His art rocks

MICHAEL GODARD may look like a member of a Motley Crue tribute band, but he has the soul of an artist. Indeed, he is one.

And thanks to a singular, whimsical style that celebrates life's naughtier (and more enjoyable) aspects such as gambling and booze - through the depiction of such things as humanoid olives and drunken grapes - Godard identifies himself on his website (michaelgodard.com) as "the #1 selling artist in the world." That boast is made even more impressive by the prices Godard charges: While works are available for under $1,000, his paintings are just as likely to fetch $40,000 to $50,000.

Godard is no stranger to Atlantic City. The self-described "Rock Star of the Art World" has a gallery called Oh My Godard! on the first level of the Pier Shops at Caesars on the Boardwalk. This week, he'll expand his AyCee footprint as Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa introduces the city's first slot machines featuring his artwork, a game called "Rockin' Olives." The casino will celebrate the debut Thursday with an open-to-the-public bash featuring Godard at Gypsy Bar. There also will be live music and giveaways.

"The [slot machine] design is from the standpoint of what I would like if I was playing slots," said Godard, who doesn't play. "What I wanted to do, they were able to pull off."

According to Godard, "Rockin' Olives" is a departure from the current crop of popular one-armed-bandits, whose themes tend toward blockbuster movie and TV franchises like "The Hangover" and "American Idol."

A player, Godard said, "Is like a little rock star olive. The olive plays guitar behind his back." Or, he continued, "You can risk all your money: You're a drummer and you get to play drum solos, but you're actually playing with sticks of dynamite [which may explode]."

While "Rockin' Olives" is new to Atlantic City, the game has found an audience in other gambling jurisdictions around the country, Goddard said. "The only complaint I hear from friends is that the machines are so busy, they can't get on one."