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The Art of Cynthia Ebin

By: Gracee Arthur

Tracy Park held a cocktail reception at her Malibu gallery this past Saturday for artist Cynthia Ebin. Cynthia, a self-described “intuitive
abstract expressionist” who shared some of the paintings from her “Garden”
series as well as several fantastic sculptures. The colorful paintings focus on women and their lives across cultural borders. In both painting and sculpture she is constantly dealing with the human condition taking the viewer on a mystical journey through time, space and color.

I was mesmerized by her abstract expressionism bathed in the bold colors of the primitives. Cynthia, a Boston native now residing in Southern California, is an internationally recognized painter, sculptor and professor whose work has been exhibited in collections and galleries from New York, Cape Town, France, Sweden and Japan.

The exhibit runs from May 10, through June 10th at the Tracy Park Gallery
23410 Civic Center Way Malibu. For more information on the artist go to
www.ebinart.com

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

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Posted by Gracee Arthur on May 17th, 2010

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A History of Burlesque

By: Gracee Arthur

I hate to admit it, having just had a birthday, but as an avid movie fan, I do remember the last days of Burlesque. Last Saturday, I ventured over to the Laemmle 5 in West Hollywood to catch my friend producer Sheri Hellard’s new documentary, “Behind the Burly Q,” produced with Leslie Zemeckis who also directed the project. The team did years of research through out the country locating and interviewing the veterans of the lost art of entertainment which died out by the early 1960’s. The film’s executive producer was Robert Zemeckis of “Back to the Future” and Romancing the Stone” among other great hits.

Burlesque was made popular during the Great Depression because it offered fun, risqué entertainment for only a dime! The shows featured
not just girls with pasties but also terrific comedians like Abbot and Costello, singers

and straight men like Robert Alda (father of Alan Alda who is interviewed in the film) as well as acrobats and musicians. But the true stars of this documentary are the terrific survivors of the art form, the still beautiful spirits who danced and titillated the audience with their glittery glamorous costumes and subtle, sensual disrobing on stage. In 1937 when New York Mayor La Guardia banned Burlesque, Minskey moved the fun to New Jersey!

The most moving and illuminating moments in the film are the stories shared by the dancers now in their 70’s and older (some passed away prior to release of the film) and the terrific clips of the dancers on the Burlesque stage. The backstage gossip, poignant personal stories, joy and sadness in the memories are so vivid you will feel like you were there. Visit the web site behindtheburlyq for some terrific clips and background on the burlesque artists and the filmmakers. I highly recommend this film which is still screening at the Laemelle 5 in West Hollywood Laemelle.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on May 14th, 2010

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“It’s a Wrap”

By: Gracee Arthur

The Malibu Film Festival came to a conclusion last Sunday, May 2nd with a gala fund raising dinner at Terra Restaurant sponsored  by philanthropist Lilly Lawrence. The elegant, formal $1,000 per plate dinner was attended by many local business and entertainment celebrities, as well as festival award winners and organizers of the festival.  The event was the wrap party for the 11th Festival which had a successful return to its original Malibu venue. The goal of the fund raiser was to insure that in its 12th year all festival films will be screened at the Malibu Cinema.

This year’s festival featured a terrific fashion show at the Malibu Lumber yard featuring the styles of Tory Burch and screenings at the Malibu Cinema , as well as the Tracy Park Gallery.

The Icon Award was presented to Actor Martin Landau at the opening night party at Duke’s Restaurant and actor/writer (“An Actor and a Gentleman”) Lou Gossett Jr. received the Inspiration Award on Saturday.

I viewed some terrific short films at the Tracy Park Gallery Saturday afternoon. Among my favorite films was a little black comedy called the “New Tenants,” which as a realtor, made me glad they were not my clients!!!  Great little film! Here they are the 2010 Malibu International Film Festival winners:

“Runners”: Directors Ronan & Bob Burke
“By a Hair”: Director Mike Barton
“Roshambo”: Director Theodore Melfi
“America”: Director Ron Krauss
“Azureus Rising”: Director David Weinstein
“Fiberglass & Megapixels”: Directors Derek Hoffman & Craig Hoffman
“Yeardly”: Director Heath C. Michaels

More information on these films , as well as how to donate, enter a film, offer a venue or volunteer for the 12th  Malibu International Film Festival can be found at Malibu Film

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on May 10th, 2010

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“Realtor to the Stars”
By: Gracee Arthur

April 17, 2010 renowned realtor Mike Silverman died at the age of 90 in his home in Bellingham, Washington.  Mike spent much of his time at his home in the Malibu Colony and was a famous face at Malibu’s finest Restaurants, (especially Granita, which is also sadly no longer with us). Mike would always work the room going from table to table flirting with all the lovely women in the restaurant. One’s date would return from the men’s room only to find Mike seating beside her at the table whispering in her ear. He was a charmer. The dapper gentleman and real estate entrepreneur even took a wife for the first time when he was a babe of 79!

It was a long and exciting road for the son of a sweat shop tailor to the Cape Cod on “Billionaire’s Beach.”  Mike Silverman started in real estate during the post World War II real estate boom as a result of a chance meeting at a bar with a realtor who convinced him he could make a lot of money in real estate. The rest is history, as Mike became the darling of the Hollywood crowd escorting actresses like Joan Crawford and Zsa Zsa Gabor out on the town.  He represented Bill Cosby, Libarace, Debbie Reynolds, Frank Sinatara and the list goes on and on…

My personal early memory of Mike was when I was a student at USC making a short film about a couple who fall in love while watching a movie (a film within a film).  I tried to sneak in to the network affiliates event to get some celebrity footage with my crew and there was Mike near the door. He started up a conversation with me and I asked him if he could help me get in to shoot.

He winked at me and told me to just say Mr. Silverman said it was okay.  It worked like a charm (since Fred Silverman was then the head of the network)!  Mike was a funny guy.

The next time I saw Mike was in the ‘90s at Granita restaurant where he slipped in to my booth to sit next to me and across the table from my date.  My date actually was jealous that this charming old gentleman gave me a kiss on the cheek!!  Mike was always out and about in Malibu charming everyone with his terrific tales.

Mike will always be remembered as the handsome man poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel passing out water proof cards to the rich and famous with charm and panache!

Goodbye Mike, you will be missed by all of us!

La Time Article on Mike Silverman

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

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Posted by Gracee Arthur on May 4th, 2010

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April 29-May 2 2010.

By: Gracee Arthur

Producer David Katz and Malibu resident and philanthropist Lilly Lawrence invite the public to the 2010 Malibu International Film Festival. The festival will take place a various venues in the city of Malibu opening with the film “Finding Grandma” at the Malibu Cinema at 7:00 PM April 29th. There will be an after party at Dukes and the ICON award will be presented to Oscar winning actor Martin Landau.

Friday’s film screenings will be at the Malibu Lumber Yard where there will also be a Tory Burch fashion show at 8PM followed at 9 by a Cocktail Reception sponsored by Stella Artois. The Filmmaker Networking Breakfast will be held on Saturday May 1st at 11 AM at the Tracy Park Gallery , There will be screenings throughout the day on Saturday followed by a 6:00 PM Cocktail Reception at the Tracy Park Gallery.

The festival has created a great buzz this year by merging local art and fashion with the cinematic arts while featuring great local venues! The event should prove to be a feast for the eyes, ears and palate. The Malibu Festival, founded by David Katz with the support of Lilly Lawrence in 1999, is making 2010 its crowning year!

The Awards Gala on Sunday May 2nd will start at 7PM at Terra Restaurant. The Gala, sponsored by Lilly Lawrence is a fundraiser to raise money for the 2011 Malibu Film Festival so all future films may be screened at Malibu Cinemas. Fundraising tickets are $1,000 and may be purchased via credit card at the Malibu Film Festival Web site.

There are a limited number of VIP tickets available for this event. Paraphrasing founder David Katz “Like producing a film, producing a film festival is a collaborative effort”. Please join us all at the 2010 Malibu Film Festival. For more information on screening times, tickets, pricing and  scheduled events go to www.malibufilmfestival.com.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on April 29th, 2010

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Benjamin Zander

“The Art of Possibility”

By: Gracee Arthur

The 2010 Sotheby’s International Realty “Global Networking Event” took place this month in the beautifully renovated city of San Diego.  I look forward to this event each year as an opportunity to connect with top estate agents from across the country and the world to exchange information on the current state of their real estate markets.  This year most markets are beginning to show signs of improvement and the mood was up beat.  The opening speaker for these 3 days of educational seminars was the renowned conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, Benjamin Zander the most extraordinary, infectious speaker who radiates joy, light and hope from every pore of his being.

The Conductor of the Philharmonic since 1979 Mr. Zander travels the world lecturing on leadership and encouraging musicians to find their inner muse.  Along with his wife Rosamund Zander he co-authored the best selling book “The Art of Possibilities.”  When he was just nine Benjamin Britten, England’s leading composer took him under his wing and invited Benjamin and his family to spend three summers at his home in Suffolk.  A cellist, Mr. Zander studied with the great Spanish cello Gaspar Cassado virtuoso for five years. Later he joined the faculty of the New England Conservatory where he still teaches interpretation class.  He also conducts the Youth Philharmonic orchestra.

Resume aside, the man is the most magnetic presence I have ever experienced, whether he is jumping enthusiastically around the room displaying his pure joy in life and music or sharing his insights into human nature, he is simultaneously intimate and larger than life.  The audience was captivated when he took some cultivated non- professional musicians and inspired new joy in their performances in a matter of moments. We all shared the “aha” moment as if it were our own!   More astonishingly we all left the auditorium bathed in the light, joy and ethereal vapors of Benjamin Zander which refuse to dissipate with time!

Watch Benjamin Zander’s featured interview on 60 minutes and capture the experience as it illuminates from the screen!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on April 27th, 2010

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“Emily Rose Shane”

August 9,1996 – April 3,2010
Pay it Forward

By: Gracee Arthur

This past month was a particularly deadly month on the Pacific Coast Highway culminating in the death of 13 year old Malibu Resident Emily Rose Shane. Emily was one of two people killed in separate accidents over Easter weekend by reckless drivers in West Malibu. A third life was claimed just 2 weeks earlier near Paradise Cove.

Amelia Ordona, crossing the road in the early AM of March 18th to catch her bus on the way home from her job as a caretaker, struck by a hit and run driver, then run over by multiple other cars. Her sister was injured in that accident. James Stellar of Santa Monica negotiating a left turn in broad daylight on to Broad Beach Road when he was broadsided by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. Then Emily Shane, run down by an erratic driver while she was walking along the side of the road to the cross walk making her way to Point Dume Village shopping center to meet a family member.

All this unnecessary, horrific loss of life on this dangerous road brought me to tears with a special sense of loss over the one victim I had met when she was just 4 years old, Emily Rose Shane.

Four Hundred mourners turned out for the memorial service on April 7th at the Malibu West Swim Club people sitting on the floor, spilling out onto the deck, friends, family, classmates, people from the Malibu community all paid tribute to this lovely young women whose life was suddenly cut short. I send my deepest condolences to her parents Ellen and Michael and her two older sisters Gerri and Leigh for this incalculable, unexpected loss in their lives of their darling baby girl and sister.

It is a testimony to their love that Michael Shane challenged “every single person in this room to do one good thing in Emily’s name.” He then requested that when the deed is done you think of Emily. A web site has been created in the name of Emily Rose Shane where you may post your good deed (www.emilyshane.org).

There is one thing that the City of Malibu and Los Angles County can do to honor the memory of Emily, James and Amelia and that is to improve and increase the law enforcement on the Pacific Coast Highway.  The years have brought countless deaths and needless accidents on this highway which is rated one of the most dangerous in the country.  Bring back the Highway Patrol and find a way for the Sheriff’s Department and the Patrol to work in concert to make this Highway one of the safest in the country. There is no price too high, no political squabble so great that it should get in the way of saving precious lives.

In memory of Emily Rose Shane “Pay it Forward” and make yourself feel good.

For more information on the City Council Meeting addressing public safety on the highway.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on April 21st, 2010

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Library renovations begin June 1, 2010

By: Gracee Arthur

Some of the happiest memories of my childhood are my trips to the public library to pick out my books for the week. Our library was housed in an old beautiful building on the top of a hilly street in a small city in Connecticut. Everything about the library was fascinating from the mountain of books, to the smell of the bindings and the hushed whispers. Okay in 2010 it sounds geeky but I love to read and the library had so many magnificent books! When I went to college the library was the place to do research for papers which were then  typed on those awful little portable manual typewriters (what is a typewriter—look it up at the library). What would life have been like without a library I do not wish to contemplate.

A few weeks ago I stopped by the Malibu Library to donate some books. There was a sign at the desk saying that in a few weeks they would not be accepting any further donations. When I inquired into the reason I was told the library would be closing June 1st for renovations. When I asked where their interim home would be the librarian told me they did not know if they would have one!

Here are some programs the library runs for children to stimulate their interest in reading:

- Story Time for Toddlers /Preschoolers on Tuesdays at 10AM
- Parks Tales at the Bluffs Park on Thurdays for the same age group; create an art project event such as Canadian Eskimo Art part of a series of cultural projects for children grade 1 and higher
- We the people American History series,” America’s Multicultural Music “ on May 20th at 4 PM
- “When the Animals Were People” May 27th at 4PM   and much more.

There are also many summer activities for children.

I was very concerned about the library not knowing its fate during the renovation period so I spoke with Malibu City Councilman Andy Stern, who told me the county had not yet determined where the library would be housed during the renovation period. My question is, with all the unoccupied, over-priced retail space here in Malibu, isn’t there a philanthropist who would like a tax deduction? Isn’t there someone out there who would like to do the Malibu community a good deed and give the library a temporary home during the renovations? The summer without a proper library facility offering  programs for children? It just does not sound right to me.

Please support the Malibu Library and find it an appropriate interim home.

The Friends of the Malibu Library will be hosting a Book Fair April17th from 10 AM to 4 PM, April 18th from 10 AM to 2PM. Prices start at .25 for children’s books and go to $5.00 and up for Special Books. Sunday is Bargain Day *Special Books discounted 50%. 23519 W. Civic Center Way, Malibu  310456-6438

www.colapublib.org

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on April 14th, 2010

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Après le demenagement

By: Gracee Arthur

After the move is completed, the unpacking begins and the stress slowly dissipates as I rearrange my possessions to compliment my new abode by the beach. This is the alternate universe in which I have resided for the past few weeks, dividing my hours between my work and the move-in- zone (which is far from the rest of life as we know it)!  Finally the art is hung, mon chats have reclaimed their possessions and I am home (la maison nouvelle)!!

The Zuma Bay Villas in Point Dume (where the beaches are named Riviera I, II and III) is a bit of paradise above Westward Beach.  The beautifully landscaped complex sits on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean and which is adjacent to the famous Zuma Beach. At the gated entry is the guard house where there is a guard on duty 24/7. After successfully passing through the gate (the guards are all courteous and helpful usually phoning up to let you know your guest has arrived) you drive up the lushly landscaped road, the ocean on your right and proceed to guest parking which is plentiful and scattered through out the complex.

There are 90 units in this complex of varying sizes and floor plans.  There are none listed on the MLS for sale at this time which is unusual in the current market.  In

2007 several of the larger ocean and greenbelt facing units sold for just under 3 million dollars. The prices range from the  $700,000’s  to a more a more average low – mid 1millions. There are multi-level units as well as some single story, which is unusual for Malibu. The larger units are around 1500-1600 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.  There are also 2 bedroom and 2 plus a bonus room floor plans. The HOA dues are about $800 per month (The dues vary per unit partly because some of the units bought the land beneath them and some pay a monthly rental fee on their land). The facilities include a pool, tennis court, club house and private stairway to the public beach.

Now that I am settled in I feel like I am on vacation every day!  I can walk down to the beach where I run several days a week and even walk down the stairs to the Sunset restaurant for cocktails;  if I am feeling daring I may walk back up the steps to my home. This is definitely a place to consider for a long time purchase commitment if anything goes up for sale in the future.  Rentals vary from about $2800 to $7,000 although front row furnished could go for more and the minimum term is 3 months.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on March 30th, 2010

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Life’s Stress Test

By: Gracee Arthur

As a realtor, two of my great pleasures are locating the ideal buyer for my seller’s property or finding my buyer their dream home.  But as the dream is fulfilled the nightmare begins…..MOVING DAY!

Now it is my turn to live the nightmare as I make an interim move while between houses.  This effort has been complicated by some sleepless nights fighting off mosquitoes (not very successfully) at my current rental where standing water has become a problem since the most recent rains and poor on site drainage.

There are few things in life more stressful than moving.  Whether you are relocating one mile away or cross country, the anxiety level and chaos are the same. When you also have an at home office and will be interrupting your work schedule things are additionally complicated and disruptive.  By now you are probably thinking, “Tell me something I do not know,” which I will do here in hopes of making your move, if not blissful at least manageable without prescription meds.

1.  This is the perfect time to part with the items you no longer use. Whether they are stored in the garage, attic or a costly storage facility this is the time to take inventory. Take advantage of the “trash to treasure” theory and have a garage sale. If a garage sale is not your thing then advertise on Craig’s List or your local paper to sell your most marketable items. Also remember that many charities are hurting right now and would welcome your donations (often picking them up at your door) for which you will receive a tax deduction. The bonus is the money you will save on moving or storing items which you no longer use.

2.   Arrange all your utility transfers well in advance of your move.  When you are moving phone, internet, cable etc. it can take as long as 3 weeks in advance to get a suitable appointment. Make sure to check out where all your outlets are in case you will need to add additional ones.

3.   If you do not have a mover that you like, get referrals from your realtor and friends who have recently moved.  Everyone has horror stories of the broken antique heirloom but only a few sing the praises of their moving company.  Whomever you choose, if you have a lot of valuable items insurance is a must.

4.    If you have painting, carpet cleaning etc. to be done having it done before you move in is a good idea.  If you are moving into a rental make sure your landlord plans to have the place professionally cleaned
prior to move- in as well as any needed repairs.

5.   Although the internet has decreased our need for the post office, you will still need to file for change of address (can now be done on line) at least 2 weeks prior to moving and notify any publications and vendors and the DMV separately for your driver’s license and auto registration (can be done on line) they will automatically change your voter registration if you do not change counties.  Additionally, your insurance, auto, health, home (prices may change if you move to a new county) and all professional such as doctors, dentist etc. with whom you have relationships, banks, credit card companies etc.

6.    Do yourself a favor if you can afford it, hire your movers to pack for you.  They are much better and faster at it than we are and do not pause for a nostalgic moment to admire old photos. The money spent
will be returned to you in time, efficiency and stress relief.

7.    Pets go last. If you cannot confine them to their kennel, a room or outside bring them to the vet or groomer for a bath.  Pets are happier when they are the last to arrive at home when the movers have left and
their favorite sofa is back in place.

8.    Most importantly, ”do unto others” whether you are a renter or a seller be considerate of the people moving into your home.  No matter how smoothly it goes, moving is difficult for everyone and there is nothing worse than arriving with your cherished belongings to find your new home a mess.  Yes, when the last box is loaded up all you want to do is close the door for the last time but please leave your house in the same condition you would like to find your new one!

Here are some links I hope will help with your move!  Good Luck and know “this to shall pass!”

DMV
USPS
Unique Mover
Marthastewart.com
Dino’s Moving and Storage – 323-467-3466

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
• Web Site
• " . $name . "

Posted by Gracee Arthur on March 8th, 2010

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