Michael Siewert
Michael Siewert is back again with a full showing of his national touring exhibit, Judy Garland The Dressing Of A Legend, which includes 15 original gowns worn by Judy Garland in her movies, TV and concerts. The showing during the summer of 2005 at The Columbian Theatre was very popular. Michael Siewert has amassed the largest collection of Judy Garland memorabilia in the world. He began collecting when he fell in love with "Dorothy" at the age of six years old. His exhibitions have allowed him to meet and spend time with many of Judy's family, colleagues and friends. He comes prepared with many great stories about Judy Garland and his collecting tactics. You will not want to miss this special event!
Dressing of a Legend exhibit will be held at The Columbian Theatre with special presentations at the OZ Museum through out the festival weekend.
Click here to visit Micheal Siewert's website.
Joseph Luft
Joseph Luft is the youngest son of Judy Garland and Producer Sidney Luft. We are excited to welcome him to OZtoberFest for the first time. Joesph is an avid photographer and a selection of his photography will on exhibit at the Columbian Theatre along side his mother's gowns at the Judy Garland exhibit. Mr. Luft will be at the OZ Museum with guest Michael Siewert to meet fans, sign autographs and will be present during Michael Siewert's, "Dressing of a Legend" presentation.
Gina Wickwar
Gina Wickwar's love of OZ began the moment her father read her The Wizard of OZ. She was born in New York City, but traveled widely, living in numerous places throughout the continental United States as well as in Japan and Panama. While attending the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, she wrote her master's thesis on L. Frank Baum's OZ books. The mother of three grown children, she has spent much of her professional life as a technical writer and continues her freelance work with newpapsers, magazines, and public radio. Her first OZ book,The HIdden Prince of OZ, was IWOC's (International Wizard of OZ Club) choice to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Wizard of OZ. She and her husband, Vincent, a physics professor at Utah State University, reside in Logan, Utah. Her books The Hidden Prince of OZ and Toto of OZ will be available for purchase in the OZ Museum Gift Shop. Ms. Wickwar and illustrator Anna-Maria Cool will be available for book signings on Saturday, October 7.
Anna-Maria Cool
Anna-Maria Cool has been drawing fantasy characters professionally for over twenty years. Born in Harrisbury, PA, she received her formal art training in Philadelphia and in Dover, NJ, specializing in cartooning and comic book storytelling. Her work has appeared in comic books published by Marvel, Claypool and Capstone Press, illustrating the adventures of personalities as diverse as Barbie, Elvira and Betsy Ross. Her illustrations for Gina Wickwar's The Hidden Prince of OZ, Toto of OZ, and other OZ stories owe much to the classic pen-and-ink style of John R. Neill, an inspiration since childhood. She was a licensed character artist at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City for twelve years and currently freelances for comis and other publications. She lives in Garfield, KS with her husband, Dr. Thon Basom, and their two cats.
Muralist Cindy Martin
One of the impressive features of the OZ Museum is the murals featured with Dorothy and her friends in each alcove.
These amazing murals were painted by local artist, Cindy Martin.
Born on a farm in Nebraska, but living part of the time in Colorado, she grew to love the outdoors. While in high school she continued to develop her painting abilities, studying and bringing to life on cavnas the outdoors and creation. She married her husband Phil and after receiving her ASI degree from Kansas State University, she continued to paint around her growing family's schedule.
Her love of painting ultimately goes back to the Creator and the beauty and diversity He has given us in the world. "My job as an artist is to reflect and capture the design that is apparent all around us. When you start painting, you find that you look at things completely different. You learn to truly see."
As her children grew, she was able to return to painting and her reputation has spread. In 1996-97 she completed three murals on a silo in a public park which Kansas Power and Light developed. Since then she has painted both in private homes, working with designers, in businesses, and of course the OZ Museum.
Cindy will be joining us once again as she transforms Glinda's alcove. She will be available to talk and answer questions as she begins this new project.
|
