Pleasant Valley Reflects … Precious Metals and More
On July 4th Jesse and 3 friends drove from Maryland to Las Vegas with his brother Ian’s ashes. Ian died over a year ago, much too young, and was going to be put to rest. They met with the extended Tognoni/Mendez family members, over 30 in all, gathered from all points, converging on the famous, haunted Mizpah Hotel in the small Northern mining town of Tonopah, Nevada. Ian was Tony Mendez's second son, and Toby Mendez's brother. His ashes were interred on a high desert perch at our old family mine, a place called Silverton. Great grandfather, J.C. Tognoni came to Nevada from Italy during the mining boom of the last century. He struck it rich at Goldfield and was, briefly, the richest man in the state. Then he lost it all on his mine at Silverton.
Toby Mendez - Sculptor
Toby has reaffirmed the value of bronze. Speaking of precious metals, he has had an amazing opportunity to show his worth as a world-class sculptor. During the last year or so Toby’s production of heroic scale bronzes of Hall of Fame Athletes has surpassed all expectations for world class sports art; four Red Sox players at Fenway Park in Boston and six Orioles at Camden Yards this season. To see more the the sculptor's work please follow him on http://tobymendezstudios.com/
Antonio J. Mendez – Painter
Tony has had a variety of “golden” artistic nuggets in his queue this summer. As we write he has just received the hard copy of his third book, ARGO, to be released on the silver screen in October. It is a detailed account of a rescue operation Tony and his CIA colleagues mounted during the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1980. Jonna played a significant role in many of these operations as well as writing this book. A major motion picture, inspired by ARGO, starring Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez, will be premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival and the San Sebastian Film Festival (Spain) in September. The movie opens nation-wide in October and Warner Brothers is hoping for gold in the form of an Oscar. “Like” Tony Mendez/ARGO on Facebook to see the movie trailer and “like” Pleasant Valley Studios on Facebook to see his most recent painting. To follow him on his other website http://www.themasterofdisguise.com/
Jonna Mendez - Photographer
Jonna’s highly polished skills as a clandestine and fine art photographer have consistently opened opportunities not available to most. Her gem-like images and intrepid approach to acquiring these rare jewels with her camera can take one's breath away. She has made two round the world photo trips in a little more than two years looking for gold. She hopes to have a new book of photographs ready for our next ART SHOW tentatively planned for NOVEMBER 2012, at which we will celebrate one movie, one book, at least ten sculptures and Tony’s 72nd birthday. Look for an invite as soon as we finalize the date. |
