Louielui is reputed world-wide as having
amassed the largest collection of
Streisand Memorabilia. Now selling
duplicates!!
The " Hollywood Museum Exhibit" which
featured the vast collection of gowns,
memorabilia and collectibles spanning Barbra's
nearly five decade career closed on January 31,
2007. The spectacular exhibit was held over due
to popular demand from it's original scheduled
run from November 2005 thru January 2006.
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"What's wrong with wanting more?" Creative
Playbill Poster
This original and creative poster is a fun and beautiful piece. It is 12" x 24" and very
crisp...more so than the original as each print has been digitally enhanced. Frame not
included
What's wrong with wanting more?"
Yentl's tag line, "
as well
as the Barbra Streisand Fifth Reunion purchases I made of simulated Playbills , were my
inspiration for this piece.
I want to acknowledge the brain power behind these wonderfully creative
originals...Tom Rubeck, Eva Rice, Geoffrey Eichhorn, Sheri
Kamer
and Allison Waldman
I applaud them for their collective creative genius, as I have been informed that the
Playbills were their ideas, as they prepared for the Fifth Barbra Reunion in 2001. I want
to thank them publicly for giving me, and others who have viewed my original creation,
years of fun with their novel creations . Now I hope to share their and my creativity
with a lucky few more people!
The original of this piece , which I framed and matted with 13 "imagine" Playbills
alongside an original Funny Girl Broadway Playbill, has been displayed at Detroit's
legendary Caucus Club, LA's The Hollywood Museum and the Palm Springs Barbra
(Barber) Shop.
Playbills included are Cats, Sunday in the Park Wih George, Kiss of the Spider Woman,
Chicago, Cats, Les Miserable, Annie, Sweeney Todd, A Chorus Line, The KIng and
I,Sunset Boulevard, PeterPan, Oliver and of course...Funny Girl .
This piece has continually been... and still is a crowd pleaser and everyone's favorite!
This creation is certainly a conversation piece. (Personally I get a chuckle out of it when
someone tells me they have seen Barbra in Les Mis!!!! )
The waiters at Detroit's Caucus Club actually dubbed a table for
six immediately under the Imagine the Possibilities piece as "The
Liar's Table. "
They would tell me that their attorney clientele, in efforts to impress other with whom
they were lunching, would comment that they saw Barbra in Cats...Sunset Blvd...etc!
Situation like this happened all the time!
A larger version of this poster (2'x 4') is available for $125 . If interested, contact me and
I will sell on "Buy it now!"
Your purchase will put you on an order list as they are printed by Wright Images Gallery
as orders are received. You should have your poster within three weeks of your
payment.
If you have a taste for the finer things in life and can splurge on a giclee canvass of the
same piece, it is available for $350 . I will relist it upon request . I also can relist the
giclee Sokolsky's "Singing Valentine" , a photo of 19 year old Barbra in a fetal position,
hooked up to a cardiogram, should there be sufficient interest at $250.
See www.thebarbrashop.com for more details, photos and stories regarding the exhibit.
For those interested in everything Barbra, you may find the following interesting.
The Barbra Streisand Legacy Collection exhibit of 1200 Streisand items including
nearly 50 gowns previously displayed since 2005 at The Hollywood Museum Exhibit is
no longer. The exhibit was dissembled on 1/31/07. Three Barbra costumes and 6
posters/photographs remain as part of a general Hollywood Award nominated or
winning gown/memorabilia collection. The Streisand items featured are the iconic My
Name is Barbra sailor gown (courtesy of the C.A.S.A. de louis collection). , the Yentl
Robe (courtesy of Pam Miller) and The Way We Were coat. (courtesy of Mary Haag)
“Have exhibit…will travel”…most of the original donors of the 50 plus items have
agreed to exhibit once more to raise funds for non profit organizations, providing a
suitable long term venue id identified. We would love to share our collection in a large
metropolitan tourist city…New York, Miami/Ft Lauderdale, New Orleans, Toronto,
Montreal, Paris or cities of that type. Should the reader have affiliation with an
interested museum or hotel/casino, in those cities please advise lpapalas@peoplepc.com
The Barbra Shop—The Palm Springs Barbra Shop reopened at a new location last
week. It is now in the heart of Palm Springs at 278 D N. Palm Canyon, immediately
across the street from the Hyatt Hotel. It is located at the end of the Harvey Frank
Arcade in the Silver Scissors Salon. The Salon is open 7 days , however special
Streisand Gallery hours are every Thursday from 6-9 P.M. as well as for special events,
i.e. Gay Pride, White Party, Film Festivals, Dinah Shore Classic, etc. Information will
be updated on www.thebarbrashop.com by the end of February.
Barbra Streisand Artwork- Celebrity Galleries has consigned a portion of their
original and limited one of a kind Streisand art to C.A.S.A. de louis for sale. Presently 6
pieces are on display at the Palm Springs Barbra Shop and soon the entire collection
will be presented in a gallery exhibit at one of Palm Springs newest hip and trendy
galleries…stay tuned.
The Barbra Streisand Legacy Collectors- The Barbra Streisand Legacy Collection
Association was founded on June 4, 2004 during Barbra’s Her Name is Barbra auction
at West Hollywood’s Pacific Design Center.
Lou Papalas, President of C.A.S.A. de louis inc., reputed to be have amassed the
largest collection of Streisand collectibles, memorabilia and gowns, had the privilege of
exhibiting Barbra’s gowns at Takashima in NYC prior to the auction, working with
Julien Entertainment planning the event, assisting in cataloging the impressive
collection of 421 items, as well as providing photographs of Barbra in the gowns being
offered for auction.
Papalas was impressed that Barbra was willing to let go of items chronicling her
amazing five decade career to raise funds for her foundation to improve life for us all,
while at the same time almost sickened that these important pieces which were
milestone representations of her career were being split up. He took it upon himself to
unite with other bidders to attempt to win as many of the important pieces so as to keep
a lifelong and perpetual inventory of the gowns, and amalgamated a group of generous
fans, collectors, and business associates who were willing to become charter members
of the Association. It was, and is still, their mission to continue to exhibit the gowns for
non profit organizations to raise funds for their respective causes. The Hollywood
Museum Exhibit hosted the Streisand Legacy Collection’s world premiere in Dec
2005… their first venture. Fans from around the world marveled at the amazing
collection of over 1200 items on display. The exhibit scheduled originally to run five
months was held over until the end of January 2007 for a 13 month run.
If you own or know someone who owns key pieces of Barbra’s costumes, personal
items or significant award gowns, please, at a minimum, register with the Legacy
Collection Association. We would at least like to know where everything is whether or
not you are willing to loan items for display. The association presently has 13 members.
They are as follows
Lou Papalas… Mi and CA …president
Devin Bliss… AZ…vice president
Pam Miller…AZ…secretary
Charles Moniz…CA
David Salyer…CA
Don Softness…NY
Joan Haag…NY
Mary Haag…NY
Matthew McCaffery…DC
Jeffrey Laymon ..FL
Jerilyn Brown/ Marcia Tysseling…CA
Deborah Burke…CT
Shawn Finch…CA
Personsl Background as it relates to Barbra
I am Louielui and I have been a Barbra fan from Barbra's Mike Douglas appearances. I have also
been collecting a lifetime, and if that were not bad enough,I discovered Ebay at the turn of the
century ....December of 1999. Since 1999 alone, I have made over 6000 successful purchases from
over 5000 different sellers (nearly 4300 who were responsible enough to leave positive feedback) I
believe that I am the ultimate Barbra collector...worldwide! Alpizar and Mockx3 seem to be fighting
a lot of finishing line auction races with me...but I have soooomuch...literally warehouses full...and a
Barbra Shop in Palm Springs. If there is someone out there who believes that you have amassed a
larger collection...please write to me...we need to collaborate and plan. The good news is that ebay
has opened up the world to my collecting obsession and has enabled me to RAPIDLY diversify and
expand my collection.
So how did this all start? As stated earlier,I saw Barbra on the Mike Douglas program in the early
sixties...that did it! The voice, her individuality, the self confidence and determination ...doing it her
way...boldly and free. Her "kooky" persona that I loved, subdued totally when she performed each of
those early tunes as if they each had a life of their own and as if she lived those lives. Amazing,
considering that she was "just a kid"...ya know what I mean, kid? She made it so simple for listeners
to experience the songwriters’ intended feelings of passion, pain, exuberance and joy as she crafted
and performed each piece in her inimitable way. Never before ...and not since...has any artist had this
amazing ability. She is truly an actress who sings! WOW! Despite this early appeal, I never saw
Barbra "live" until 1994(over thirty years later.)
In the early years I collected without even knowing I was doing so. When I saw an article, I would
clip it and throw it into a drawer; I would bring home magazines from Doctor’s offices if they had a
lot of Streisand articles or a great Barbra cover. After all,it was better for me to protect and save
them for posterity rather than to be left sitting on a table where perhaps one with less than total
appreciation for her immense talent would abuse the magazine... which would ultimately be trashed.
Pretty soon, friends and family took note and they too would send me clippings and "collectible"
items. Soon my drawer of Barbra collectibles and memorabilia became a box, then two boxes, then a
trunk…ad infinitum!
In 1994 I attended both of the 94 Vegas and Detroit concerts It was at that point in time that the
serious "collecting gene" kicked in. ( By the way, I own the LARGER THAN LIFE photo/ad of
Barbra that was behind the illuminated glass frame at the entrance to the MGM Grand ...the one, in
front of which, most fans were having their picture taken.) While I toured the gift shops at the MGM
Grand, I realized that I had to have everything there was to be had regarding Barbra and her
amazing life and career. Yes, it is painfully obvious that I started my targeted compulsive and
obsessive collecting at those concerts. After the Vegas concerts, I actually had to buy extra luggage to
bring home the Barbra memorabilia I had purchased....honest!)
Then...in 1999 I discovered ebay. Gasoline on the fire!!!!! Oy! My collecting increased exponentially
as ebay opened up the world for me to shop in on a daily basis. I began to bid daily, averaging at least
3 buys per day …to this day! At the same time I found ebay, Barbra appeared again at the MGM
Grand in the millennium concerts... (what an experience of a lifetime)---even more concert
memorabilia---but this time I took empty suitcases with me. Soon thereafter (it seemed like
overnight) the final four concerts were scheduled. I attended all four, with a different member of my
immediate family at each concert. In addition to these concerts, as Barbra simplified her life, I
complicated mine. I attended all three Christies auctions, where I purchased many items including
lamps, pottery, and gowns …oh my! Additionally I also attended the Black Tie gala (or so I thought)
opening of the "Hello Gorgeous" museum in San Francisco. I was one of TWO in a tux...so if you
went to the opening, you probably noticed me or met me, as most people assumed that I was the
owner (the power of a tux!!) Then on Sept 29, 2002 I attended the Democratic Fundraiser at the
Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles...what an event! Barbra was exceptionally relaxed, most beautiful and
as always... WONDERFUL!!! I especially appreciated hearing and seeing her first live performance
of several songs, two of which are my favorites ...My Funny Valentine and Pieces of Dreams. Her
controversial parody of The Way We Were was also performed at this venue. That performance had
the conservative media labeling our beloved Barbra as “Baghdad Babs” ….the noive!! To top it off
David Foster introduced the attendees to a new talent...a walkon performance by Michael Buble!
What a break for him and how lucky wein attendance were. ( by the way...I collect Michael also). I
will never forget that evening. I could go and on...or have I?
In 2002 I put my vast collection of Barbra memorabilia to good use. While achieving the first phase
of a staged plan, I exhibited over 200 items from my collection, mostly framed and matted
international movie posters...at the Detroit Caucus Club...where Barbra actually made her first
appearance outside of NYC in 1961. The exhibit, titled "From Time to Timeless...a tribute to a
legend" ran from April through August and was celebrated and highlighted with an "over the top"
Birthday Party to honor Barbra on her 60th birthday, April 24, 2002 and to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of the Caucus Club. We were fortunate to have Barbra's longtime friend. Bernie Moray,
in attendance that evening. He updated us all on what Barbra had been up to since retiring from
concert tour performances. (By the way, he is the Bernie that Barbra says "hi" to and thanks for the
beautiful flowers during her first TV appearance on the Tonight show ...with Phyllis Diller.(you can
hear it on the "Just for the record CD".) Those who attended...and many who could not, have
requested that I make this an annual event. Although I can not dedicate this kind of time annually,
do not be surprised if a larger, better publicized event is ever scheduled again. If you were not in
attendance at the Caucus Club event in Detroit, but would like some memorabilia from the event,
you can purchase the tribute posters and/or commemorative memorabilia packages from that event
...generally available on ebay, or through direct purchase by contacting me at
Lpapalas@peoplepc.com
Ahh...finally 2004. On March 6, I attended the HRC benefit in LA at which Barbra was honored as
Humanitarian of the Year. You probably think by now that I am obsessed by Barbra...that I must go
everywhere she goes...WRONG!!! I did not attend the AFI gala, although I purchased four of the
lamps/centerpieces from the event. I also missed the Oprah taping as well as the Inside the Actors
studio taping. (how did that happen?????) Those who attended that taping say that it was the best
event they ever attended. Five hours of Barbra’s candor! WOW!!! I only hope that someday the
entire unedited version will be offered for sale (anybody listening???) I did not attend the Kerry
Concert and the December 16 “Meet the Fockers” premiere. How could I have permitted myself to
miss such important event? I was either back in Michigan or disabled with vertigo ( you see, I am
officially , certifiably and indubitably dizzy).
THE BARBRA SHOP...This Shop, located in Palm Springs , is phase two of my longer term plan.
(stay tuned as phases three and four are just around the corner) My store, which features hundreds
of framed Streisand posters tracing Barbra’s forty plus years of show business as well as collectible
memorabilia, is located at:
The Barbra Shop
303 East Arenas Road
Palm Springs, California 92262
Barbrashop@peoplepc.com
248-225-3158
Although the Bar-BER Shop is open the entire year and barbers cut hair daily, the Bar-BRA Shop is
a seasonal business (???) and is open only from mid September through mid May with a holiday
hiatus in November and December
•Gallery Hours for the Bar-BRA shop will be 1pm -7pm on Fridays, and noon till 10 or longer on
Saturdays and Sundays during the season . Bear in mind that the Bar-BER shop is open year
around!
•Additionally, my entire framed and unframed poster collection, as well as most of my memorabilia
can be viewed at my Palm Springs warehouse studio by appointment only. •I also offer Barbra design
/consultant services and I am in search of that special client or two who wants me to plan a razzling
dazzling Barbra room or rooms for their homes or businesses, or a unique Streisand wall in a
recreation room , hallway, office or a room or area of choice! (I actually have a Yentl billboard that I
would love to use.) Let me see your space and stuff and I will give you a plan. “You show me yours
…I’ll show you mine!”
2004 BARBRA EVENT OF THE YEAR . No, not "Meet the Fockers," not the Democratic
fundraiser rescheduled from June 8 to June 24 .The Barbra event of this year!!!!! The Barbra
Streisand “Her Name is Barbra” sale. What an event. A definite once in a lifetime. Not only did I buy
a couple of career important gowns ( the black Donna Karan concert dress and the spectacularly
iconic “My Name is Barbra Gown” , both designed by Barbra but I also consulted with Julien
Entertainment on the pre –sale /event activities and personally hosted Barbra’s career important
gown exhibit for two weeks at Takashimaya in New York City. Many saw the iconic sailor dress on
loan to and exhibited by the Resorts Hotel in Atlantic City during a summer 2004 exhibit of historic
and famous clothing from the entertainment field. The free exhibit ended in Sepetember.
As stated earlier, I am initiating the formation of a "Barbra Streisand Legacy Collection" group. The
intents of this group of serious Streisand collectors are initially two. We want to establish a record, to
be updated as required, which contains listings of career important gowns/memorabilia/awards etc.
related to Barbra’s career, their owners and the owners election as to whether such information is to
be kept confidential or to be shared. That list in turn will be utilized by the members to arrange for
exhibits to benefit not-for- profit organizations around the world or to support the activities of other
venues with a charitable/cultural goal. Do not be surprised if you see this collection on TV or at the
Smithsonian as we have BIG plans!
• If you would like to receive additional information about upcoming events and updates write to me
with your e-mail address or street address. I am comprising a mailing list. Lpapalas@peoplepc.com
• If you would like more detailed information regarding the Barbra Streisand Legacy Collection ,
please email me at the same address requesting information on how you can participate.
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