April 2024 NEWSLETTER

Dear Friends,

This month, my sister, Dorien Gillespie Bietz, and I attended the World Premiere of the documentary "Dorothy Gillespie: Courage, Independence and Color" in Thalian Hall, in Wilmington NC.

The response to the Friday evening and Sunday matinee of the documentary was overwhelmingly positive.

The 90-minute feature documentary by White Ladder Productions tells the story of our mother on her journey, in what can only be described as a life exemplified by courage, independence and color.

This coming Sunday filmmakers Jay Scala and Crystal White of White Ladder Productions will join me and my sister in Orlando at the Dr. Phillips Center on May 5th for the Florida premiere of the documentary. To purchase tickets for the matinee showing in the Pugh Theatre click here.

Front and back of movie program given to theater goers.

Inside of movie program given to theater goers.

Outside Thalian Hall, a historic theatre and performing arts center located in Downtown Wilmington NC, which has served the local community since 1858.

Shane Fernando, the current Executive Director of Thalian Hall at the Pre-Screening Gala

Prior to the showing, of the documentary Shane Fernando, announced that The Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation would donate the Dorothy Gillespie sculpture "Summer Jazz" (46" x 42" x 42") to the Thalian Hall in memory of Tony Rivenbark and my mother's relationship with Tony and Wilmington.

In 2002 my mother created "Summer Jazz" for the opening of the new Neiman Marcus store in Orlando, where she had a home and an art studio.

I acquired the sculpture at auction when Neiman Marcus filed for bankruptcy.

Opening Credits

A scene from the documentary

A scene from the documentary

A scene from the documentary

A scene from the documentary

Filmmakers Jay Scala and Crystal White join me and my sister at Q & A