Bret Stern Productions at Sono Studios is proud to present the premiere of a special exhibition of Marilyn Monroe 2012 (MM12) by world-renowned photographer Bert Stern. To mark the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s untimely death, Stern has re-imagined his iconic “Last Sitting” photographs of the actress with crystal adorned prints of some of his most celebrated images as well as a series of never before exhibited special edition prints. The exhibition will kick off with an invitation only private reception on Thursday, June 7th and open to the public Friday, June 8^th through Sunday, June 10th from 1–6pm. Prints will be for sale and custom orders may be placed during the entire exhibition.

Bert Stern had three sessions with Marilyn Monroe for Vogue magazine in late June 1962, just six weeks before her death. These sessions, known as “The Last Sitting,” produced a series of fashion, portraiture and nude studies of Marilyn of indescribable sensual and human vibrancy. Bert Stern’s MM12 series features enhanced crystal overlays, a technique that accentuates the saturated glamour of his original photographic images. Stern has used this playful inventive style to enrich his legendary images of Marilyn Monroe with dimensional sparkle and a fresh perspective of her timeless allure.

Sono Studios will be opening its doors to its newly renovated state-of-the-art sound stage and production facilities where Stern’s collection will be displayed throughout. “We are so excited to be hosting this incredible show in our freshly modernized space,” says owner Bret Stern. “We are looking forward to expanding our studio and making it a hub for creative action in the community.”

Both Stern and Monroe have special ties to Connecticut. After marrying playwright Arthur Miller at the height of her stardom in June 1956, Monroe told him, “I hate Hollywood … I want to live quietly in the country.” Marilyn’s words emphasize the feeling of protection her house with Miller in Roxbury, CT gave her, “For the first time I have the feeling of being sheltered. It’s as if I have come in out of the cold.” Stern also has a strong affiliation with CT. In the 60’s he was one of the 10 key founders, along with Irving Penn and Richard Avedon, of the Westport Famous Photographers Artist School.

Bert Stern states, “I am thrilled to debut the new show I am creating for Marilyn’s 50th anniversary in CT. It is a place that I hold near and dear to my heart and that was meaningful to Marilyn as well. I’m pleased to bring her home to CT, a place where she felt happy and safe, on this special occasion.”

Sono Studios, in tandem with Bret Stern Productions and Bret Stern Photography, is Connecticut’s premiere sound stage and full service production studio. Ideal for commercial photo shoots, TV commercials and feature films, Sono Studios provides a professional suite of complete solutions to handle all HD video production services and post production needs.

For more information, please visit SonoRocks.com, or call (203) 354-4002.