Arts & Entertainment

Anyone who grew up in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area will recognize the name Fortunoff, the high-end retailer of housewares, silverware, lighting fixtures and jewelry. Few are probably aware, however, that the matriarch of the Fortunoff family, Helene Fortunoff (1933-2021), was a passionate collector of fine antique ceramics. Now, the entire collection that Helene assembled with her second husband Robert Grossman will come up for bid in an online-only auction slated for Tuesday, April 23rd, starting at 6 pm Eastern time. The sale, comprising 243 lots, will be conducted by Strawser Auction Group. Online bidding will be via LiveAuctioneers.com. Absentee and telephone bids will also be accepted. A preview is available by appointment only on Tuesday, April 23rd, from 3-5 pm, in the Strawser Auction Group facility located at 200 North Main in Wolcottville, Ind. For an appointment, call 260-854-2859 or 260-336-2204; or, you can send an email to michael@strawserauctions.com. The ... Continue reading →

In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, the genre of neo-noir has emerged as a captivating fusion of classic film noir elements with a contemporary twist. Spearheading this cinematic revolution is none other than producer extraordinaire, Carol Wolman, whose innovative approach to storytelling has paved the way for a new era of gritty, atmospheric films that delve into the darker facets of human nature. Neo-noir, characterized by its stylized visuals, morally ambiguous characters, and complex narratives, has undergone a renaissance in recent years, thanks in no small part to the creative vision of producers like Carol Wolman producer. With a keen eye for talent and a penchant for pushing boundaries, Wolman has played a pivotal role in bringing some of the most compelling modern neo-noir movies to audiences around the globe. One such standout example of Wolman's influence is the critically acclaimed film "Shadows in the City," a gripping neo-noir thriller that explores ... Continue reading →

The 1914 brass shipbuilder’s plate #41 for Collingwood Shipbuilding Company for the S.S. Pelee sold for $15,340, and Canadian National Locomotive plates #6057 and #4006 brought $14,160 and 11,210, respectively, in the online-only auction of the William Robert Wilson collection held March 23rd and 24th by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. Part 1, on March 23rd, featured 451 lots of railroad collectibles, bottles, pottery, stoneware and architectural items. Part 2, on March 24th, had 511 lots of additional railroad and architectural items, plus nautical and marine lots. The auction was officially titled Advertising, Railroadiana & Historic Objects / The William Robert William Collection (Parts 1-2). It grossed $554,453. All prices quoted are in Canadian dollars and include an 18 percent buyer’s premium. The cast brass Collingwood Shipbuilding Company, Ltd. (Canadian) 1914 builder's Plate #41 had a modest $500-$800 estimate, but bidders knew better. Collingwood was ... Continue reading →

Plymouth, MA, April 9, 2024 -- The idea of building and sailing a second Mayflower from England to America was an impossible dream. Those behind the idea had no plans, no crew, and no money. There was only a grand vision to thank America for its World War II sacrifices. Packed with historic photos, footnotes and an extensive bibliography, Project Mayflower - is an untold story of a grand adventure, achievement in the face of adversity  and success despite skeptics and long odds. The book shares captivating new details of how the Mayflower II made the “special relationship” between the US and Britain even stronger. It chronicles the ship’s daring 5,500-mile voyage on the open sea from Plymouth, England to Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1957, with the world’s finest square-rigger captain leading an untested crew and a mascot named Felix the cat on a voyage National Geographic called “one of the most fabulous voyages of modern times.” Among the ... Continue reading →

A wide selection of quality antiques will come up for bid at an at Art Glass, Lamps and Much More auction planned for Saturday, April 20th, by Woody Auction, online (thru LiveAuctioneers.com) and live in the auction house located at 130 Third Street in Douglass. In total, 333 lots will cross the auction block, all with no reserves, beginning promptly at 9:30 am Central time.  “This springtime auction is sure to capture the attention and imagination of bidders,” said Jason Woody of Woody Auction. “Vaseline glass is featured extensively throughout the event, along with several Victorian epergnes. Porcelain plaques, art glass, and pottery are just a few of the many genres available. There is no buyer’s premium for those in attendance paying with cash or check.”  Certainly one of the more intriguing items in the sale is lot 195, an authentic vampire killing kit, housed in a silk-lined walnut case and featuring an ebony handled dueling pistol, ... Continue reading →

A complete portfolio of 25 lithographs from Salvador Dali (France/Spain, 1904-1989) titled Aliyah, and a 1924 Alpha Romeo half-scale Shriners parade P2 go-cart racer are a couple of the wild and wonderful items awaiting bidders in Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers’ online Fine & Decorative Art auction slated for Wednesday, April 24th, starting at 10 am EDT. “The spring Fine & Decorative Art online auction includes some great items from New England estates, which make it an eclectic mix from Old Master paintings to contemporary sculpture,” said Kevin Bruneau, the president of Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers. Bruneau added, “Amazingly, the complete Salvador Dali Aliyah portfolio came to us on a free appraisal day in the gallery. Each lithograph is signed and numbered in pencil along the bottom margin, and the set even comes with the original linen-covered portfolio box. It was incredible to see it just walk into the gallery.” All 25 lithographs on paper ... Continue reading →

Hold onto your broomsticks! Discovery Map International, renowned for its vibrant, hand-drawn maps showcasing top destinations across North America, will launch Discovery Map® of Salem in summer 2024. Local business owner Louis W. Grande recently signed a franchise agreement to bring the inaugural edition of the map to the Witch City. With its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture steeped in the lore of its witch trial history, Salem offers a rich array of experiences that draw travelers from around the globe. Discovery Map of Salem will capture that old New England charm while showcasing the city’s historic sites, eclectic shops and eateries. "Salem holds a special place in the hearts of many, and we're excited to showcase its unique charm through our carefully crafted map," said Grande, attorney and owner of Louis W. Grande Injury Lawyers in Providence, RI. . " Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, our goal is to provide ... Continue reading →

In 1965, The Star Weekly magazine and CBC-TV both shone a spotlight on the little-known, self-taught Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis (1901-1970). Her world suddenly changed. Now, Ms. Lewis’s letters handwritten to a friend in London, Ontario will come up for bid at Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., this coming Saturday, April 13th, beginning promptly at 10 am Eastern time. The auction will be online-only. Details of Maud Lewis’s secluded and impoverished life in Marshalltown – where she and her husband Everett shared a tiny one-room house with no electricity or running water – became public knowledge. She complained about receiving more than 300 letters after all the publicity and evidently had no plans to answer them. When the White House wrote to secure two paintings, her response was concise: she would send the paintings after receiving payment. Her work was suddenly in great demand, but she seemed impervious to the fame. While it’s believed Maud ... Continue reading →

The film has a pretty amazing ensemble cast lead by Kaiti Wallen (Ash and Bone) as Nicole, Sean Whalen (Twister), Richard Tyson (Kindergarten Cop), Shawntay Dalon (Detroiters), Blanca Blanco (Betrayed), Debra Lamb (Showdown in Yesteryear) Mari G. (Melanin), Vida Ghaffari (The Mindy Project). Synopsis: True Story of Nicole Beverly as seen in part on “Inside Evil” with Chris Cuomo. Falling in Love, Starting a family and facing the difficulties of dealing with severe Domestic Violence but taking a stands against her assailant and the system. The Story is written by acclaimed Screenwriter Geoffrey Calhoun (The Past Come Knocking) with help from Nicole Beverly (Writer of her Best Selling Book with the same name) Director/Producer Harley Wallen (Betrayed) and Produced by Kaiti Wallen (Tale of Tails), Joe Williamson (The Devil’s Left Hand) and Michael Alexander (Beneath Us All), Howard Gibson (Double Cross) along with Nicole and Harley and Painted Creek Productions teamed ... Continue reading →

Downtown Los Angeles, CA, USA, April 12, 2024 -- Andrew Jones Auctions is thrilled to present the sale of an important private collection out of Pebble Beach, California on Sunday, April 28th and Monday, April 29th, online and live in the gallery located at 2221 South Main Street in downtown Los Angeles. Online bidding will be available on AndrewJoesAuctions.com, LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. The outstanding collection will feature an international array of fine and decorative art, ranging from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The catalog will include over 450 lots of Chinese works of art, Old Master to modern paintings, English and European silver, porcelain and glass, English and Continental furniture, books, Russian icons, modern works, garden appointments and more. An impressive offering of Chinese works is led by a monumental blue and white porcelain dragon basin with partial Jiajing mark, on a stand (est. $4,000-$6,000); and a lovely pale celadon porcelain bowl with ... Continue reading →