man’s game.  With his ability to control a car on a knife’s edge and push his vehicles so hard without breaking them, he ran rings around men half his age.  Even today, the greatest drivers are typically cast as a modern day Fangio when praised for their prowess.  But there will never be another Fangio.”

Fangio has been a favorite subject of Neale over the years.  Today, two of his other paintings of “El Maestro” hang in the official Fangio museum in Balcarce, Argentina.

As a founding member of the AFAS, Neale’s paintings are treasured centerpieces in many exclusive private and museum collections across the globe.  A contributing artist for Car&Driver, Cavallino and Automobile Magazine, he is best known for his private commissions of cars ranging from old Ferraris to the newest models out of Munich, Detroit and Tokyo.  Neale resides in Dallas with his wife Nelda.

About the Automotive Fine Arts Society

Celebrating its 25^th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art.  Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal.  AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance.  Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by calling Luke DeRouen at 214.520.3430 ext. 301 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com (www.tprm-usa.com).

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The Golden Age of the Ballets Russes Exhibition at the Galerie Charpentier

17-23 September 2008 10am-6pm

(Sunday 21 September from 2pm)

Exhibition Curator Anna Winestein

based on an idea by RAVENSCOURT GALLERIES

Agrément N° 2001 – 002 du 25 octobre 2001

THE BALLETS RUSSES

On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Ballets Russes, and based on an original idea by Ravenscourt Galleries, Sotheby’s is pleased to announce the staging of an exceptional exhibition of works lent mainly by French, British and Russian private collectors, museums and foundations.

Some 150 paintings, designs, costumes, theatre decors, drawings, sculptures, photographs, manuscripts, and programmes will be on display in Paris, retracing the key moments in the history of the Ballets Russes – a company that for twenty years made a revolutionary impact on 20th century theatre and dance, and continues to fascinate to this day.

Conceived in St Petersburg, then brought to life in Paris, the Ballets Russes was an exceptional phenomenon in the history of European theatre and dance. Under choreographer Mikhail Fokine, dance was to involve far more than athletic prowess, becoming a vehicle for self-expression and emotion, backed by decors and costumes designed by frontline artists. Meanwhile impresario Serge Diaghilev signed up the biggest names from the Russian imperial theatres – the Mariinsky in St Petersburg and Bolshoi in Moscow. This outlet for Russian creativity, mixing sophistication and sensuality in music, dance, art and drama, swiftly enjoyed a runaway success. The début performance, an opera in 1908, was followed in 1909 by the first of many ballets, among them Polovetsian Dances (1909), Sheherazade (1910), Petrushka (1911), Le Spectre de la Rose (1911), Parade (1917) and Le Train Bleu (1924).

In 1911 Diaghilev established a permanent troupe, and embarked on international tours to London, Monte Carlo and Germany, soon followed by South America and the United States. As a private, independent company, the Ballets Russes travelled everywhere without being attached to any one venue, although their Paris season remained an important annual event.

Until his death in 1929, Diaghilev maintained a creative team of international talent that at various times included avant-garde composers like Igor Stravinsky, Maurice Ravel, Erik Satie, Serge Prokofiev, Manuel de Falla and Vittorio Rieti; and innovative theatre designers like Leon Bakst, Alexander Benois, Nikolai Roerich, Michel Larionov, Natalia Goncharova, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, André Derain and Giorgio de Chirico.

Only the choreographers (and most of the dancers) were of Russian origin: Mikhail Fokine, Vaslav Nijinsky and his sister Bronislava Nijinska, Leonid Massine and Georges Balanchine. Often performing in their own ballets, they broadened the choreographic vocabulary of ballet and exploited dynamic new rhythms. On stage, alongside Russian dancers like Anna Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina, Alexandra Danilova and Serge Lifar, some key rôles were played by other nationalities – whether Polish (Leon Woidzikowski and Stanislas Idzikowski), British (Lydia Sokolova, Anton Dolin and Alicia Markova), Spanish, and American.

THE EXHIBITION

The Sotheby’s show aims to reflect the revolutionary creativity, stimulating diversity and sheer magic of a troupe that danced its way to glory and into history.

On display will be costumes designed by such great French artists as André Derain (La Boutique Fantasque, 1919) and Henri Matisse (Le Chant du Rossignol, 1920), and by the Russian designer Leon Bakst, who amazed the theatrical world with his passion for stark colour, bold forms and startling set designs. Bakst’s vivid and sensual costume designson Oriental and Greek themes not only impressed theatrical audiences but began new fashion trends. He was the first theatrical artist to become a celebrity in his own right.

Posters recalling the surge of creativity that surrounded the Ballets Russes include Pablo Picasso’s iconic image of the Chinese Conjuror for the audacious production of Parade (1917), and Jean Cocteau’s poster for Le Spectre de La Rose (1911), which enjoyed universal acclaim.

Costumes and stage designs presented include works by Alexander Benois, for Le Pavillon d’Armide (1909) and Petrushka (1911); Leon Bakst, for La Peri (1912) and Le Dieu Bleu (1912); Mikhail Larionov, for Le Soleil à Minuit (1915); and Natalia Gontcharova, for The Firebird (1925 version).

Among the sculptors who derived inspiration from the Ballets Russes’ choreography were Demetre Chiparus, Paul Philippe and Boris Frödmann Cluzel, whose remarkable bronze dancers are featured in the exhibition, along with figurines in Meissen porcelain, representing characters from the ballet Carnaval, modelled by Paul Scheurich.

The exhibition also contains photographs of various dancers, such as Tamara Karsavina in Carnaval and Vaslav Nijinsky in the role of Petrushka; and correspondence between Serge Diaghilev and his collaborators, notably Georges Braque (1923), Walter Nouvel (1928) and Georges Rouault (1929).

Finally, there will be a handful of contemporary works reflecting the visual heritage of the Ballets Russes – notably an installation made of paper by Isabelle de Borchgrave, and items from the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory in St Petersburg.

Sotheby’s will also be showing, alongside the exhibition, a selection of works from the sale of Russian Art to be held in London in November 2008.

LENDERS TO THE EXHIBITION

Réné Clementi-Bilinski

Isabelle de Borchgrave

Dansmuseet – Stockholm

Fondation Custodia

Laurence Anne François

Galerie Alex Lachmann

Galerie Popoff & Cie

Christian Giudicelli

René Guerra

Marina Henderson

Vladimir Hoffman

Imperial Porcelain Manufactory

Andrei Korliakov

Pierre Landeau

Ivor & Olga Mazure

Mkrtich Okroyan

Ravenscourt Galleries

Thillo von Watzdorf

Vera Tchikovani

James Thackara

Unique Art Gallery

Karine Urvoy

Alexandre Vassilieff

Dimitri Vicheney

José Villacampa

Anna Winestein

Anonymous British, French & Russian collectors

Sotheby’s were the first auction house to stage sales with a Ballets Russes theme in London in the 1960s, most notable 1968 and 1969, including many of the costumes and decors used by the troupe. Among the most celebrated pieces offered at auction have been Pablo Picasso’s curtain for Le Train Bleu; décors by Natalia Goncharova and Leon Bakst; and costumes worn by Vaslav Nijinski and other dancers. The wide-ranging début auctions made a huge impact among connoisseurs and the media, prompting regular sales in London, New York and Paris, which have continued ever since.

MONTBLANC

Russia has been a frequent source of inspiration to Montblanc, who are marking the occasion by exhibiting special fountain-pens designed to commemorate Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, and the opening of Montblanc’s first boutique in Russia.

“DESIGNED BY YOU” WORKSHOP

COLUMBIA, PA: With high gas prices, are you still looking for things to do that are closer to home before the summer ends? A good option is to visit the “center of time” at the National Watch and Clock Museum where families can enjoy activities together.

Second Hand Saturday Workshops are scheduled at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month and cost $10 for each participant. Admission to the Museum is included with the workshop, so after you complete your own clock, see other timepieces that clock and watchmakers have made, even back to ancient timekeeping!

In the “Designed by You” workshop scheduled for August 9, a square shape is provided and each participant becomes a designer and can create a unique clock using a wide variety of decorations. After decorating, a movement is added making the creation a working clock that can be taken home to proudly display.

Pre-registration is required by contacting the Education Department at 717-684-8261, ext. 237. These programs are sponsored in part through a grant by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

The National Watch and Clock Museum is operated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association with approximately 23,000 members, representing 55 countries. April through November the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Summer hours also include Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. December through March hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discounts are available to seniors, students, AAA members and groups of 10 or more. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead. For more information, directions, or general museum information call (717) 684-8261 or visit our website at www.nawcc.org.

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EXTENDED VISIT FOR SHOES AND BOTTLES!

COLUMBIA, PA: Due to popular demand, the jaw-dropping Stanley Clockworks exhibit at the National Watch and Clock Museum has been extended until the end of the year!

The “Walking Clock” and “Bottle Clock” are the highlights of this special exhibit that opened in March. The reaction from visitors to the exhibit has been incredible. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s something you have to see to believe. I mean, it’s like something out of Dr. Seuss!” shared one recent visitor to the Museum.

The Walking Clock is 3 feet wide, 24 feet long, and 9 feet tall and uses a pendulum with 12 shoes that walk forward and backward on a boardwalk to tell time! Across from the Walking Clock sits the 20 foot-long Bottle Clock that uses 300 bottles to keep time and took five months to build! Other unique clocks in the collection include the Timber Frame Clock which uses 4 x 4 oak timber, an old school bell, and stones, and the Train Clock which looks like the front of a vintage train.

Rick Stanley and his son, Vince, co-owner and engineer for the company, think creatively to build their ingenious clocks and manifest a “what if” attitude. What if the clock was stretched out laterally rather than circular? What if the mechanisms were displayed so that everyone could actually see the inner workings of the clock? What if the clock was built around a particular theme? This Stanley Clockworks exhibit is the answer to all these questions and more!

The National Watch and Clock Museum has almost 12,000 timepieces in its collection and is home to not only historical and traditional timepieces but also novelty ones such as those represented by Stanley Clockworks. For additional information about the company and to see an entertaining video of the Walking Clock in action, visit http://www.stanleyclockworks.com/.

The National Watch and Clock Museum is operated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association with approximately 23,000 members, representing 55 countries. April through November the Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Summer hours also include Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. December through March hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discounts are available to seniors, students, AAA members, and groups of 10 or more. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead. For more program information, directions, or general Museum information, call 717-684-8261 or visit our website at www.nawcc.org.

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Pebble Beach Concours Taps Barry RoweTo Create 2008 Tour d’Elegance Poster Art

British Artist Honors Legendary Lancia Racer

Pebble Beach, Calif. – July 29, 2008 – Award-winning Automotive Fine Arts Society member, Barry Rowe, was chosen to create the official poster artwork for the 2008 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance.   The 11^th annual drive will take place August 14, 2008, and trace portions of historic 17-Mile Drive and Highway One.  Rowe’s poster captures the beauty and rich tradition of the Tour, while focusing on one of this year’s featured marques, Lancia.  The artwork will be on display at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, during the 23^rd annual AFAS exhibit on the fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links.

The Lancia depicted by Rowe is the legendary 1954 D24 Sport Spyder, winner of the 1954 Targa Florio in Sicily.  He illustrates the Italian racer at speed exiting the historic Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, Calif., with brave onlookers cheering and snapping photos.  With a 260 horsepower, V6 engine and a top speed of 160 mph, this would have been quite a joy ride in the Lancia spyder.

“As a past participant in the Tour d’Elegance, I can attest that there is no bigger thrill than the dash across the stunning Bixby Bridge in a classic motorcar,” said Rowe.  “And the Lancia D24 is truly an iconic racer that has captured the imaginations of enthusiasts for decades.  Its meaty front end, complete with a signature air-scoop on the right side, sets a beautiful contrast to the narrow roads on the Tour.”

In addition to the poster, Rowe will display several other originals during the Concours.  He salutes the British icon Bugatti with two new paintings, titled “Bugatti Queen” and “Morning Ride.”  Rowe will also offer “Lady in Red,” “Teatime Le Mans 1931″ and “Lancias Targa Florio ‘54.”

A native of England, Rowe studied graphic design at the College of Art in Coventry.  He worked for several years as an art director in the advertising field before becoming a freelance artist in 1966 in order to pursue his passion for painting automobiles.

His career as a painter began when he won the Sotheby’s Art Award for his portrait of Juan Fangio.  This led to commissions from Louis Vuitton of Paris, Royal Mail, Royal Doulton and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.  Rowe’s Pebble Beach credentials include eight Tour posters, three official Concours posters, six Awards of Excellence and the Lincoln Award in 2006.  He also created last year’s official Pebble Beach Concours poster, which featured Aston Martin.

About the Automotive Fine Arts Society

Celebrating its 25^th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art.  Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal.  AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance.  Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by contacting Luke DeRouen at (214) 520-3430 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com.

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Phony Memorabilia Finds a Home on eBay

For the past 7-9 months, thousands of pieces of supposed entertainment and historical memorabilia passed into the hands of unsuspecting buyers. With a winning bid on eBay, a hopeful collector had their chance to own a piece of Hollywood history or a personal effect from their favorite historical figure – but was it too good to be true?

Many of the items for sale included alleged production props from the most beloved films and television shows of all time, “Gone With the Wind”, “Wizard of Oz”, “Lord of the Rings”, “Casablanca”, “I Love Lucy” and possessions purportedly owned by notable figures, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Lucille Ball, Al Capone, Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud and others.

Photos courtesy of Original Prop Blog

Concerned memorabilia collectors began to take note of the large volume of items being offered and upon further research made the shocking discovery that many of the items marketed as “original” and “authentic” were manufactured years after the alleged film/television show was produced or the iconic figure had passed away. In fact, some of these items were even found on the shelves at retail stores, Big Lots and T.J. Maxx. After countless complaints, eBay eventually suspended these sellers, however, this was not before buyers sustained an estimated loss of $300,000-500,000.

These pieces are easily distinguishable by a Certificate of Authenticity (C.O.A.) from Global Antiques in Los Angeles. Collectors who come across these items should certainly be wary. To find out more, please visit the Original Prop Blog website and click on Market Watch, followed by Global Antiques. This story is also featured in the July 23, 2008 edition of the Los Angeles Times and the July 26, 2008 edition of the San Jose Mercury News.

Memorabilia collecting is undoubtedly an enjoyable hobby, but it is a buyer beware endeavor. All too often, collectors find comfort in C.O.A’s, but remember they are only as good as the dealer that issued them. By doing some homework and fact checking you can better protect yourself from falling victim to fraud.

Jennifer & Bryce Henderson

What’s on at IMAX Theatre Melbourne August to September 2008

The Dark Knight – The IMAX Experience

The Dark Knight – the much-awaited sequel to the box office hit Batman Begins – features six sequences filmed with IMAX® cameras, making it the first major Hollywood feature film partially shot using IMAX cameras. Experience the magnifying effect of The Dark Knight at IMAX, starring Christian Bale as Batman/Bruce Wayne battling with the chaos unleashed in Gotham City by the terrifying Joker (Heath Ledger).

Date: Now Showing

Tickets: $20.00 adults, $16.50 concession, $15.00 child, $60.00 family (2 adults & 2 children)

Wild Ocean 3D

Experience an IMAX 3D adventure that will take you into the middle of a vicious feeding frenzy off the wild coast of South Africa, and let you witness the interplay between man and our endangered ocean ecosystem.This is an action-packed giant screen cinema experience capturing one of nature’s greatest migration spectacles.

Date: Now Showing

Cost: $17.50 adult, $14 concession, $12.50 child, $50 family (2 adults & 2 children)

Fly me to the Moon

In this groundbreaking 3D animated adventure, three young flies set off on a courageous mission to become the first insects on the moon by hitching a ride on the historic Apollo 11 space flight. Based on the actual transcripts and the original blueprints from NASA, the film’s stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail introduce a whole new generation to the awe-inspiring achievements of the space program’s most momentous mission.

Date: 11 September 2008

Cost: $17.50 adult, $14 concession, $12.50 child, $50 family (2 adults & 2 children)

IMAX Theatre Melbourne, Melbourne Museum, Rathdowne Street, Carlton. Films screen daily from 10.00am.

For session times visit www.imaxmelbourne.com.au or call 03 9663 5454

Christie’s First Open Sale Offers a Stunning Selection of Contemporary Masters and Emerging Artists

First Open September 9, 2008

New York, NY – Christie’s New York leads its fall season with the eighth edition of First Open on September 9, which includes over 230 lots of Post-War & Contemporary Art and is expected to realize in excess of $6-8 million. First Open displays another stunning array of works for this highly anticipated and successful sale. Highlights of the sale include an exciting assortment of paintings, sculpture, drawings and photographs from both well-known and emerging artists. With estimates ranging from $1,500 to $500,000, First Open is an exceptional opportunity to acquire works at a variety of price points, whether you are building an existing collection or starting anew.

This season, emerging artists Rafal Bujnowski, Ernesto Caivano and James Siena will appear along established names such as Alexander Calder, Anslem Kiefer, Jeff Koons, Robert Motherwell, Elizabeth Peyton, Richard Prince, Thomas Ruff, Richard Serra, Cindy Sherman, James Turrell, Tom Wesselmann, and Andy Warhol.

Among the array of highlights is a rare photograph from celebrated contemporary artist Cindy Sherman. Her internationally exhibited Untitled Film Still #13 (estimate: $300,000-500,000) of 1978, is a singular edition of her renowned sixty-nine part series. Sherman began the series in 1977, when she was twenty-three, creating an elaborate universe of different roles played by the contemporary woman. The Stills appear to function like actual film stills – luring the viewer into what appears to be a moment captured in a narrative drama. However, the scene becomes all the more compelling when the viewer realizes that it is not a film still, but a single staged moment.

The sale also features a large scale composition by American artist, David Salle. Salle’s Nouns (estimate: $200,000-300,000) of 2003, is made up of twenty-four carefully created elements, appearing to be a multi-faceted collage. The thoughtful juxtaposition of scenes makes up a collective work of vibrant colors and mixed subject matter. Each element is supremely crafted and has the ability to function alone, but together, the scenes create a dynamic dialogue of images and color.

Another highlight is Substrat 7III (estimate: $50,000-70,000), a vibrant and abstract creation by the cutting-edge artist, Thomas Ruff, executed in 2002.

The Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is also represented with several important works. In A Signpost to 21st Century (estimate: $40,000-60,000), executed in 1988, the intricate geometric patterns appear to move across the canvas, creating a dynamic interplay of shapes and color.

Elizabeth Peyton, famous for her iconic portraits of friends, celebrities and musicians, will be represented by Jarvis (estimate: $30,000-40,000), executed in 1996, of musician Jarvis Cocker. Richard Prince will also be featured by his cast orange urethane Flip Flops (estimate: $25,000-$30,000), executed in 1998.

In addition, the sale will also feature several lots by Jeff Koons, including his stainless-steel Donkey (estimate: $25,000-$35,000), executed in 1997 as well as his Inflatable Flower Sculpture (Green) (estimate: $40,000-60,000) of 2001.

The First Open sale will be on view in Christie’s New York galleries together with the Contemporary Design viewing from 5 September – 8 September, 2008.

Auction: September 9, at 10 a.m.

Viewing: September 5-8, Christie’s Galleries at Rockefeller Center

More information about Christie’s sale of First Open can be found on www.christies.com. All lots from the sale can be viewed along with full catalogue descriptions on Lotfinder®, which also allows clients to leave absentee bids. www.christies.com provides information on more than 80 sale categories, buying and selling at auction, complete auction results, and Christie’s international auction calendar.

About Christie’s

Christie’s is the world’s leading art business with global art sales in 2007 that totaled £3.1 billion/$6.3 billion. This marks the highest total in company and in art auction history. For the first half of 2008, art sales totaled £1.8 million / $3.5 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20^th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 600 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $80 million. Christie’s has 85 offices in 43 countries and 14 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Hong Kong and Zurich. Most recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

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400+ Online Collectibles Museums Exhibits – Largest Directory On Earth Unveiled

Collectibles-Museums.com has announced the Largest Directory of Online Collectibles Museums on Earth^TM.  These are all legitimate, quality-reviewed Museum and Collection sites with online galleries of impressive collectibles displays.  The items range from the esteemed to the esoteric.  A random sample includes:

• Antique Mouse and Rat Trap Gallery
• The Eames Collection
• 4000 Years of Miniature Books
• The World of Fruit Labels
• Antique and 19^th Century Cameras
• Famous Nudes in Art
• Cuban Political Posters
• Depression Glass Rarities
• Music Box Museum
• Condom Wrappers of the 30s and 40s
• Museum Of Soviet Calculators
• 29,383 Unopened Cigarette Packs
• Vintage Finnish Pulp Paperback Gallery
• Phisick Antique Medical Collection
• Scales and Weights Over 3000 Years
• Bob Trudy’s Brand Name Pencils
• Gallery of Scary Clowns
• Queensland Aerial Service Ephemera
• Gallery of Generic Mac and Cheese Packaging
• Vintage Blue Note Records Museum

Suggestions for additions to the list can be made at http://www.collectibles-museums.com/.  All submissions are screened to ensure they are useful, interesting and entertaining.

Visit http://www.collectibles-museums.com/ for over 700 total online Collectibles Museums Exhibits, free price guides, and collector glossaries. Visit http://www.collectibles-articles.com/ for free, human-screened articles in 100+ collector fields and free Author article distribution.