The Wow factor comes this weekend- where I am honored to be attending as media ...... the Shop, Sell, Strut event in Lakewood, N.J. for Autism....
What a cool event. Keep it here as we will do a full blown blog on the origins of this cool event and what they are doing to raise awareness for Autism.
Shop, Sell, Strut is a fashion marketplace and runway show rolled into one. This event benefits Autism New Jersey ( see more about them below)
An eclectic array of fashions will be on hand for purchase and for your viewing pleasure !
Don't worry if you read this blog from Across the Country , as I know many of you do, I will have all the "SKINNY" on the event Next week in our Friday blog post....
If you ARE in the area, you don't want to miss this fabulous event. Come out and meet Alyssa and Amanda founders of this great event. Meet the press , including myself, meet Bravura Magazine and the team that goes with that amazing publication or just come out and relax to a good time for a good cause.
Sat. April 29th at the Majestic Lake Terrace- Lakewood, NJ 12-4 PM
Shop, Sell, Strut can be found on FB/ Twitter/ Instagram
If designers are still interested in showcasing at this event please email:
About Autism New Jersey: Autism New Jersey is the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Self-advocates, families, the professionals who work with them, government officials, the media, and concerned state residents all turn to Autism New Jersey for information, compassionate support, and training. Our public policy work in Trenton, annual conferences, and information line (800.4.AUTISM) are just a few of the ways we make a difference for New Jersey's autism community.
I hope everyone is looking forward to something fun this weekend !
Well, This blog post makes me smile as this project starts with a 4... just like MY business.... I am talking 48 BLOCKS ! Let's go back first to the Title.... DANGEROUS ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.
Yes, there are sections of Cities all over the Country that are probably a little more dangerous than we would like. That said, it's dangerous to cross the street, drive a car, ride a bus or train, swim in the Ocean and the list goes on and on....
As many of you know, I prefer to stay on the positive side of things, even when it seems hard, sad or dangerous.... In the words of the famous Zig Ziglar, "What you think about you bring about".
.....and those thoughts beget more of those thoughts....
I also find it funny how people perceive things.... Sometimes people will listen to anything one says as truth...sometimes they never hear a word and sometimes they twist what they hear to suit what they themselves believe. Once again... let's focus on the positive and the bright light in all of our cities, in all of us.........
So back to 48 Blocks... what is that? If you don't already know you are in for a treat !
I had the pleasure of sitting down with... .......... Joyce Hagen - Executive Director of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation...........
... and she began peeling back the layers that take us to 48 Blocks !
Along with the Arts Foundation President Daryl John Bulthuis, Joyce explained the beginnings of the vision of Art here in Atlantic City.... In 2014 they began Planning... in 2015 they put a board together and projects began to surface. Some of the ideas came from other City projects that were being looked at and then tweaked.....
First, there was ARTeriors , where the Arts Foundation locates a building that is either abandoned or empty for some time and secures it to produce an Art Installation..... That project is considered a "pop up" Experience and is still going on from time to time whenever a space can be located..... then we move on to "CHALK ABOUT A/C". This project has sidewalk chalk all around the 6 wards of Atlantic City in where anyone, not just artists, can come out and draw on the sidewalk.... This is slated to be a yearly event that started in Oct. of 2015. The chalk of the town was again upon us in Oct. of 2016 and Chalking it out in Oct. of 2017 is anticipated to be the biggest one yet.
Of course it is...that is what we all hope for when we do projects such as this....
We want awareness, fun , creativity and inspiration making things/projects/ events - get bigger and better each year.
So now what? "Well", as someone said at a meeting, "....it's just a small City of 48 blocks !"
That kind of stuck out in the minds of the creative forces. 48 Blocks long, roughly, from the Inlet area to Jackson Ave. Sort of the dividing line between Atlantic City and Ventnor.
So here it is, 6 wards, 8 projects in each ward..... over 48 blocks !
These projects are intended to show in a 24 hour period.
....From oral history and digitizing to decorating huge planters and listening to local performance groups..... and that's just a few of the ideas on the table... or on the street I should say !
This is a huge project with huge meaning behind it. I love the whole idea of it.
Right now, work is being set, meetings are being held on a weekly basis to structure this FESTIVE FESTIVAL .... AND .... Fundraisers are being held as well. Things are seeming to spin in the right direction..... Meetings take place at the beautiful Arts Garagein Atlantic City !
The first fundraiser is called the STRAWBERRY MOON FUNDRAISING CRUISE. This is being held off of "Cruisin' One" in Gardners Basin, Atlantic City on Friday, June 9th. $30.00 per person, $50.00 per couple 7:30-9:30 PM with boarding at 7:30. Drink specials will be available on board.
At the end of June, you can join us back on "Crusin' One" for the GTBA Business by the Sea cruise and hear first hand of the progress about 48 Blocks.... stay tuned as I will update for you right here in the Balcony Blogger Challenge posts....
Below, enjoy a few videos, grab your favorite beverage and take a 10 min. break to view some of the great work that has already begun with these projects.... This is ATLANTIC CITY.... Creative, Engaging, and Inspirational.... Interactive, mindful , and fun !
I know people read this blog from all over the World, however if you are in the area, or plan on coming to the area...think about visiting during CHALK ABOUT A/C or during a visit of the 48 Blocks project....
The first set of projects is set for June 24th, 2017... A Celebration of Art and Creativity....
If you are not in the area, check out the updates, the videos and stay with us right here....
You can visit the Atlantic City Arts Foundation on Face Book and find them on the web at www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org
As always, you can contact me directly through my business web page for any and all information on my blog posts, stories, groups etc.... at www.4astar.com
.....now that you've met the Ambassador, now meet the "Mr."....Mr. Panting , that is.....
So many of you know that I work with many photographers, video people, etc... lots of people in the industry..... dropping some names of the local creme de la creme..... Larry Berman, Louis J. Santore, Jim Cook, Justin Thomsom,David Mitchell, Derrick Logan, Robert Redstar, Shaun Reilly, Donna Andrews, Darci Doarn, Paul Dempsey, Wally Korz, Stan and Jen James and Brieanne Lewis.....these are just a few and you can catch some of their unique photos below..... I can't even list all the people I know in this crazy industry yet I can say that I have worked with all of these people mentioned and they are such joys to work with !
The new kid on the block???......Mr. Panting.....
Mr. Panting Internacional Photo y Video
"Breathing Life into your moments"
Mr. Panting is honing his skills as a local video engineer and photographer. He has his sights set on being a World Wide entity working in this industry as his career. He is currently engineering our new on-line TV show AVA'S CASUAL CHAT on the WBTVN .
This show is based on empowerment.... Through Business , Entertainment and Fashion. It airs on the 4th Thursday of each month 2:00 Eastern....so our new one is coming up in a few weeks.... you can catch the last show at www.wbtvn.tv and look under empowerment for Ava's Casual Chat. Marco is part of our "Team behind the Scenes" along with Evelyn Licona Villanueva and Linda McLaughlin.
Marco has a unique mindset for someone of his young age and has the work ethic it takes to survive in this business..... Check out his newest video THE WRONG GUY on You Tube.....shhhhhhh....I have it below so you can view it right here !
The Wrong Guy- A Marco Panting short film
Here are some more photos with Marco:
A Mark Legrand Design.....
Mark Legrand Designs
Resorts Casino Meeting Room Atlantic City
Ahhhh.... Marco and Ava
More from Resorts at the JSWA meeting.....
Mark Legrand Boutique
Now check out some of our other peeps in the industry mentioned above......
Robert Redstar Photography
Brieanne Lewis Images
David Mitchell
Meet Derrick Logan AND.....
..... Donna Andrews
Photography by Larry Berman
Imagery and artistic photos from Jim Cook Photography LAS VEGAS
Louis J. Santore
Stan and Jen James of James Photography
Paul Dempsey Photography
Images by Wally Korz
Photography by Shaun Reilly
Justin Thomson of Crazy Goat Productions
Darci Doran Photography
Remember you can always contact me about any of my content, artists, etc.... I wish all my fellow colleagues the very best..... and we now welcome Marco Panting.....
I hope you are all gearing up for a fabulous weekend. Whether you relax, attend events, work out, etc...whatever you do on the weekends....make it great !
This past week, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of "MY BEST FRIEND" Animal Hospital....
The Ambassador, as they call Miss June, is the one who is there to coordinate it all. She wears many hats at the facility and brings it all together for those involved in specific duties there.
Let's go back first as June is a trained Chef. ( yea, yea, I'm getting there......)
She spent several years as the head Chef at Luna of Resorts Casino in Atlantic City and has spent 25 years in the restaurant business.....
When I asked June how she came to own an Animal Hospital with her years in the business as a chef, she quickly replied that she always had a love for animals and, ".....Let's face it ", she said smiling, "What kid doesn't want to be a vet at some point".....
There have been hardships and struggles yet things started coming together for the Hospital...located in nearby Galloway, New Jersey.
June works as office manager, technician, PR person, HR person .... you name it. So the nickname of the Ambassador was given to her and she wears the title well. Trained by Dr. Susan Rew, June has learned the ins and outs of this business and seems to love mostly every minute of it.
June shares her ownership with Dr. Sue Rew. She also credits the success of the hospital to the wonderful staff:
Katie Trumbetta, CJ Mendez, Debbie Woods, and Joe Tartaglio.
"They have all been there for many years and all built the place together", June states.
Now that is what I call a great collaboration !
They mostly services cats and dogs yet they are open to receiving other animals. If an animal comes in that they don't service, they can usually direct the client to another place for specialty treatment.
MY BEST FRIEND has been healing animals for a little over 9 years now and they service roughly 4,000 animals a year. You can find MY BEST FRIEND Animal Hospital on Face Book or if you are in the area, you can contact them directly at 609 748 1400
We all love our animals. I love places that make us all feel at home when we are ill. I certainly got that feeling for our furry companions when I walked through the hospital.... Everyone was so nice to me. Even a couple of animals were on hand to say hello !
Join us again next week for another edition of Ava's allocations.....Once again have a great weekend and ....
Enjoy !
Ok, so we are off by a couple of days - LOL. I hope this edition of Ava's Allocations finds you all well and relaxing from a joyous weekend. Let me just update a piece of information from the last blog post.... The web site for the Senior America Pageant is www.senioramerica.org There is still time to apply to be a contestant. As you may have seen from our TV show, there is plenty of trained staff around to help you with any aspect of your entry. You must be 60 plus years old to enter.... Check out the updated web page for all the deets !
Moving on to this weeks topic: Hand Crafted, Hand made and Hand Selected....boy oh boy is this exciting ! you will see all three of these fantastic individuals mentioned on Ava's Casual Chat this month on the WBTVN. ( Women's Broadcast Television Network) 2:00 Eastern/ 1:00 Central on Thursday April 27th !
First up, Hand Crafted...OMG Miss Kellene Kulas.
I can't wait to share these photos with you here. Kellene will be working on a huge project with us and how honored am I for that ! She is not only equipped with a fine arts degree ( All me !) yet she is also a trained "METALSMITH" !
Yes, you heard it here, Metalsmith..... Kellene hand crafts and designs fine jewelry in New York City. She has worked all over the World gaining the most positive inspiration. How lucky are we that she is back in NYC and fairly close to me ! LOL
Kellene has worked on pieces for Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef and Arpels and Lalique just to name a few.... Her World Travel has been a driving influence on the types of designs she creates. From hand crafted wedding bands and rings to beautifully designed necklaces and , what I like to call the KELLENE TWIST !
Kellene invests her time , talent and dollars into the fact that you are getting a pure gemstone, fine strand of silver and good quality which sets her apart from other designers. By that I mean that she personally seeks out the very best of the kind.... it's not just a rock or a stone found in a store or a basket someplace.... She is all about finding the perfect energy, light and value from each piece she makes. So what is the KELLENE TWIST! Well, just the description is a twist on what others do in the industry. She also takes it to another level with her Twisted jewelry and pins such as these.............
These Unique pieces are done in Copper and Copper with Silver Overlay. She can craft them in pretty much any metal you would like too !
Here are some of the other wild and wonderful pieces that she has made. You can check her out at www.kellenegems.com Tell her Ava sent you when you get your beautiful jewelry ! Stay tuned for more as we embark on some great things together !
Next is Hand made: Meet Terrence Kingg ! We have the King of POP- Michael Jackson, the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Pressley and now the King of Urban Design.... Terrence Kingg !
We are so excited to be doing several projects with Terrence and I'm thrilled that he is working with us ! We met him through one of our new Team members, Marco Panting better known as
Mr. Panting. We will be talking more about Marco in an upcoming Blog post !
Terrence has this unique talent in Art. The images I'm about to show your are not done by sketch, by tracing or by playing with markers....these are hand painted one of a kind original Artwork drawings....
Check out this last shot with my Logo ! Way cool...this is one of our newest campaigns..."Eyes on your Feet for Brain Cancer".... we are working on a unique walk to benefit the eeFuerst Foundation and the National Brain Tumor Society. Yet prior to that, you can order these right now ! Just head to the 4 A STAR web page and put in your request with your size at our contact page. You will then get an email with all the details.... The other side has the slogan "Eyes on your feet for Brain Cancer". This particular charity is near and dear to MY heart, yet we will have more from Terrence on another project involving 13 different charities ! Woo Hoo !!!
Find Terrence on FaceBook or reach out to me for more info on this up and coming shining star !
And last yet not least by any means...Hand selected: Meet the beautiful Nitra Jain
Nitra is so smart and savvy and I just love her ! She hand selects ONE OF A KIND pieces from India and other parts of the World. Nitra can pick something out just for you ( or you can pick from her beautiful collection) . She has traditional Indian inspired looks and also more Contemporary American looks to dress up any outfit for any occasion ! I can't wait to see what she will show us next......
I am so excited about working with all 3 of these talented artists. Artists in many senses of the word. Keep it tuned here for more coming up on some of the new talented people we are going to be working with in 2017 and beyond.... including Mr. Panting, Linda McLaughlin, Michelle Verbit, Mari Dattolo, and more............ and as always, thank you for your continued support.
