Art collection

Art collection
Steve Martin the Art Collector, better known as the comedian and Oscar show host, premiered his serious art collection in Las Vegas recently. Never before shown to the public, the collection of modern and contemporary art was assembled by Martin over 30 years.
The exhibition continues through Sept. 3 at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, open daily 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The $12 admission, which includes an audio tour narrated by Martin, benefits the Steve Martin Charitable Foundation for the arts.
For reservations or for more information, call (888) 488-7111.
Free cruise offeredto Swiss villagers
GONDO, Switzerland (AP) -- Inhabitants of a tiny Swiss Alpine village that was devastated by a landslide last year have been invited on a one-week Mediterranean cruise by a Greek shipping tycoon.
Georges Poulides, chairman and chief executive of Festival Cruises, issued the invitation recently to the 150 inhabitants of Gondo as a gesture of solidarity after driving through the village for many years on his way to the nearby resort of Montana.
Michel Clavien, spokesman for the state of Valais, which includes Gondo, says it seems all the villagers want to take up the offer. They will be split into three groups of 50 and travel between July and September.
One third of Gondo was swept away, killing 13 inhabitants, by a landslide triggered by torrential rains last October that hit southern Switzerland and nearby northern Italy.
Hostels brochure
Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels has the new edition of its free color brochure. It lists all 134 of its U.S. hostels and locates them on a map. To receive a copy, write to HI-AYH Map Brochure, 733 15th St. NW, Suite 840, Washington, DC 20005, or call 202-783-6161.
Events worldwide
To find information about tourist, business or cultural events worldwide, see the site www. worldcalendar.com. The global Internet calendar has collected more than 25,000 events and plans to post 100,000 by the end of the year.