Steven recently restored a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge he made from 30,000 toothpicks and glue. Measuring thirteen feet in length, his homage to San Francisco’s most famous landmark will be on view at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco  thru May 30th, 2012. May also marks the 75th Anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Great job, Steven!

Visiting ships included the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, the destroyer USS Mitscher, and the training frigate USS De Wert; the HMS Montrose from Great Britain, the HMCS St. John’s from Canada, and the FS Germinal from France. Tall ships included the USCG Barque Eagle, and Operation Sail (OPSAIL) ships, the KRI Dewaruci from Indonesia, and the Guayas from Ecuador.

There were many exciting events including ship tours; New Orleans based community service projects, and lectures and tours about the War of 1812. Two Blue Angels air shows were scheduled but had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. Military drills and training exercises on board the ships were also a part of the week’s events.

Upcoming ports of call include:

June 1-12, Norfolk

June 13-19, Baltimore

June 30-July 5, Boston

July 6-8, New London

Can’t make it to an OpSail2012 event this year? You can still look like you did with an official OpSail2012 poster and commemorative tee-shirt designed by 3D pop artist Charles Fazzino!  The tee-shirt comes in a variety of sizes with the Poster image featured on the back and the Official OpSail2012 emblem on the front:

The Official OpSail2012 Poster:

See the OpSail 2012 collection at the OpSail2012 Store.

See the entire Fazzino collection at www.Fazzino.com

“Start Spreading the News..I’m leaving Today.. I want to be a part of it.. New York, New York”

The iconic song has new meaning as we anxiously prep and get ready to host the official unveiling and opening night of the Fazzino RIDE on May 3^rd.   Charles Fazzino has created a special design wrap making THE Fazzino RIDE a 75-minute moving work of interactive art that will be part of New York’s famous shows and attractions.

Fazzino: The New York Show?

Perhaps we need to begin with an explanation of what THE RIDE is.

THE RIDE’S original genius was its realization that the streets of Manhattan are a fifty-mile stage exhibiting the most riveting visuals on earth. Anyone who has ever been to NY knows that the whole city is, in itself, a stage. That has resulted in a fleet of multi-million dollar motor coaches whose interiors are a state-of-the-art wonderland of electronic wizardry that guide 49 dazzled NY tourists. They are specifically designed theatrical vehicles; the tallest allowed by federal law, fitted with stadium-style seating that orients the 49 fortunate participants sideways so as to look through the massive windows that deliver New York as the most successful Broadway show on earth.

These multi-million dollar coaches are equipped with surround sound, LED lighting and 40 video screens. They are, in essence, rolling state-of-the-art theatres that introduce their travelling audiences to an interactive experience that only the most interactive city in the western hemisphere could deliver. Adding its own actors to the crowded mix on the street, the huge motor coaches deliver a show worthy of the standing ovations and group euphoria that results at the end of each RIDE.

At the end of the tour, each motor coach’s cargo is encouraged to participate in a rousing rendition of “NEW YORK, NEW YORK”.

Introducing the THE Fazzino RIDE to the NY Tour

Entering its third season of being New York City’s hottest tourist attraction, THE RIDE is adding new motor coaches, a new cast, new themes, new management, a new Box Office located at Madame Tussauds on 42nd Street in Times Square and THE Fazzino RIDE!

THE Fazzino RIDE has been designed as a visually choreographed piece of kinetic art that will feature new interactive content and street performances. THE Fazzino RIDE’s limited run (May 4th – September 3rd) will parallel Charles Fazzino’s Olympic duties as the Official Artist of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

About the Unveiling of This New York Show

The newest RIDE will be officially unveiled on Thursday, May 3rd at The Barrington Gallery of London Ltd. (572 Fifth Avenue – between 46th and 47th Streets).

• The Cocktail Reception will begin at 5:00pm.
• The cast of THE Fazzino RIDE will arrive at 6:00pm.
• The official unveiling will take place at 7:00pm.

Then, as the lights of New York begin to promise the evening’s events, THE Fazzino RIDE will take off to tour New York City for the first time!

THE Fazzino RIDE Attraction

For Individual Tickets: BroadwayOffers.com or 866-299-9682
For Groups: 212-244-2551 (X155)
Text: THERIDE TO 313131
Box Office located at Madame Tussauds on 42nd Street in Times Square.
All tickets are $69
To RSVP for the May 3^rd Reception contact TheJacksinaCo@mindspring.com

 “Fasten your seat belts and embrace the city. This is a shared experience and something to be talked about. All tour buses should be built this way.”
-New York Times

OpSail & U.S. Navy Commemorate The Bicentennial Of The Writing Of The Star-Spangled Banner & The War of 1812 — Tall ships from Around The World Join U.S. & International Navies In Six American Port Festivals During Spring & Summer 2012

3-D Pop Artist Charles Fazzino’s Official Artwork Commemorates the Bicentennial and Depicts the Six U. S. Ports — Including NYC — Participating in OpSail 2012

NEW YORK, NY — Famous3-D Pop Artist Charles Fazzino has created the Official Commemorative artwork, including a Limited-edition Poster and Commemorative Tee-shirt for OpSail 2012 – a partnership between Operation Sail Inc. and the U.S. Navy. OpSail 2012 is commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner with a parade of tall ships and series of week-long events at six American ports in Spring/Summer 2012.

The OpSail 2012 events include a parade of these international tall ships and military ships into six historic ports — New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, Boston, New YorkCity and New London.  The events extend from April 17 thru July 8. U.S Navy ships, international warships, and the famous Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron will also participate in OpSail 2012.

Charles Fazzino’s Art Captures the Spirit of OpSail 2012

“I am honored to have been selected to be the Official Artist for OpSail 2012,” Fazzino said. “It is a thrill to participate with OpSail 2012 in commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the penning of our beloved Star Spangled Banner. Every port city is represented in this official poster, so I hope that OpSail enthusiasts and collectors alike will enjoy this keepsake artwork.”

Jose Fuentes, chairman of Operation Sail Inc., said “We are thrilled with the selection of Charles Fazzino as the official artist for Opsail 2012. His extraordinarily colorful and attractive artwork creates a spectacular theme and captures the unique spirit of OpSail 2012.”

“Bringing the tall ships of the world back toU.S.waters for the commemoration of this glorious American milestone excites the imagination,” Fuentes added. “Throughout 2012, millions of people will watch these graceful and majestic sailing ships as they parade together, and celebrate the brotherhood of the sea and our freedoms.”

States, municipalities and civic organizations have formed host committees to organize the week-long events in each port in concert with OpSail executives and Navy officials. All of the ships will be open for public visiting free of charge, and citizens will have the opportunity of interacting with talented young sailors from around the world.

For additional information about OpSail 2012, please visit: www.opsail.org and/or view the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFRik4B9ya0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Key 2012 dates for the OpSail / Navy ship visits:

New Orleans,Louisiana, April 17-23

San Juan,Puerto Rico(Tall Ships only), May 9-14

New York,New   York, May 23-30 (Fleet Week)

Norfolk,Virginia, June 2-12 (Harborfest)

Baltimore/Annapolis,Maryland, June 13-19

Boston,Massachusetts, June 30-July 6

New London,Connecticut(Tall Ships only), July 6-9

 About Charles Fazzino

Charles Fazzino — one of the most popular artists in the world — is an officially licensed artist of Major League Baseball and the 2012 MLB All-Star Game, the USOC and 2012 US Olympic Team, and the National Football League and Super Bowl XLVII.

Charles Fazzino has also created official artwork for high profile events, including: Fort Lauderdale Centennial, NASCAR Sprint Cup series, NHL All-Star Game, Olympic Games, Belmont Stakes, Daytona 500, Indy 500, Andy Roddick Charity Gala, U.S. Tennis Foundation, CMA Awards, Grammy Awards, NBC’s “Today” Summer Concert Series, Rosie O’Donnell’s For All Kids Foundation and the President William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation, among many others.

Charles Fazzino’s artwork, including his Commemorative Super Bowl XVI art collection, can be viewed at: www.fazzino.com.

About Operation Sail, Inc.

Operation Sail, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1961 with the endorsement of President John F. Kennedy. Backed by a Joint Congressional Resolution, its mission is to advance sail training and promote goodwill among nations. As the Congressionally chartered non-profit producer of tall ship events, OpSail has staged spectacles for five previous American milestone events such as the 1964 World’s Fair, the 1976 bicentennial of American independence, the 1986 State of Liberty centennial, the 1992 Columbus Quincentennial, and the Millennium in 2000.

About The Erlick Group

The Erlick Group is a leading NYC-based entertainment sponsorship agency founded in 1992 by Jim Erlick. The Charles Fazzino Official Art Program for OpSail 2012 is created in cooperation with The Erlick Group. For additional information about the Erlick Group, please call: 212-418-7372 or visit: www.erlickgroup.com.

Media Contacts:

For Charles Fazzino:

Cathy Del Priore, 718-987-9738

cathydel1@verizon.net

Weitz Communications

For OpSail 2012:

William G. Armstrong Jr., 203-904-8115

warmstrong@opsail.org

Director of Communications, Operation Sail Inc.

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Free Online Art Competition for New York City Art Students

In case you haven’t realized it yet, we love supporting the arts in schools and encouraging kids to pursue an interest in art.  We’re thrilled to announce with THE RIDE a free online art contest for youths and students .   To celebrate the unveiling of the FAZZINO RIDE, a new way to tour New York City with Fazzino’s pop art as your backdrop, young artists are invited to create a piece of original work based on Fazzino and their favorite scenes of New York City.

Art Contest Winners Get to Hop on THE RIDE with Charles Fazzino

Not only is the art contest a great way for young artists to show off their art work, but the contest winners will be able to meet Charles Fazzino and take the RIDE with him.

The top ten art competition entries with the most votes will be invited to the Fazzino RIDE opening Night Gala scheduled for May 3^rd, 2012 where we will be unveiling the new RIDE tour bus covered in Fazzino artwork! The Art contest winners will win an exclusive spot on THE FAZZINO RIDE with Charles himself!

Post Your New York City Art Online to Enter the Free Art Contest

New York area art students and youths over the age of 13 are encouraged to upload their Fazzino inspired artwork on THE RIDE‘s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ExperienceTheRide/app_95936962634, and tell everyone they know to vote for them! Ten (10) finalists will be selected based on how many people “like” their New York City Fazzino Inspired art.

The deadline to upload a picture to THE RIDE’S Facebook page is April 30^th.  Contestants should encourage others to vote for their art contest submission.  People vote via “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” buttons and can vote once a day until the contest ends.

Take THE RIDE and Save

On THE RIDE, guests are given front row seats as the streets of New York City become a stage. Famous city landmarks are a backdrop to a live show with unparalleled technology, fun facts, and amazing street performances. THE RIDE is an unforgettable New York City experience. THE RIDE is a creative spin on the more conventional theatrical performance, giving all riders a facing-the-street view of New York’s active streetscape with frequent stops featuring multi-talented street performers.  Each RIDE is a different experience and the FAZZINO RIDE will be the perfect blend of NY seen through the eyes and art of Charles Fazzino!

THE RIDE launches from Times Square and interested guests should check the website for daily schedules.  Private group RIDES are available by scheduling in advance.  THE RIDE’S box office is located at Madam Tussauds, 234 West 42nd Street, NYC.

Right now, when you go to the Fazzino Facebook page, you can save $10 off the price of THE FAZZINO RIDE tickets. The FAZZINO RIDE will be open to the public beginning May 4^th, 2012 and the discount code can be used for tickets through Labor Day.

For some reason, there is a widespread belief that in order to be respected as a “museum-quality” artist in this country, you must avoid commercial success at all costs. I’ve never understood that. How many artists can say they’ve touched as many people with their work as Thom…or James…or Steve. What an honor to have your work hung in so many households….to affect so many people with your art. And yet, it’s just that level of popularity that causes the high brow art world to, in a sense, look down on these masters as somehow inferior to “museum-quality” artists. How many people would recognize the names of any of these so-called “museum-quality” artists if they were to have their obituaries printed in the newspaper?

Artists like Thomas Kinkade have jumped the barricade between fine artist and pop culture icon. He was both….something rarely achieved. Why, in music and theater and almost any type of artform is it a blessing to be popular? In art, it can be the kiss of death to a career and a barrier to gaining the respect of the community. I heard an interview over the weekend with a major contemporary art museum curator that said Thom’s work will most likely never make it into the musuems because of itscommercial nature….I do believe the same thing was said many times about Andy Warhol and Norman Rockwell. And yet, the beat goes on.

It’s interesting to note that the same distinctions are not always made internationally. Takashi Murakami recently talked about just this issue in an interview….how he has become so revered and celebrated BECAUSE of the commercial nature of his work. He is celebrated all over the world, but if he’d started in the US, his work might not have garnered the same level of respect.

I mourn the loss of all three of my contemporaries. They were all very influential in their circles and made great contributions to the art world. They spread the message of art…and affected the lives of so many. They will all be missed.

“Along the Lighted Path” by Thomas Kinkade

“The Best Art is a Good Heart” by James Rizzi

“ The Rat Pack” by Steve Kaufman

Stamford Downtown, http://www.stamford-downtown.com/, is proud to announce that they have commissioned 3D pop artist Charles Fazzino, http://www.fazzino.com/,  to create the logo and visual identity for this Summer’s art exhibit, Horsin’ Around Stamford Downtown, Art in Public Places. Not only will Fazzino create the event logo and serve on the board of jurors, but he will also contribute his own talents to painting one of the larger-than-life-sized horse statues that will be placed all around Stamford, CT beginning in June.

“We are so proud to have Charles Fazzino participate in this exciting event. His uniquely painted oversized horse sculpture will be a wonderful landmark for all to see this summer in Stamford Downtown,” said Sandy Goldstein, President of Stamford Downtown.”

Charles Fazzino added “I am honored to be working with Sandy and her team in Stamford. I’ve been a big proponent of public art projects for many years and I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible horse sculptures the artists taking part will produce. It’s going to be thrilling to see all those horses and all that art in the City of Stamford.”

Look for the horses to start appearing in and around town in June. The exhibition will continue through August, after which the sculptures will be sold at auction with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Ferguson Library in Stamford, CT.

About 3D Artist Charles Fazzino

Charles Fazzino — one of the most popular artists in the world — is most well-known for his unique, detailed, and vibrant three-dimensional style. His work is exhibited in hundreds of fine art galleries and museums in twenty different countries. He is an officially licensed artist of the National Football League and the Super Bowl (2000-present), Major League Baseball and the MLB All-Star Game (2003-present), and the US Olympic Team (2000-present).  He has also recently created official artwork for high profile events, including: the 2011 Centennial Celebration for the City of Fort Lauderdale, the President’s Challenge for President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, NASCAR Sprint Cup series, NHL All-Star Game, Belmont Stakes, Daytona 500, Indy 500, Andy Roddick Charity Gala, U.S. Tennis Foundation, CMA Awards, Grammy Awards,  Daytime Emmy Awards, NBC’s “Today” Summer Concert Series, Rosie O’Donnell’s For All Kids Foundation and the President William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation, among many others.

About Horsin’ Around Stamford Downtown

Horsin’ Around Stamford Downtown, an exciting interactive outdoor sculpture exhibit, will transform the city of Stamford’s downtown area into a colorful equine environment this summer. In early June, Stamford Downtown will place 40 oversized, originally designed and painted fiberglass horse statues throughout Stamford Downtown and the Stamford Town Center. The artistic horses will be on display for free public viewing and enjoyment by thousands of area residents and visitors all summer.

Horse Art Highlights Local Connecticut Artists and Benefits Stamford Library

Horsin’ Around Stamford Downtown is the fifth art exhibit of its kind produced by Stamford Downtown, a non-profit organization responsible for managing and promoting the Stamford downtown as the region’s destination for dining, entertainment, retail, housing, and education.

Stamford Downtown has assembled some of the tri-state’s most talented artists to create works of art using the unpainted fiberglass horses sculptures. The artists were chosen from a pool of 200 submissions through a juried selection process. Once a design is chosen by a sponsor, it can take up to four weeks to complete. Artists can choose to work on their horse at Stamford Downtown’s Public Art Studio at 61 Broad Street, or at their own  art studios. The public is invited to view the artistic process of turning the blank horse canvas into art at the Public Art Studio.

After the summer-long exhibit, the horse sculptures will be rounded up and refurbished for an art auction.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Ferguson Library.

Art in Public Places Helping Connecticut Tourism

Horsin’ Around Stamford Downtown builds on the enormous successes of past interactive exhibits, CowParade Stamford 2000, Art-O-Mobiles in 2001, Stamford Safari in 2003 and It’s Reigning Cats & Dogs in 2010.  Those exhibits brought record -breaking tourism and spending dollars estimated in the hundreds of thousands to the downtown CT area and over $400,000 was raised for charities as a result of the four art auctions.

On June 6, Stamford Downtown will host a kickoff party and viewing for sponsors, artists and the public at the Stamford Marriott.  For more information about Horsin’ Around Stamford Downtown, call 203-348-5285 or visit

www.stamford-downtown.com

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Media Contacts:

For Stamford Downtown: Annette Einhorn, Annette@stamford-downtown.com, 203-348-5285

For Charles Fazzino: Julie Maner, Museum Editions, Ltd., Jmaner@fazzino.com, 914-654-9370