Warhol Exhibit Now Open at Bellagio

(Feb. 5) -- Las Vegas used to be only a place for gambling and shrimp cocktails, but when the gourmet restaurants came in, so did the fine art. Kate Maddox joins us with more on a major new exhibit on the strip.

This collection of Andy Warhol paintings and artifacts will be in town for seven months and having seen it now in person it truly is a one-of-a-kind show for Las Vegas.

It was Andy Warhol who made the remark that 'Everyone Will Be Famous for 15 Minutes.' Warhol was of course famous for much longer than that and he had some famous subjects, soon to be on display in Las Vegas.

According to Andrea Bundonis, President of the Bellagio Gallery, "We're happy to bring to Las Vegas, not only the first Warhol show to Las Vegas, but more importantly the first exhibit ever devoted to the subject of Andy Warhol celebrity portraits."

In fact as word of Andy Warhol grew in popularity his own celebrity power increased, which, for a young man obsessed with Hollywood, was the ultimate in achieving star status. "So in a sense," according to Andrea Bundonis, “this is an exhibition that is really the making of Andy Warhol's celebrity, as much as it is of Andy Warhol's celebrity portraits."

Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Sylvester Stallone and of course, Marilyn Monroe are all part of this multi-million dollar collection of paintings.

And one of Warhol's best friends provides the audio tour--Liza Minelli and Warhol met in 1964. Her insight to this show lends a truly personal touch.  Andrea Bundonis explains, "She tells wonderful stories on the audio guide and as a listener and a visitor to the exhibit, you really feel like she's whispering in your ear, telling secrets of Studio 54 and things people have never heard about."

And it's not just paintings: this incredible collection also includes the artist's trademark glasses, shoes, and of course, that famous white hair. That wig was reportedly made by yak hair (and by the way, it will be professionally "touched-up" tomorrow).

"Andy Warhol: Celebrity Portraits" is now open to the public: tickets are $15 dollars, $12 for students, seniors and Nevada residents. It'll be at the Bellagio until September.

RELATED LINKS

• Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
• Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
• The Andy Warhol Museum
• Andy Warhol Superstar Photographs
• Artcyclopedia: Andy Warhol
• Eyestorm: Andy Warhol - includes many small images and commentary by Douglas Coupland on the artist's Polaroid celebrity portraits.
• IMDb: Andy Warhol - with mini biography and an extensive filmography.
• Tate Modern: Warhol Exhibition - includes details of the gallery's exhibit, information on the artist, and the opportunity to 'Warholise' yourself for that 15 minutes of fame.
• Warhol [dk] - contains images, FAQ, quotes, biography and lyrics.
• Warhol Store, The - selection of official posters, stationery, clothes, and other products. From the Andy Warhol Museum.
• Warhols.com - originals, multiples, and prints by the 1960s pop artist, Andy Warhol.
• Warholstars - complete guide to the life and times of Warhol and his superstars.