The Stars Were Shining in Tampa
There are very few people who can say they’ve assembled the entire cast of Land of the Giants in the same room for a promotional appearance, and even fewer for an autograph session. On May 24th, the organizers of ScoutCon 2008 -- benefiting the Learning for Life Division of the Gulf Ridge Council Boy Scouts of America -- joined that illustrious group. That’s not to say that fans around the world haven’t been delighted with appearances from assorted cast members, but you can count on one hand the number of times Gary Conway has joined the festivities. This fact had even brought out the BBC to cover the event.
Star of the most successful internationally aired television series, Conway went to Tampa to promote two of his loves: the arts of film and wine. Both passions are brought together in his visually arresting, dramatic film Woman’s Story. Starring Erin Gray and Kent McCord, Woman’s Story encompasses the central social issues facing the American culture and lends itself to promoting socially significant discussions. The film is going against the grain of standard studio distribution and is being employed as a tool for raising funds to provide hundreds of scholarships across the country through Conway’s non-profit group: Fighting for the Arts.
The film has been a catalyst in raising funds and awareness for major universities, museums, schools, regional art centers, and other organizations dedicated to the community's welfare. The film and the exciting premiere events, superb cuisine & wine dinners and art & wine auctions have generated enthusiasm and support within the communities and the media. Leaders of the communities as well as critics have been calling the premiere events “amazing,” “a shining moment,” “tremendous,” “awesome,” “fantastic,” “WOMAN’S STORY is a stunning, provocative, intelligent film dignifying themes of renewal and strength through creativity.”
Which brings us to Conway’s second love: the art of winemaking. Along with his wife, former Miss America Marian McKnight, and daughter, Kathleen, Conway established the vineyard and winery Carmody McKnight Estate Wines. Nestled in the rolling hills of Paso Robles, California, Carmody McKnight produces an exquisite selection of estate wines that have gained recognition the world. Their Cadenza, alone, has garnered innumerous awards including two Double Golds, seven Golds, Best of Region and Best of Show in the prestigious California State Fair Wine Competition. Carmody McKnight was voted number one winery on the Central Coast of California and even the bottle labels were voted Best of Show, courtesy of Conway’s artistic talent. Carmody McKnight’s latest endeavors include the formation of not one, but two wine clubs; Inner Circle and Club Motif. (Links to both can be found on the release for Carmody McKnight.)
One might wonder what’s next on Gary Conway’s artistic agenda. Never one to split his talents individually, he’s currently preparing a new motion picture to be filmed in Morro Bay and Cambria on the Central Coast of California. Conway has also moved into the 21 st Century and the powerful lure of the Internet. He is producing and hosting the new series Day in the Country, which is debuting on the website www.windowstowine.com. The series will also appear on selected television stations around the world. Day in the Country encompasses Conway’s years in the vineyard, his world-class wine, and extensive television series background.
Life doesn’t get any sweeter than this…
To learn more about Gary and his variety of talents, you can visit his official website by clicking on the headshot on the left.
