Nostalgia artist and designer, Mario AC Della Casa, was recently named Artist of the TV Land Award bottle, an honor given to him after years of creating one-of-a-kind artwork enjoyed by fans worldwide. Each year, the award show’s winners are given their own customized bottle as a gift when they receive their TV Land honor.
“The TV Land Award’s winners all get my bottle,” said Della Casa. “So, I made bottles for all of them. It’s fun being the official artist of the TV Land Award’s bottle. I made about 90 bottles for the show, which went to the stars, directors and producers.”
Several years ago, Della Casa was granted the only license to re-create customized “Jeannie” bottles that are just like the ones used in the 1960’s hit comedy, “I Dream of Jeannie,” which starred Barbara Eden, the late Larry Hagman, also of “Dallas” fame, and Bill Daley. Della Casa frequently travels with Eden on publicity tours, which promote the show — and the bottles.
“I absolutely love what I do,” says Della Casa, “and I’m grateful to TV Land for giving me this great opportunity.”
The artist has certainly found a market for his work. He says people who buy his bottles and artwork are people who appreciate the history of television, particularly in the 50s, 60s and 70s. He has also painted many celebrity portraits, including Joan Collins, Lucille Ball, Linda Gray, Lindsey Wagner, and many others.
“People love the Jeannie bottles because it reminds them of a simpler time,” he says. “They remember when they were kids or young adults, and they fell in love with these characters and the actors who played them. My work represents those times, and those talented people.”
Mario AC Della Casa, and his mother, appear on the set of the TV Land Awards show.
In addition to having his work featured at the TV Land Awards show, he is also the official artist for the Roger Neil Oscar Suite. He said any show has suites that are sponsored by an individual or company. His bottles get signed by celebrities and then go up for auction at charity events.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he adds. “Celebrities like Barbara Eden and Faye Dunaway are some of the celebrities we’re working with.”
Della Casa greatly misses his friend, and mentor, Larry Hagman, who passed away in 2012. He says Hagman inspired him to market his artwork and achieve his dreams.
“He was a great talent and friend,” he adds. “I really miss him.”
To learn more about Della Casa’s artwork, please visit www.JeannieBottles.com
Mario AC Della Casa, right, takes a photo with “Dallas” star, Charlene Tilton.
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