When the new Graduate Hotel (formerly the Biltmore Hotel) was renovated, a portrait of former Mayor and one-time hotel resident, Vincent (Buddy) A Cianci Jr was commissioned, and placed in each guest room. However, not long after the hotel opened they were taken down, "due to unnecessary comments sent to the hotel." That's according to Buddy's organization's website, www.ciancifoundation.com, who say that all 150 portraits, painted by Michael Kirkbride, have been donated to the Cianci Educational Foundation.
For the low, low price of $160 you can own one of these limited edition paintings for your rumpus room or your man-cave. Everyone will praise your stellar taste in interior design, and you'll be helping students pay for college, because all proceeds will benefit the Foundation's college scholarship program.