William Debilzan

By Joanna Clay, OC Register
http://www.ocregister.com/2014/01/23/laguna-beach-artists-work-inspires-theme-for-sky-scraping-new-york-hotel/

"An artist who made his name in Laguna Beach is taking his career to new heights, with his latest work in North America’s tallest hotel.

William DeBilzan, who has a gallery in town, calls it his “big break.”

The artist, now living primarily in Delrey Beach, painted murals and created sculptures and pillars on four floors of the 68-story Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott Central Park, which opened this month. And somehow he completed it all in 90 days.

The hotel is themed after DeBilzan’s work. His abstract expressionist art, featuring long, lanky figures is seen all-over the hotel – from the walls the elevators.

“I visited my sister-in-law in Florida, in Delray Beach, and walked and saw this gallery with these iconic figures with long legs,” hotel developer and owner Harry Gross said at a recent press conference. “I walked in and spoke with the sales lady there. I said I’m opening this hotel and …’I’ll buy it all’.”

Gross didn’t hear back but he didn’t give up. He called up DeBilzan and asked him to come to New York. The artist had no idea why he was going, but learned the story over lunch. When he heard the opportunity, he couldn’t believe it.

“In your career, you don’t run across opportunities like this,” DeBilzan, 57, said.

This isn’t the first time DeBilzan’s work has made it in sky-high structures, though. He’s shown at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai – the tallest building in the United Arab Emirates.

DeBilzan has famous clientele like Adam Sandler. His pieces have been on the sets of shows like Frasier and CSI Miami.


But this project is different.

Except for a few color schemes, the artist was given free reign in interiors of the hotel. He was able to make it a nostalgic work as well, incorporating his family into one of the murals.

“My 11-year-old – her grandkids can come and see it,” he said.

New York was the fundamental inspiration for his works. A black and white mural shows off the legendary skyline and gives a nod to Frank Sinatra, the New York Yankees and Dean Martin, he said.

“We thought, try to bring in some humanity and warmth into these hotels and maybe spearhead a trend that could catch on,” Gross, chief executive of G Holdings, told reporters.

DeBilzan is working with Gross to make the hotel more than a place to stay, but also a cultural spot. He’s working with artists on both coasts to bring shows and lectures to the hotel.

“This is entirely something brand new,” DeBilzan said. “They have this slated to be the No. 1 Marriott on the world.”

BY THE NUMBERS

4: Floors of art work

7: Sculptures; 4 in the lobby and 3 sculptures on the fifth floor

9: Total pillars of artwork; 7 on the fourth floor and 2 in conference rooms

11: Paintings; 8 paintings in the elevators, 3 paintings in lower lobby rooms and 4th floor"

Up to 20% Off On Select Pieces!

With our recent exhibition over at the Coral Springs Museum of Art, we have a large influx of paintings filling our galleries! We are over joyed to see our best pieces back on our walls, but with limited surface area it is time to release some of our signature collection! Contact us to learn more or visit our website to browse our galleries to see which painting suits you best! Sale ends on the 18th!

http://debilzangallery.com