Art Business News: Chalk & Vermilion, Sevenarts Limited to develop Erte-themed hotel, casino

GREENWICH, Conn.--Chalk & Vermilion Fine Arts and Sevenarts Limited of London will collaborate on a new project to develop an Erte-themed hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Billed as "The Most Elegant and Romantic Hotel Casino on Earth," the "Erte Extravaganza" complex has been three years in planning and is moving into the initial stages of development. D3V Entertainment Ventures of Las Vegas has been named as the developer and operating company.

The concept, said company officials, is an Art Deco hotel/casino inspired by the life and work of Erte Its external facade will feature a black and gold color scheme, and huge replicas of some of Erte's most famous artwork. A monumental sculpture of "Lovers and Idol" will be backed by an immense tower, reminiscent of the Art Deco Chrysler building in New York. The tower will feature imagery based on a design for a 1927 revue of the Folies Bergere (later released as a serigraph callsed "Les Pretresses"). Designs for the interior decor, such as hotel furniture, bed linens and carpets, are also based on Erte's artwork and theater design.

According to company officials, this will be the first Las Vegas hotel/casino to be based on the work of one artist.