The Conjuring Arts Research Center
The Conjuring Arts Research Center is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of magic and its allied arts, which include psychic phenomenon, hypnosis, deceptive gambling, mentalism, ventriloquism, juggling, and sleight-of-hand techniques. Currently, Conjuring Arts functions primarily as a research library, of over 11,000 book and magazine titles, dating back to the 15th century and representing multiple languages. However, the library itself is only the first in a long list of roles Conjuring Arts plays. By providing its holdings, online database, semi-annually published journal, and performance component to the public, Conjuring Arts strives to preserve the rich histories and traditions of this ancient performing art.
In 1965 Grippo moved to Las Vegas and began to perform tableside magic at the Desert Inn. When Caesar’s Palace opened in 1966, he became the “Magician in Residence” at the Bacchanal Room, paid a salary by the Casino, rather than gratuities by the patrons. This led to numerous lucrative private engagements for the high rolling clientele, including J. Paul Getty and numerous Hollywood stars. One oft recounted anecdote involved borrowing a particularly valuable gold ring from Greek shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, at the time one of the world’s richest men. In early articles the ring was valued at several thousand dollars. Later recountings put it in the million dollar price range. Grippo took the ring in his With Jimmy Carterfist and held it over a flame. When he opened his hand, it held only a lump of molten gold. Onassis was devastated until Grippo asked the waiter to bring them six (12, in later recountings!) loaves of freshly baked French bread. Onassis chose one and sliced it open, to find his ring baked inside, with a blue ribbon connecting it to a thank you note from Grippo!