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Arts news, information, links and ideas from Rob Maniscalco

Stephen Kushner
14" x 18"

This moody, restless rendering captures the spirit and individuality of a remarkable boy. He knows something about himself, some inner power, that we will have to wait to see. He will reveal his gifts when he is ready. Today we must be satisfied with the glimmer in his eye.

Lou Gherig and Babe Ruth
Charcoal on paper
14" x 21"

This rugged double portrait of the baseball legends was created and sold at auction during the recent Gala at St. Clare of Montefalco School in Grosse Pointe.

Here's a sneak preview of this four-movement symphany, which was "composed" for the Cavataio family. It will be presented this May at a special vernissage.

Emmi LeVasseur
14" x 18"

Emmi is portrayed standing in front of a typical Lowcountry marsh scene. She is indelibly connected to her environment. She is in love with life and lives it with tenacity and wonder.

Marian Ilitch
42"x 31"

This portrait joins that of her husband's, Mike. They hang across from one another in their dining room. I set out to capture her unpretentious manner and down to earth personality. In the portrait setting we get a glimpse of this Detroit icon's exquisite taste in interior design.

Mike Ilitch
Founder of Little Caesars Pizza
42" x 31"

Mike Ilitch is a Detroit icon. The portrait expresses the strength of character of the individual. But I also tried to capture some of the dry wit and inner passion, as I experienced it, while working on the portrait. There are references to the Spirit of Detroit and the Detroit Tigers on the shelves behind. He also wears championship rings of the Red Wings and the Tigers (both of which he owns). The tie is by Dominic Pangborn.

Hon. Daniel G. Berk
28" x 32"
Administrative Law Judge

This portrait was commissioned privately to hang in Judge Berk's summer cottage, a tribute to him from his loving wife, Lois. Hence, it is a more casual, warm setting. Dan has a diversity of interests. He has an extensive collection of music recordings and film DVDs.

Jerry Zucker
36" x 48"

This portrait celebrates the life of Mr. Jerry Zucker, Governor and CEO of Hudson's Bay Company in Toronto. The portrait features Mr. Zucker in dynamic repose, expressing his energy and vitality. The light streams in from a window behind. In the bookcases to his right are binders, containing his over 300 international patents. The desk is clear, save a notebook computer, representing his connection with his many international interests through advanced communications technology.

Robert Ficano
Executive of Wayne County, MI

Finally, we unveil the portrait of Mr. Ficano, created to hang outside the Executive chambers in the Historic Wayne County Building (in Detroit). This portrait will hang along side those of his predecessors, both of whom my father painted. This complex composition was designed to lead the eye left to right, weaving a path throughout the painting. I used available light to add to the drama and power of the portrait. Mr. Ficano struck me as a very unpretentious individual; this simple gesture conveys a quiet power that has earned him the respect and affection among state and local leaders.