Art news

Award Winning Photographer and Museum Founder to Donate Iconic Images In Support of the Innocence Project

2009-03-03T19:21:00.000+02:00

Exclusive Donald Verger 'Images for Innocence' Exhibit

www.donaldverger.com

PORTLAND, Maine, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- A case of mistaken identity sent Donald Verger to jail over a period of three days at the start of the New Year. Even before the charges were dismissed, Verger was compelled to turn his experience into something positive.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090303/NE78221 )

"We are deeply grateful to Mr. Verger for using his considerable talents to help the Innocence Project," said Audrey Levitin, Director of Development, the Innocence Project. "His photography show and fundraiser will raise awareness about the tragedy of wrongful convictions. The proceeds from the event will enable us to free the innocent and bring urgently needed reforms to the United States criminal justice system."

Who:

Internationally applauded photographer, naturalist and philanthropist Donald Verger to hold "Images for Innocence" exhibit, with 100% of proceeds going to the nonprofit www.innocenceproject.org. Verger is Founder and President Emeritus of The Children's Discovery Museum and The Science Discovery Museum in Acton, MA.

What:

A breathtaking tapestry of images depicting the peacefulness found in New England landscapes will be on display in Portland's North Star Music Cafe. This exhibit provides a rare opportunity for the public to secure a personally autographed "Donald Verger" photograph via a tax-deductible donation to the Innocence Project. The exhibit includes an exclusive laptop slideshow preview of some of the radiant images in Verger's personal collection of 150,000 never-before-seen photos. www.donaldverger.com

When:

Opening Reception, Friday, March 6, 2009, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. EST

Where:

North Star Music Cafe, 225 Congress Street, Portland, Maine

Media:

To book an interview/taping with Donald Verger contact Heidi Hynes at 978-302-1198; email heidi@thecia.net.

To learn more about the Innocence Project, contact Eric Ferrero at 212-364-5346; eferrero@innocenceproject.org.

"When Donald Verger first took up photography seriously, he asked me to review his early work. I studied it and told him he could be the next Ansel Adams. This talented, award-winning photographer is one of those once-in-a-lifetime artists whose work establishes their reputation for generations to come," said Daniel Cheever, President Emeritus, Simmons College, Art collector.

About Donald Verger, Photographer, Naturalist, Philanthropist

Donald Verger is a critically acclaimed photographer and naturalist, most widely recognized for his over 40,000 dramatic images of Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth Maine. He is also acknowledged for his over 6,000 images of Nubble Lighthouse during the Patriot's Day Storm of 2007. Verger's stunning New England landscape photography is highly notable for its quiet, ethereal beauty as evidenced in his iconic image "Dawn of Peace." Verger donated his most popular image "Dawn of Peace" and companion image "Spirit" to raise $2,000 for UNICEF. Both photos were taken at 30 degrees below zero temperatures at sunrise, overlooking Thompson Lake in Otisfield, Maine, December 18, 2004.

Donald Verger is Founder and President Emeritus of the world-renowned Children's Discovery Museum and Science Discovery Museum in Massachusetts. His visionary work at these discovery museums was featured in two episodes of the PBS series "Curious George." A graduate of Phillips Academy and Clark University, Verger has served on numerous boards including Chairperson of UNICEF's New England Advisory Board, along with members U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy and Arnold Hiatt. He also has served on the board of directors for Wheelock College and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and on the advisory board for the Massachusetts Cultural Alliance. All of Verger's philanthropic work benefits families and children.

Recognized for its spiritual and healing qualities, Donald Verger's nature photography is on display in permanent, rotating galleries at Mercy Health System of Maine's new Fore River Hospital and The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center, both located in Portland.

Verger is a member of the Society for East End Arts in Portland, and his local photography work has earned him numerous awards and accolades including: "Fryeburg Fair Best in Show 2008," "Bangor Flower Show First Prize 2008," and "Fort Williams Art Show First Prize 2008." Verger's images are available at Longfellow Books, the Portland Head Light Museum and Gift Shop and Nubble Light House Gift Shop and various galleries throughout the year.

Donald Verger's fine art nature and lighthouse postcards are widely collected http://www.donaldverger.com/gallery_141842.html. He frequently donates his photography work to support important nonprofit causes.

http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/ma/2003/discovery_museums_1029.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Discovery_Museums

http://discoverymuseums.org/museum_.html

www.donaldverger.com

About the Innocence Project

The Innocence Project is a non-profit national litigation and public policy organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people through DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice. The Innocence Project is also a founding member of The Innocence Network, a group of law schools, journalism schools and public defender offices across the country. www.innocenceproject.org

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Victim of Mistaken Identity, Critically Acclaimed Photographer and Museum Founder to Hold Benefit for the Innocence Project

2009-03-03T11:30:00.000+02:00

Exclusive Donald Verger 'Images for Innocence' Exhibit

www.donaldverger.com

Who:

What:

When:

Opening Reception, Friday, March 6, 2009, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. EST

Where:

North Star Music Cafe, 225 Congress Street, Portland, Maine

Media:

To book an interview/taping with Donald Verger contact Heidi Hynes at 978-302-1198; email heidi@thecia.net.

To learn more about the Innocence Project, contact Eric Ferrero at 212-364-5346; eferrero@innocenceproject.org.

About Donald Verger, Photographer, Naturalist, Philanthropist

Donald Verger is a critically acclaimed photographer and naturalist, most widely recognized for his over 40,000 dramatic images of Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth Maine. He is also acknowledged for his over 6,000 images of Nubble Lighthouse during the Patriot's Day Storm of 2007. Verger's stunning New England landscape photography is highly notable for its quiet, ethereal beauty as evidenced in his iconic image "Dawn of Peace." Verger donated his most popular image "Dawn of Peace" and companion image "Spirit" to raise $2,000 for UNICEF. Both photos were taken at 30 degrees below zero temperatures at dawn, overlooking Thompson Lake in Otisfield, Maine, just before the equinox in December of 2004.

http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/ma/2003/discovery_museums_1029.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Discovery_Museums

http://discoverymuseums.org/museum_.html

www.donaldverger.com

About the Innocence Project

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American Art Helping Students Picture America's History

2009-03-03T10:06:00.000+02:00

WASHINGTON, March 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teachers know that students get excited about history when it is presented to them as a story, and that pictures make stories come alive. While textbooks offer facts about historical figures, pictures and artwork introduce us to real people.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090303/NYFNSJ01 )

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has launched an initiative to give students of all ages and learning styles the opportunity to better understand our country's past, people and its ideals through art. Picturing America (PicturingAmerica.neh.gov) is a new education resource coming to 56,000 K-12 schools and libraries across the nation that tells America's story through forty images of great American art.

Pictures like Washington Crossing the Delaware allow students to enter into the great stories of our history. Seeing Washington lead a boat of patriots into battle for liberty inspires students to develop their own insights into important themes like freedom, leadership and democracy.

Art can inspire otherwise disengaged students. "I used the images in a lesson with fifth graders, where we looked at Bingham's The County Election and Karales' Selma-to-Montgomery March for Voting Rights in 1965," said Cheryl Wolf, a librarian at William McKinley School in New York City. "Some students, who don't ordinarily participate, were clearly drawn into the discussion by the visual element."

Proficient students think in new ways, developing cognitive, social and personal skills, when looking at art. "Through Picturing America, my students are forging a relationship with the history of United States, and are engaged in deep, creative thinking about the identity of our country," said Sara Paulson, a Library Media Specialist at Manhattan's PS 347, the American Sign Language and English School. "Children, many of whom are not even American citizens, are connecting to some of the landmark events of American history through these images in our school."

In addition to students at 56,000 libraries and K-12 schools, pre-elementary school students from economically disadvantaged families will also benefit from this program. All 20,000 Head Start centers across the U.S. are using Picturing America resources to promote early childhood and family learning.

Picturing America's images and resource book are available for everyone online at www.PicturingAmerica.neh.gov.

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Artist or Magician? Photographer Makes Age and Weight Disappear in Portraits of Women 40 to 90 Years

2009-03-02T14:56:00.000+02:00

Family and friends amazed as women become their photographs

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- A famous case study from the 50's tells of a housewife who completely lost her memory in a serious car accident. Prior to the accident she was described as sad, humorless and withdrawn. After losing her memory the positive attention she received as a celebrity gave her a new identity: vibrant, engaging and funny. Essentially, she became who she believed she was.

This "Believe and Become" phenomenon is the backbone of master photographer David Peters' "Truth and Grace" portrait project, which is producing transformational results for his 40- to 90-yr.-old female subjects.

"The Truth and Grace project came out of a need to prove my mature women clients wrong," says Peters. "Too many simply didn't believe they were as attractive as they once were. They had given up on that part of their life. They simply needed hope - and some kind of proof."

Peters now asks his subjects for permission to accept what he sees in them: "I will take them back in time and present them images of the beauty I see still alive inside. Sometimes all it takes is gorgeous light and the perfect angle, but if it takes removing 20 years and 30 pounds through artwork I'll do it."

Professional health coach Isabelle Gagnon is delighted: "The clients that have Truth and Grace sessions are suddenly inspired to actually follow their programs and lose weight. It is terrific motivation!"

At Spa Cielo in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico, Cathy Dammann, a renowned skin care and laser therapy specialist, agrees: "Truth and Grace images helped my clients to believe they still deserve to be beautiful. They want to look like their pictures."

Husbands love it, too. Mike Bratton, Nevada City, Calif., says, "If you love your wife you'll want David Peters to photograph her. I was blown away!"

"Delighted disbelief is the most common first response," says Peters, of the women he photographs, "but eventually they do believe and that's when the magic happens and the restoration begins. It's extremely gratifying to be part of their 'miracle.'"

David Peters schedules Truth and Grace fine art portrait sessions across the U.S., Europe and Mexico. For information and scheduling, call 1-800-443-4861.

About David Peters

David Peters is one of Americas highest awarded portrait photographers. He has operated a studio in San Rafael, Calif. since 1971. His work has been exhibited in the International Photography Hall of Fame as well as the Epcot Center and Brooks Institute of Photography. He has lectured in over 50 cities across the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Europe.

    Contact:

    David Peters
    415-453-2776
    theartoftruthandgrace@yahoo.com

http://www.theartoftruthandgrace.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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American Academy of Art Announces Winners of Highly Competitive 2009 Art Scholarship Competition

2009-03-02T14:15:00.000+02:00

Prestigious, Chicago-based art school awards scholarships to eight local high school seniors in annual art competition. Awards ceremony being held March 7, 2009.

CHICAGO, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Last November, approximately 175 Chicagoland high school seniors gathered at the American Academy of Art for its annual art scholarship competition. The Academy recently announced the eight winners of the full-day, marathon contest. Prizes include scholarships ranging from two semesters to a half semester to the prestigious, four-year art college. Winners' artwork can be viewed here: www.aaart.edu/images/scholarship-winners.pdf.

Some of the nation's most prolific and notable fine artists and illustrators were trained at the Academy, which is currently celebrating its 86th Anniversary. Most recently, alumnus T. Allen Lawson gained fame for winning a commission from Laura Bush to paint the administration's final holiday card - an enviable commission for any established artist.

The competing students attended the full-day competition on Saturday, November 22, 2008. Their work was judged by Academy faculty, who considered fundamental skills as well as the quality and quantity of work completed via two, three-hour assignments: 1) a figurative drawing from a live model using charcoal and pencil, and 2) a still life work in color using any medium other than oil paint.

"This is always an exciting competition and an excellent way to observe the creative abilities of prospective students," said Mr. Richard Otto, president of the Academy.

The top three scholarships were awarded to:

Lillian Pecina, a student of Plainfield High School, Plainfield, IL, who received the top award in the form of a two-semester scholarship.
Daniel Rico, a student at John Hancock High School, Chicago, IL, and Faith Betinis, of Streamwood High School, Streamwood, IL, both of whom received single-semester scholarships.

The remaining five awardees received half-semester scholarships, and they include:

Nancy Valladares, Harry D. Jacobs High School, Algonquin, IL.
Gerardo Cazares, John F. Kennedy High School, Chicago, IL
Jeffrey Stein, Timothy Christian High School, Elmhurst, IL
Gabrielle Esposito, Lincoln Way East High School, New Lennox, IL
Oona Goodman, William Henry Harrison High School, Lafayette, IN

The selected awardees will be presented their scholarships during a ceremony at the Academy on March 7. The winning students are expected to attend the Academy fall 2009.

Since its founding in 1923, the American Academy of Art has trained and educated some of the nation's most notable and prolific fine artists and illustrators, including Haddon Sundblom, illustrator of original Coca-Cola Santa Claus; Gil Elvgren, famed for pin-up art during WWII; and most recently noted comic book and graphic novel artists Alex Ross, among dozens of other greats.

The American Academy of Art (www.aaart.edu) offers four-year, accredited Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree programs. It emphasizes the classical tradition, reinforced by real-world projects taught by distinguished instructors - all of whom are working artists as well as full-time teachers. The Academy not only guides and trains students to be exemplary artists, it also connects students to valuable resources to help with their transition to a real-world careers upon graduation.

CONTACT: Jason Sherman, 708-445-8598, SHERMAN communications & marketing, inc., jason@shermancm.com, www.shermancm.com

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Stand Among Friends Raising Money and Awareness Through 'Food, Friends & Fine Wine' Benefit

2009-02-27T23:29:00.000+02:00

BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Stand Among Friends, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting opportunities for people with disabilities, will hold its ninth annual benefit, entitled "Food, Friends & Fine Wine," tonight at the Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton. Pompano Beach-based Cash4Gold.com, America's #1 buyer of precious metals direct from the general public, has underwritten the event as its title sponsor.

The "Food, Friends & Fine Wine" event will feature 400 wines from the 2nd Annual American Fine Wine Competition and a gourmet dinner prepared by the renowned Chef Bart Messing. There will be both a live and silent auction, and performance artist Bran Olsen will entertain guests with his "Art in Action." More than 100 guests are expected to attend.

"We are so grateful for the tremendous generosity of Cash4Gold and our other sponsors," said Stand Among Friends President and Founder Shawn Friedkin. "Without them, this event, and our ongoing effort in aiding people with disabilities, would simply not be possible."

"I've known and admired Shawn and his work for years," said Cash4Gold President Howard Mofshin. "Cash4Gold CEO Jeff Aronson and I are proud to support Shawn and his team's great work at Stand Among Friends."

Friedkin has experienced first-hand how frustrating it can be for people with disabilities to access the information and resources available to them. A few years after becoming paralyzed in an accident in 1992, Friedkin created Stand Among Friends, which has created outreach programs, an intensive practical research program, an educational television show, and informational programs for the disabled. Since its inception, the organization has raised significant dollars in support of these programs, which include topics such as Employment for People with Disabilities, Disability Sensitivity, and Injury Prevention for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury.

About Stand Among Friends

Stand Among Friends, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was formed to promote opportunities for people with disabilities. Stand Among Friends was formed in 1997 by Shawn Friedkin who, after being paralyzed in a car accident, was frustrated with the lack of information and resources available to people with disabilities. Stand Among Friends has collaborated with Florida Atlantic University to create the Center for the Study of Neurological Disabilities on FAU's campus and a program that promotes employment for graduating disabled students. The organization regularly airs an educational television show entitled "Life Without Limits," and has completed exercise studies for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injuries. Please visit standamongfriends.com or call (561) 297-4400 for more information or to make a donation.

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Cowboys and Cowgirls Come Out For the 6th Annual Southeastern Cowboy Gathering

2009-02-27T19:00:00.000+02:00

CARTERSVILLE, Ga., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 6th Annual Southeastern Cowboy Gathering, hosted by the Booth Western Art Museum and presented by Comcast, happens March 12-15 at the Booth Western Art Museum.

The weekend kicks off on Thursday, March 12, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Meet the Artist Reception for Contemporary Visions of the West: The Art of John Nieto. At 7:00 p.m. featured artist John Nieto presents highlights of his career and shows examples of his work in the Booth Theatre.

Friday evening, March 13, at 7:00 p.m., experience The End of the Trail Supper and Concert, which includes a barbeque dinner served on the Booth Museum grounds amongst wagons gathered to compete in the Southeastern Chuck Wagon Cook-off. Musical group Call of the West will entertain guests around the campfire.

On Saturday, come out early as teams of cooks prepare beans, meat, potatoes, and dessert just as they did on the cattle drives of the late 1800s in the Annual Southeastern Chuck Wagon Cook-off. Throughout the day, musicians from around the Southeast compete in banjo, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle contests at the Grand Theatre. Saturday evening, featured entertainer R.W. Hampton, one of the leading Western entertainers in America today, performs at the Grand Theatre in downtown Cartersville.

A host of family activities and entertainment is on tap throughout the weekend, both inside and outside the Booth Museum. Children's activities, an adult cowboy poetry writing workshop and the Georgia Youth Cowboy Poetry Contest all take place within the Booth Museum Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.boothmuseum.org for a complete schedule.

Cowboy Church is held in the Booth Theatre on Sunday morning. This is a non-denominational church service with Western flair and free for everyone. Following the service, top cooks from around the southeast compete in the Dutch Oven Cooking Contest on the Museum grounds. After the judges have sampled entries, cooks will serve samples to the public.

Booth Western Art Museum

The Booth Western Art Museum is an 80,000 square foot museum located in Cartersville, Georgia, where guests are invited to explore the American West through contemporary Western artwork. The Museum also houses a Presidential Gallery, Civil War art gallery, and Sagebrush Ranch. To learn more, visit www.boothmuseum.org.

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National Hispanic Cultural Center Presents Annual Women & Creativity Celebration

2009-02-27T16:00:00.000+02:00

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is proud to present the 5th year of Women & Creativity, a celebration promoting women in the arts. This festival is sponsored by Mark Pardo Salons and runs throughout March.

In collaboration with more than 35 arts organizations, artists, writers, and independent business owners, this celebration features more than 50 events and exhibitions at venues throughout Albuquerque (http://www.itsatrip.org) and Santa Fe such as the National Hispanic Cultural Center (http://www.nhccnm.org), 516 ARTS, Harwood Art Center, Explora, Georgia O'Keefe Museum, and the Lensic Performing Arts Center, as well as many other partners.

Events in the Women & Creativity 2009 celebration are filled with renowned musical and comedic performances, workshops, classes, and lectures, all honoring the creative efforts of women in a multi-dimensional manner. This festival encourages public participation on many levels. Similarly, it aims to recognize and celebrate the creative women within our community and the artistic and imaginative spirits within each of us.

Highlights include:

Chicana Badgirls: Las Hociconas, this exhibition explores three generations of Chicana artists and includes installation, video, performance art, as well as disobedient takes on traditional crafts and art forms. January 17-March 21; 516 Arts www.516arts.org
Peek-a-Boo - Performances that bring to life a hilarious and magical world, which delights tiny children and provokes reflection in teenagers and grownups. March 7; 2pm; National Hispanic Cultural Center www.nhccnm.org
Marga Gomez, "Long-Island Iced Latina" - this comedic act begins as a hilariously dark memoir of Gomez as the only brown girl in a white high school and morphs into an "intoxicating manifesto for Latinos who can't speak Spanish, suck at Salsa, and suffer from Blonditis." March 13th; 8pm; National Hispanic Culture www.nhccnm.org
Performing Arts of Spain Series: Margarita Escarpa, internationally renowned guitarist Margarita Escarpa performs and teaches the Spanish Culture through music. March 20; 8pm; National Hispanic Cultural Center www.nhccnm.org
Beginning African Dance Classes, experience the excitement, joy and healing of African Dance. Throughout March; 5:30pm-7pm; Maple Street Dance Space www.maplestreetdancespace.com
Explora, features various performances by influential women throughout history such as Elizabeth Blackwell and Christa McAuliffe. Throughout March; 2pm-3pm; Explora! www.explora.us

Various venues throughout the region will showcase an array of work done by local women artists in celebration of Women and Creativity.

Find a complete calendar of events at www.nhccnm.org.

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Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra National City Superpops Series Friday/Saturday March 13/14 Concert Presents Downtown Diva Starring Petula Clark

2009-02-26T22:40:00.000+02:00

Pop icon will fill the Schuster Center with a host of major hit songs 8 p.m. each evening

DAYTON, Ohio, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 8 p.m. in the Schuster Center, DPO Music Director Neal Gittlemanand the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra welcome legendary pop vocalist Petula Clark.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031015/DPOLOGO)

Born with "a voice as sweet as chapel bells," Petula Clarkfirst broke into the limelight during World War II, when -- as a child -- she entertained the troops both on radio and in concert. She is said to have performed in over 200 shows for the forces all over England before the age of nine and, by war's end, Petula Clark had become known as the British "Shirley Temple." Tony Hatch visited Petula in the early sixties in Paris. The result was a new song, Downtown. Petula recorded it, and the rest is music history. She has never stopped recording -- 50 plus years, over a 1,000 songs, and still counting! DPO fans can expect to hear such hits as l Know a Place, My Love, A Sign of the Times, and Don't Sleep in the Subway.

Petula's conductor and pianist, Kenny Clayton, is a legend in his own right. He will conduct and play on the second half of the program.

The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in the community. Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra performances are made possible in part by Montgomery County and Culture Works, the single largest source of community funds for the arts and culture in the Miami Valley. Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra receives partial funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and from the Ohio Arts Council, a state agency created to foster and encourage the development of the arts and to preserve Ohio's cultural heritage. Funding from the Ohio Arts Council is an investment of state tax dollars that promotes economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohio residents.

ADDRESS: Performance Place at the Schuster Center ~ 109 North Main Street # 200 ~ Dayton, Ohio 45402

Webpage: http://www.daytonphilharmonic.com

Full release: http://daytonphilharmonic.com/content.jsp?articleId=1738

    CONTACT: Joe Aiello
    Communications Manager
    937-224-3521, x-113
    Mobile: 937-673-3112
    fax: 937-223-9189
    jaiello@daytonphilharmonic.com
    www.daytonphilharmonic.com

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Famed Etch A Sketch(R) Artist Unveils Barack Obama Masterpiece Honoring Black History Month

2009-02-26T13:00:00.000+02:00

The Ohio Art Company(R) and George Vlosich III present sketch of the first

African American president of the United States

BRYAN, Ohio, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ohio Art Company, creators of the world famous Etch A Sketch, today unveiled an awe-inspiring sketch of President Barack Obama in celebration of Black History Month. Created to honor the country's first African American commander in chief, the masterpiece was sketched by famed artist George Vlosich III and features Obama's face alongside the presidential seal with a vision of the American flag and Abraham Lincoln in the background.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/NY75459)

Known for his extraordinary talent producing masterpieces on the Etch A Sketch, Vlosich created the work of art in advance of the presidential inauguration and upon completion, graciously accepted the invitation for it to be displayed at D.C.'s MANIFEST HOPE event. The brainchild of street artist and creator of the Barack Obama HOPE poster, Shepard Fairey's MANIFEST HOPE event showcased a diverse array of the nation's most talented artists whose work celebrated President Barack Obama.

"We've had the honor of working with George since he was 11 years old - not long after he drew his first masterpiece featuring the U.S. Capitol Building on his mother's old Etch A Sketch from the 1960s," says Martin Killgallon, Senior VP of Sales and Product Development, The Ohio Art Company. "We are thrilled that George has chosen the Etch A Sketch on which to display his amazing portrait of our country's new president as we commemorate Black History Month," he adds.

"I've always acknowledged that art is a God-given talent," says Vlosich. "I am so proud to be able to use my talent to honor Black History Month and celebrate the country's first African American president," he adds.

A virtual gallery featuring photos of Vlosich's creations along with images of his Barack Obama sketch which took approximately 100 hours to create can be found on his website, www.gvetchedintime.com. Visitors to the site can also view a remarkable video of Vlosich creating a sketch of Barack Obama that is currently available in celebration of Black History Month.

About Ohio Art

Creators of the famous Etch A Sketch drawing toy, The Ohio Art Company remains one of the world's most widely recognized toy companies since its establishment in 1908. The Ohio Art Company is committed to developing toys that encourage creativity and learning while providing hours of enjoyment, encouraging self-expression and promoting positive development. The company also proudly markets specialty toys including K's Kids(R), a line of toys specially developed for babies and toddlers. Visit the Ohio Art website at www.ohioart.com.

About George Vlosich III

Since 1989 - at just ten years of age - George Vlosich III has been perfecting his talent on the Etch A Sketch. Each is an original, one-of-a-kind work of art that takes approximately 70-80 hours to create and upon completion, is preserved to stand the test of time. Vlosich has etched many of the world's greatest athletes and celebrities and his work has been described as "the one continuous line that continues to amaze the world." Vlosich is proud to have paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps and possesses an uncompromising passion to take his etches to places no one ever thought possible. Visit Vlosich's website at www.gvetchedintime.com

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Lost Photos of the Young Beatles and Rolling Stones (1964-66) to Debut at New NYC Gallery

2009-02-26T11:00:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Forty-five years after The Beatles and The Rolling Stones first came to America, an extraordinary collection of "lost" photos of the young bands has just been discovered. The 3500 photographs -- extraordinary, intimate and unpublished -- were taken by Bob Bonis, their U.S. Tour manager, during their first U.S. tours (1964, 1965 and 1966) and document perhaps the most critical point in their careers: coming to America.

The Bob Bonis Archive of photographs is now exclusively represented by the Not Fade Away Gallery, which has announced its first show, "The British Are Coming: The Beatles and The Rolling Stones 1964-66," to inaugurate the Gallery, March 4-April 14. The Not Fade Away Gallery is located in New York City at 901 Broadway, 2nd floor, at the corner of 20th Street.

The Gallery's first exhibition will feature 50+ images of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones that establish the unparalleled access and close friendship Bob Bonis (1932-1991) had with the young men who became the most significant rock musicians of the 20th century. Revealing a private, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the early days of rock 'n' roll, the photos show the boys in candid, intimate shots on stage, in rehearsal, in concert, backstage (tuning up, waiting to go on stage and clowning around), dressing and relaxing, on vacations or en route to shows or cities, getting haircuts, bowling, recording in the studio, at press events and just hanging around being themselves.

"The discovery of so many never-before-seen photographs of the two most influential bands in rock history, captured at the most pivotal time in their careers, is a once-in-a-lifetime event," says Larry Marion, founder/director of Not Fade Away Gallery (http://www.NotFadeAwayGallery.com) and an acknowledged expert in the field of music memorabilia. "In more than twenty years as a rock 'archeologist,' I've never come upon a discovery of this magnitude -- thousands of extraordinary unpublished photographs of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones -- young, innocent and unguarded. This is likely the largest single trove of such important unknown photographs ever uncovered."

For over forty years, the negatives and slides were safely stored away unbeknownst to anyone but Bob Bonis' family. Bob's son Alex recently unearthed them and brought them -- along with his father's collection of memorabilia from his Tour Manager days -- to Larry Marion for appraisal. In fact, the photos were at the bottom of a duffel bag of memorabilia -- brought out almost as an afterthought. Now, Alex Bonis is one of the partners in Not Fade Away Gallery, which will begin to make these images available for exhibition and for sale as museum-quality fine art photographic prints (both black-and-white and color), in extremely limited editions, printed on era-appropriate paper, utilizing traditional photographic printing methods.

A private man, Bob Bonis never sought publicity and wasn't interested in pursuing attention based on his past exploits. He started out as a New York City talent agent in the late 1950s and through a series of unremarkable circumstances, he came to hold an extraordinary position at a pivotal time in rock history -- U.S. Tour Manager for both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during their first U.S. tours in 1964 and continuing through 1966. Since his personal passion was photography, he took his camera along wherever he could and took photos of everyone he worked with -- capturing incredibly intimate photos that the world is about to see for the very first time.

In addition to more than 3,500 photos he took of The Beatles and The Stones, Bob photographed Simon & Garfunkel, The Hollies, Cream, The Lovin' Spoonful, Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra and many of the jazz greats he worked with. Not Fade Away Gallery has upcoming shows of these photographs scheduled for the coming year.

The extraordinary private moments Bob Bonis captured are now available for all fans and collectors of music and fine art photography to see and experience at Not Fade Away Gallery, honoring the life and work of Bob Bonis.

     "The British Are Coming: The Beatles and The Rolling Stones 1964-66"
     Not Fade Away Gallery, 901 Broadway (at 20th Street)
     March 4th-April 14th
     All photographs by Bob Bonis, copyright 2009 by 2269 Productions, Inc.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Epson Introduces New Signature Worthy Reproduction Fine Art Papers

2009-02-26T08:01:00.000+02:00

New Epson Papers Bring Advanced Reproduction Technology to Fine Art Market

LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson America today expanded its line of professional media solutions with new Signature Worthy(TM) Hot Press and Cold Press Papers designed for use with Epson's award-winning printers. Offering advanced reproduction capabilities for the fine art market, the new Hot Press Bright, Cold Press Bright, Hot Press Natural, and Cold Press Natural papers are poised to redefine fine art reproduction.

"The new series of Epson fine art papers were inspired by the hand craftsmanship of artisans who developed the first watercolor papers, and were vigorously tested to ensure prints have the highest print quality with consistency roll-to-roll and sheet-to-sheet," said Jeff Smith, product marketing manager, professional imaging, Epson America. "In combination with Epson professional printers, these new Signature Worthy fine art papers deliver the industry with reproductions that are the closest thing to an original piece of art."

Optimized for use with Epson inks, including new Epson UltraChrome(R) HDR ink technology found in the Epson Stylus(R) Pro 7900 and 9900, the new Signature Worthy Hot Press and Cold Press Papers yield richer blacks, smoother tonal transitions and an expanded color gamut to produce the most advanced fine art prints. The Hot Press papers offer a smooth surface and Cold Press papers offer a textured surface. In addition, Hot Press and Cold Press Bright offer a bright white point, while the Hot Press and Cold Press Natural offer a warm white point.

The new Hot Press and Cold Press papers enable artists to achieve a certain look and feel in order to convey their final vision. For Timothy Greenfield-Sanders' traveling exhibition, "The Black List," organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the new Epson Hot Press Bright paper, combined with the Epson Stylus Pro 9900 printer and UltraChrome HDR Inks, played a big role in helping him create a successful exhibition highlighting the "stories, triumphs and joys of black life in the United States."

"The paper a photographer chooses for an exhibition really makes a difference in the overall effect of prints," said Greenfield-Sanders, leading portrait photographer. "When using the Epson Hot Press Bright Fine Art Paper with the Epson Stylus Pro 9900, I was able to achieve new levels of extreme detail and sharpness, along with superb skin tones in my recent exhibition The Black List. The look, the touch and the feel of the prints on the Epson Hot Press Bright paper was irresistible."

More information regarding Greenfield-Sanders' The Black List and the impact of Epson's fine art printing solutions on the traveling exhibit is available at Epson's Focal Points Web site.

Availability

The new Signature Worthy Hot Press and Cold Press fine art cut sheet papers will be available in late April through authorized Epson Professional Imaging resellers; Hot Press and Cold Press roll papers will be available later in 2009. For more information on Epson's complete line of professional media, visit www.proimaging.epson.com.

About Epson America Inc.

Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business, photography, and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) printers and transactions terminals for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.

Note: Specifications and terms are subject to change. Epson, Epson Stylus and Epson UltraChrome HDR are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corp. Signature Worthy is a trademark of Epson America Inc. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these trademarks.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Amanda Dolan Returns to the Ward-Nasse Gallery With a New Collection of Playful and Uplifting Pieces in Her Aptly Titled 'Heart Attack' Series

2009-02-26T05:01:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- With two successful shows under her belt, veteran mixed-media painter Amanda Dolan is putting the final touches on her third Ward-Nasse Gallery hosted show, "Heart Attack." With 55 heart-laced original works, the collection is sure to be an attack on the viewers' sensibilities, both visual and emotional.

Following last year's wildly popular "Call Me Crazy" -- a series which featured notable women throughout history who challenged the status quo by letting their passion and power be unstoppable forces in their lives -- Dolan found herself wanting to show the lighter side of her complex personality. Finding herself in a happier place both personally and professionally, Dolan considers "Heart Attack" a catharsis and hopes those who come to enjoy the show will appreciate the happy, silly, and, even sometimes, sexy pieces.

While working on "Heart Attack" has been a primary focus of Amanda's recently, her time after "Call Me Crazy" was anything but quiet; she has been working to promote her commission portrait services, has donated her works to be auctioned off for charity organizations like LWALA, and has placed solo pieces in galleries all over, including her "Janis Joplin" portrait at The Museum of the Gulf Coast.

After taking the summer off from painting, Dolan wanted to approach the canvas with her revitalized energy, offering viewers pieces that would lift their spirits. Says Amanda, "I wanted to do something happy to combat the difficulties everyone is dealing with daily. These are tough times, and I wanted to put something out there that was filled with love and easily open to interpretation. I think 'Heart Attack' is that collection."

Though "Heart Attack" follows in a similar visual tradition as Dolan's other works -- vibrant, eclectic, bold -- the "Heart Attack" collection sets itself apart from her other pieces in two ways: the noticeable absence of words from most of the paintings and the refrain from using portraits (except for that of her beloved French Bulldog, Pearl). With varying shapes, sizes, and price points, Dolan considers "Heart Attack" to be her most accessible collection to date.

Amanda hopes that by eliminating some of those visual cues, viewers will be able to more easily create their own free associations as to what her work is meant to represent. "My last two shows were very deep and serious, thematically exploring the essence of darkness. I'm in such a happy place now, that this time I wanted to do something up beat, to go lighter."

To RSVP to the Official Opening of "Heart Attack", on March 7th at 6pm at the Ward-Nasse Gallery (178 Prince Street, between Thompson and Sullivan), contact: AmandaDolan@AMP3pr.com. Complimentary food and drinks will be served.

For more information on Amanda Dolan, her upcoming show, or her services, please visit: AmandaDolan.com. For interviews or any press inquiries, please contact Jackie Brook at AMP3 Public Relations: 646.827.9594 or AmandaDolan@amp3pr.com.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Turner Completes the New Yankee Stadium and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center During Month of February

2009-02-25T16:15:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Turner Construction Company, the nation's leading general builder, has substantially completed two landmark New York City projects this month, the new Yankee Stadium and Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall renovation and expansion.

Turner provided preconstruction and construction management services for the new Yankee Stadium in Bronx, N.Y. During the course of construction, the 1.3 million sq. ft., 52,325-capacity stadium required 12,700 tons of structural steel, 57,000 cubic yards of concrete, 35.5 miles of plumbing and HVAC piping, and 946 miles of electrical wire. The main centerfield scoreboard stretches 59 feet by 101 feet and the playing field sits 12 feet below street-level, allowing for easier access and vertical transportation to the four different levels of the building.

Turner will manage the selective demolition of the original stadium and will perform preconstruction services for Heritage Park and the redevelopment of Ruppert Place as a grand pedestrian walkway and plaza.

Turner provided construction management services for the first major renovation of Alice Tully Hall since its opening in 1969. The scope of work included a 5,000 sq. ft., three-story glass lobby expansion, interior revitalization, new rehearsal space and expansion of the dressing rooms and stage wings.

The installation of the mill veneer work in Alice Tully Hall was coordinated using 3D modeling (BIM) and was made from one log of moabi wood harvested in Gabon, Africa. Twenty percent of the wood was embedded in a recycled resin panel with LED lights behind it so the walls of the theater can appear to glow. During the course of construction, a unique 10,000 sq. ft. Quick-Deck platform, often used for bridge repair work, was hung from chains so work could be done on the ceiling while crews could continue working on the theater below. BIM was also utilized to coordinate the chair supports for the deck so it would not interfere with the electrical wiring, duct work and other components of the construction.

In addition, Turner is also managing the cantilevered expansion and renovation of The Juilliard School. These projects mark the continuation of a relationship between Turner and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts that first began with the construction of the Vivian Beaumont Theater, the New York State Theater and Avery Fisher Hall in 1964.

"We are honored that the New York Yankees Organization and the Lincoln Center Development Project selected us to be a part of these historic projects and to help to further shape the skyline and cultural makeup of New York City," said Charles F. Murphy, vice president and general manager of Turner's New York office.

About Turner

Turner is the leading general builder in the U.S., ranking first or second in the major segments of the building construction field. During 2007, Turner completed $9.6 billion of construction. Turner is the only builder offering clients a nationwide network of offices across the U.S. Founded in 1902, the firm is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF, a publicly traded company and one of the world's leading international construction service providers. For more information, visit Turner's website at www.turnerconstruction.com.

HOCHTIEF is one of the leading international providers of construction-related services. With more than 52,000 employees and a sales volume of EUR 16.45 billion in FY 2007, the company is represented in all the world's major markets. The Group's service offering in the fields of development, construction, services, concessions and operation covers the entire life cycle of infrastructure projects, real estate and facilities. In the USA, the biggest construction market in the world, HOCHTIEF is the No. 1 general builder via its subsidiary Turner and, with Group company Flatiron, ranks among the most important players in the field of transportation infrastructure construction. With its subsidiary Leighton (HOCHTIEF share around 55 percent), the group is market leader in Australia. Further information is available at www.hochtief.com/press.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Peter Max Brings Newly-Unveiled Obama Portrait To Jacksonville

2009-02-25T15:24:00.000+02:00

EXHIBITION & PERSONAL APPEARANCES AT R. ROBERTS GALLERY

--Artist Will Make Two Special Appearances - March 7th & 8th--

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- World-renowned artist Peter Max (www.petermax.com) will be at Avondale's R. Roberts Gallery with his latest exhibit, making two special appearances -- Saturday, March 7th, 6-9 PM and Sunday, March 8th, Noon-3 PM. Artwork is available for acquisition and each appearance is open to the public. This time, however, he brings his extraordinary and highly-collectible new works.

Max's latest retrospective features the newly unveiled Obama portrait series, and over 100 pieces of his art, including original paintings, drawings, and limited-edition prints. The subject matter of the work ranges from his famous iconic paintings such as the "Statue of Liberty" and "Flag with Heart," to his well-known "Cosmic" images. Some of his newer work, such as his recent work commemorating Yankee Stadium, will be included in the exhibit.

Since the late 1960s, Peter Max's work has been an artistic symbol of American pop culture. His images form a scrapbook illustrating 40 years of Americana. Max's imagination and vision can be found in over 100 museums and galleries throughout the world and on a variety of canvases, including the Berlin Wall and a Boeing 777 jumbo jet, currently in use by Continental Airlines. Max has painted portraits of numerous world leaders, including the last six U.S. Presidents, the Dalai Lama, and Mikhail Gorbachev. He has also been designated Official Artist of numerous international events, including six Grammy Award broadcasts, three World Fairs, and six Super Bowls.

"We're thrilled to bring Peter Max and his amazing work back to Jacksonville, where he has been so warmly welcomed in the past," said Gallery owner, Jennifer R. Jones. "We expect another enthusiastic turn out for this event, especially because the artist will be offering a 12" x 16" signed and individually dedicated 'LOVE' poster with each purchase of his work. Buyers will have the opportunity to meet Peter and have their purchase personally signed."

Admission is free and RSVP's are requested to attend Peter Max's appearances. The public is also invited to attend a special "uncrating party" at the Gallery on Saturday, February 28th. Appointments to preview the art in the exhibit can be made beginning March 1st. To RSVP or make an appointment for a preview, call R. Roberts Gallery at (904) 388-1188.

For almost 20 years, R. Roberts Gallery has been one of Florida's most prominent purveyors of fine art. The New York Times described the gallery as follows: "although it is a neighborhood gallery, clients also come from all over the nation and abroad because of the gallery's reputation for excellence, its extensive selection of art, its superior custom framing, restoration, personal on-site art and framing consultation and portraiture services." Featuring original paintings, sculpture and limited edition fine art prints in styles ranging from contemporary to traditional masterworks; the Gallery represents acclaimed American and international artists.

R. Roberts Gallery is located at 3606 St. Johns Avenue. Hours are Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 6pm, Saturday, 10am - 4pm and Sunday 11am - 3pm. For more information, call 904-388-1188 or visit www.rrobertsgallery.com

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Marion Barber to Host Benefit for Children of Malawi, Africa

2009-02-24T22:43:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, February 26, Dallas Cowboys Running Back, Marion Barber, and The Jack Brewer Foundation will host the 2nd Annual Eli Klein Fine Art Winter Fundraiser benefiting the children and families of Malawi, Africa.

With 1.2 million orphans in Malawi, JBF Worldwide and host Marion Barber are bringing people together to make a substantial impact. JBF Worldwide is committed to developing initiatives that focus on creating self-sustaining development in Malawi. Proceeds from the fundraiser will enable families to obtain the resources needed to grow and harvest food within their communities.

Gallery owners Eli and David Klein are proud to be active participants and supporters of JBF Worldwide and are committed to holding an annual fundraiser at Eli Klein Fine Arts. In appreciation of their contributions the assembly of interesting guests will take in an evening of fine art, sultry jazz, delicious wine and European cheeses.

The Jack Brewer Foundation is an organization of many initiatives, but center stage is given to the microfinance fund benefiting families in Malawi. Together with the Joyce Banda Foundation in Malawi, JBF has empowered thousands of families by providing small loans in order to create economic stability.

    EVENT:     2nd Annual Eli Klein Fine Art Winter Fundraiser

    HOST:      Marion Barber & The Jack Brewer Foundation

    DATE:      February 26, 2009

    TIME:      7:00PM

    VENUE:     Eli Klein Fine Art, 462 West Broadway, between Houston and
               Prince

    DETAILS:   An evening of fine art, sultry jazz, delicious wine and
               European cheeses with proceeds benefiting the children of
               Malawi, Africa.

www.jackbrewerfoundation.org

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Boston University College of Fine Arts Presents InCite 2009: Art Never Backs Down

2009-02-24T21:27:00.000+02:00

March 3-10, 2009

NEW YORK, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Boston University College of Fine Arts (CFA) is pleased to present the second annual InCite Arts Festival, "InCite 2009: Art Never Backs Down," taking place March 3-10 in New York City. Conceived to showcase the dynamic artistic strengths and synergy of the College's schools of Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts, the festival offers new and interdisciplinary programming that boasts an eclectic and compelling combination of titles and artists. Throughout history, art's response to bad times has been to endure, using creativity and wit, and InCite epitomizes that response. This year's festival will include a new full length play, Pope Joan by Michelle Poynton; Peter Brook's adaptation of the one-act opera La Tragedie de Carmen, with director Jim Petosa and conductor William Lumpkin, and featuring mezzo-soprano Stephanie Chigas and tenor Darren Anderson; a gallery exhibition featuring the work of School of Visual Arts graduate painting alumni; and a showcase of actors and designers from the BU School of Theatre. All theatre and opera festival offerings will be held at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues), and the visual arts exhibition will be held at DFN Gallery (210 11th Avenue at W. 25th Street on the 6th Floor). For more information on the festival, visit www.bu.edu/cfa/incite.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090224/DC74813 )

The festival returns to New York City after a remarkable success in March 2008, which culminated in a performance of Tom Stoppard and Andre Previn's rarely-performed Every Good Boy Deserves Favour at The Town Hall. Jim Petosa, Director of the BU School of Theatre and Artistic Director of the Olney Theatre Center in Maryland, is InCite's Artistic Director, and explains the decision to return to New York for a second festival: "Balancing the bad economic news, there is a new national spirit that shares our belief in the power of the arts to elevate and inspire." He continues, "By highlighting a 'new conservatory' model, InCite demonstrates the leadership role that universities can play as arts laboratories and as creative collaborators reenergizing their professions." This new conservatory seeks to blur the artificial boundaries between teachers, students, alumni, and other artists within the College of Fine Arts community to create potent multigenerational collaborations from which everyone benefits.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Fanjul Family Statement on U.S. Department of State Investigation Against Bruno Scaioli

2009-02-24T20:16:00.000+02:00

Helms-Burton Act Title IV Investigation Could Bar Scaioli from Entering United States for Trafficking in Artwork Confiscated by Cuban Government

PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Fanjul family is pleased to note that the State Department has opened an investigation into a potential violation of U.S. law by Bruno Scaioli, an Italian-Argentinean art dealer. It has long been suspected that Bruno Scaioli is in possession of at least one of the paintings that belongs to the Fanjul art collection. The Fanjul art collection was confiscated from the Fanjul family when the Cuban government was taken over by Fidel Castro. It is believed that many of the paintings in the Fanjul art collection were sold in international art markets by the Cuban government. It is the Fanjul family's goal to track down all of these paintings and secure the collection.

"We have been tireless in our pursuit of our paintings, and I am delighted that the State Department has launched the investigation," said J. Pepe Fanjul, senior family spokesman. "We hope that this will be a lesson for all in the art world that all these paintings in Cuba or with a Cuban source are strictly off limits."

The U.S. Department of State's investigation, which is one step on the road to excluding Bruno Scaioli, his spouse and minor children from the United States, should serve as a warning to all who would trade in confiscated paintings from Cuba. No matter what governmental stamps or certificates accompany such works, there is a high likelihood that they are in fact confiscated property. Art dealers that wish to visit and work in the United States should note that they will be unable to do so if they deal in confiscated property from Cuba.

"The action by the State Department demonstrates the huge risks that art dealers or collectors expose themselves to when they deal in paintings sourced out of Cuba," said Shanker Singham, counsel to the Fanjul family. "Given the importance of having access to the U.S. market, art dealers and collectors should put in place measures to enable them to avoid Cuban-sourced material. This is as important for a one-time buyer as it is for a prominent auction house. We recommend the Art Guidelines put in place by Sotheby's to ensure that art that was stolen by the Castro regime does not end up being traded into the international art market."

Enacted in 1996, the Helms-Burton Act provides (in additional to potential damages for violations) that those who traffic in confiscated property, i.e. property that was confiscated by the Cuban government after 1959, shall be denied access to the United States, and have any visas for their spouse or minor children revoked. The relevant provisions, found in Title IV of the Act, have been used or threatened against executives from Sherritt mining company, as well as Jamaican hotel chain Superclubs and Mexican Grupo Domos. Many companies have pulled out of Cuba rather than face sanctions under the Helms-Burton Act, or have acted to settle outstanding property claims to avoid liability.

The Fanjul family has searched for ways to protect its art collection since it was first confiscated by the Castro government in 1961. When the Fanjuls left Cuba, at the point of a gun, they never ceased in their efforts to secure and protect the art collection. After the Soviet Union collapsed and much of the funding that sustained the Cuban government was cut off, the Castro regime increasingly turned to other methods of securing hard currency. One such method was to sell off artwork that had been confiscated from Cubans and other citizens. When the Fanjuls discovered that a painting from the family's collection, entitled "Malaga Castel" by Joaquin Sorolla, had appeared in an international auction, they notified the relevant authorities and took steps to identify the possessor of the painting. They succeeded in tracing the painting to an international art dealer named Bruno Scaioli, and then reached out to the State Department to investigate whether Cuba sanctions legislation had been violated. Initially confirming that Bruno Scaioli was a person of interest in their investigation a year ago, the State Department has now launched a full scale investigation against him which could result in Scaioli (and his spouse and any minor children) being barred from the United States. Naturally, for an art dealer to be barred from the largest art market in the world could be catastrophic for their business.

The Fanjul family will vigorously pursue any and all of its stolen art until its collection is back in its rightful and proper place.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Adam Lerner to Lead the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

2009-02-24T18:17:00.000+02:00

MCA DENVER and The Lab at Belmar to Join Forces

DENVER, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The MCA DENVER Board of Trustees announced today that Adam Lerner has been selected as the new Director for the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver.

After an exhaustive six month nationwide search that reviewed numerous candidates from prestigious institutions across the country, Lerner was selected for his curatorial expertise and unique ability to advance MCA DENVER's vision to engage broad audiences in exploring art and ideas. He is a frequent speaker and consultant to prestigious art institutions and museums across the country, focusing on eliminating the traditional boundaries between curation and education in contemporary art.

Lerner is currently the Executive Director at The Laboratory of Art and Ideas at Belmar in Lakewood and was previously Master Teacher for Modern and Contemporary Art at the Denver Art Museum. He received his Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University and his Masters from Cambridge University.

"We're thrilled to have Adam on board. He's nationally recognized as a leading innovator and he has helped redefine the 21st century museum experience," said MCA DENVER Board Vice President and Search Committee Chair Alan Becker.

Sue Cannon, Founder and Trustee Emerita of MCA DENVER, expressed her confidence in this selection, saying, "knowing Adam, and having witnessed him do such a great job at The Lab, I know he will also do an outstanding job at MCA DENVER."

In addition to Lerner's appointment at MCA DENVER, the Boards of Trustees of MCA DENVER and The Lab at Belmar have agreed to merge the two institutions integrating The Lab at Belmar's renowned programming into MCA DENVER.

"MCA DENVER's ability to engage the community and advance Denver as an innovative center for art and culture will be greatly enhanced by these two institutions joining forces under Adam's expertise," said MCA DENVER Board Chair Mark Falcone.

MCA DENVER will continue to inspire and challenge audiences about art of our time with its rotating exhibits and will begin to incorporate The Lab's educational programming beginning summer, 2009.

MCA DENVER: http://www.mcadenver.org/

The Lab at Belmar: http://www.belmarlab.org/

Adam Lerner

Adam is nationally recognized as a leading innovator in redefining the museum experience, frequently serving as a consultant to museums across the country. He received his Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University and his Masters from Cambridge University.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Swarovski's Cascading Crystal Curtain Sparkles Upon the Winners of the 81st Annual Academy Awards(R)

2009-02-24T14:24:00.000+02:00

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Attendees at the 81st Annual Academy Awards, along with the 36.3 million viewers who tuned in to watch the Oscar(R) telecast last evening, were treated to a spectacular yet intimate set design created by architect David Rockwellfeaturing a three-ton, 60-foot tall custom designed Swarovski crystal curtain sparkling with over 100,000 crystals flown in especially from Austria.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090224/NY74343 )

Swarovski's illuminating tapestry of cascading crystal and light served as backdrop for Oscar host Hugh Jackman in addition to some of Hollywood's biggest stars including Nicole Kidman, Robert De Niro, best actor and actress winners Sean Penn and Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. The dazzling curtain helped redefine this year's Oscar experience with more of an elegant party feel.

David Rockwell, founder and CEO of Rockwell Group, which completed the home of the Oscars(R), the Kodak Theatre, seven years ago said, "We could not think of a better partner than Swarovski to fulfill our vision of not just a curtain, but a frame to capture all the elegance, excitement and high-fashion that is the Academy Awards. We have collaborated with Swarovski many times and the result is always breathtaking. This is yet another spectacular centerpiece."

"Swarovski is especially honored and privileged to have been part of the 81st Annual Academy Awards(R)," said Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of Crystal Business. "We were thrilled to collaborate with David Rockwell on his redesign of the set for what is certainly Hollywood's most star-studded evening. We send our most heart-felt congratulations to all the nominees and winners."

View exclusive behind the scenes footage of the creation of the Swarovski Crystal Curtain for the 81st Annual Academy Awards on www.swarovskisparkles.com and swarovskisparkles.tv.

In 1895, Daniel Swarovski I, a Bohemian inventor and visionary, moved to the village of Wattens, Tyrol in Austria, with his newly-invented machine for cutting and polishing crystal jewellery stones. From this beginning that revolutionised the fashion world, Swarovski has grown to be the world's leading producer of precision-cut crystal, for fashion, jewellery and more recently lighting, architecture and interiors. Today, the company, still based in Wattens, family-owned and run by 4th and 5th generation family members, has a global reach, with some 22.000 employees, a presence in over 120 countries and a turnover in 2007 of 2.56 billion Euros. Swarovski comprises two major businesses, one producing and selling loose elements to the industry and the other creating design-driven finished products. Swarovski crystal components, known by their product brand names CRYSTALLIZED(TM) - Swarovski Elements for fashion and STRASS(R) Swarovski(R) Crystal for architecture and light, have become an essential ingredient of international design. Since 1965 the company has also catered to the fine jewellery industry with precision-cut genuine and created gemstones, and from April 2008 has strengthened this relationship by revitalising and renaming the product brand ENLIGHTENED(TM) - Swarovski Elements. Showing the creativity that lies at the heart of the company, Swarovski's own-brand lines of accessories, jewellery and home decor are sold through more than 1300 Swarovski stores and concessions in all major fashion capitals, while the exclusive Daniel Swarovski accessories collection has become the company's Couture signature. The Swarovski Crystal Society has close to 400,000 members worldwide, keen collectors of the celebrated crystal figurines. And in Wattens, Swarovski Kristallwelten, the multi-media crystal museum, was opened in 1995, as a celebration of Swarovski's universe of innovation and inspiration. The Swarovski corporation also includes Tyrolit(R), manufacturing grinding tools, Swareflex, for road safety reflectors and Swarovski Optik, producing precision optical instruments.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

New Dining at Lincoln Center as Part of Its Dramatic Transformation

2009-02-23T22:16:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Center will launch at65, a dining space in the dramatic, new Alice Tully Hall on Broadway and 65th Street. at65 will be a contemporary cafe and bar that will be open seven days a week to serve both concert patrons and the general public.

According to Lincoln Center President Reynold Levy, "We are transforming our campus into a more welcoming, more accessible place to enjoy the performing arts, and it is vital that we have more and better amenities for our guests. When our transformation is complete, we will be offering a variety of dining options in a range of price levels. The new at65 will serve not only our concert patrons but also casual visitors to our campus and our neighbors on the Upper West Side."

             at65 to offer breakfast, lunch, supper and full bar

at65's name is a nod to both Alice Tully, the benefactress of the concert hall named for her, and to its location on 65th Street and Broadway. The restaurant will be managed by Restaurant Associates. "We are thrilled to be part of the new Alice Tully Hall and look forward to introducing our newest dining and drinking destination, at65 to patrons, visitors and neighbors," commented Dick Cattani, CEO of Restaurant Associates.

at65 will debut on February 24th, two days after the Diller Scofidio + Renfro in association with FX Fowle-designed Alice Tully Hall opens to the public. It is located in the new hall's grand foyer and it is open daily from 8 am - 9 pm. On performance nights, the restaurant will remain open until one hour after the final curtain. The cafe, which seats 55, is wrapped by a multi-story glass curtain wall offering patrons expansive views of Broadway and 65th Street. at65 is dominated by a distinctive 70-foot bar made of Azul Ataija limestone, and there will be plush, lounge-style seating in addition to tables and chairs.

at65 will serve breakfast, lunch, and supper along with a full bar. There will be counter service earlier in the day, table service in the evening and take-out will be available as well. In the morning, coffee and espresso drinks will be on the menu, accompanied by hot breakfast sandwiches, fruit, and a selection of baked goods from the city's best bakeries. For lunch and supper, Mediterranean flatbread sandwiches will be a menu mainstay, as will classic American baked casseroles such as macaroni and cheese topped with candied, smoked bacon. Salads, soups, and beverages round out the menu. Making at65 a destination for evening cocktails will be its selection of beverages, both alcoholic and non including the Tully Tini, the signature cocktail, an icy blend of vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur and dry vermouth, garnished with the petal of a red rose.

Other dining options currently available at Lincoln Center include: the wine bar Arpeggio Food and Wine, the buffet restaurant The Center Room, and Espresso Bar, a casual coffee bar, all located in Avery Fisher Hall and all operated by Restaurant Associates. In the Metropolitan Opera house, Patina Restaurant Group operates The Grand Tier, a fine dining restaurant located beneath the stunning Chagall murals. As Lincoln Center completes its redevelopment, new restaurants and cafes will be announced.

Alice Tully Hall, originally completed in 1969, was the last theater in the original Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex to be built. It serves as home of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, as well as presentations by Lincoln Center, Inc., The Juilliard School, the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and others. Opened to the public on February 22, 2009, its opening is the first significant public component of the dramatic transformation of Lincoln Center's 16-acre urban campus and a prelude to the institution's year-long 50th anniversary celebration. The hall, redesigned by architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro in association with FX Fowle, opens with a two-week Opening Nights Festival of exciting performances.

About Restaurant Associates

Restaurant Associates is recognized as the nation's premier foodservice, restaurant and catering company, operating over 100 prestigious locations. Restaurant Associates, based in New York City, provides premium food services to museums, performing arts centers, aquariums, corporate dining, educational facilities and off-premise catering events in New York City, Boston, Hartford, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Toronto. Restaurant Associates is a subsidiary of Compass Group, The Americas Division, the world's leading foodservice organization.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) serves three primary roles: presenter of superb artistic programming, national leader in arts and education and community relations, and manager of the Lincoln Center campus. As a presenter of over 400 events annually, LCPA's programs include American Songbook, Great Performers, Lincoln Center Festival, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Midsummer Night Swing, the Mostly Mozart Festival and Live From Lincoln Center.

Lincoln Center is committed to providing and improving accessibility for people with disabilities. For information, call the Department of Programs and Services for People with Disabilities at (212) 875-5375.

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Artprice: Pierre Berge-Yves Saint-Laurent Sale - the Big Event of the Year

2009-02-23T14:38:00.000+02:00

PARIS, February 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- For at least six months, the sale of the Pierre Berge and Yves Saint Laurent collection has been the focus of much media attention, described as the "sale of the century". At a time when The Art Market Confidence Index (AMCI) was firmly in the red, the means allocated to the sale of some 691 lots are commensurate with the works being presented: exceptional. According to thierry Ehrmann, Artprice chairman and founder, "this milestone sale might keep France in its 4th position of the art revenue ranking." (Rank #1: USA, #2 United Kingdom, #3 China, #5 Germany - Source: Art Market Trends 2007).

Pierre Berge has chosen Christie's to officiate and the Grand Palais de Paris as the stage for this prestigious sale. Under the monumental glass dome, this auction marathon will last three days (from 23 to 25 February 2009) with pieces from the Far-East, others dating back to Antiquity, numerous sculptures and works of art, works in gold and silver, enamels from the 16th century, drawings from the 19th century, works signed by the major names in Art Deco and numerous Old and Modern masterpieces. Some signatures seldom seen at public auctions will be offered including Ingres, Franz Hals, Jacques-Louis David and Gericault. Among the five Theodore GERICAULT works on offer is one of the most famous double portraits in the entire history of painting: that of Alfred and Elisabeth Dedreux. Christie's is expecting EUR6m for this work, a figure that would refresh the previous Gericault record held since 1989 by Portrait de Laure Bro, nee de Comeres which fetched EUR4.9m at Sotheby's in Monaco.

In the Modern Art category, there is a whole series of star names: Giacometti, Juan Gris, Vuillard, Paul Klee, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Amedeo Modigliani, Edward Munch, Odilon Redon, the Douanier Rousseau, Seurat, Manet, Gustav Klimt, and more. The collection contains some truly historic pieces including an oak wood sculpture by Constantin BRANCUSI entitled Madame L.R. (Portrait de Mme L.R.). This rarity could well fetch more than Brancusi's current record for Oiseau dans l'espace ($24.5m in 2005 at Christie's) if it reaches its high estimate of EUR20m. Before it joined the Berge / Saint Laurent collection (where Pierre Berge like to show it alongside a Senoufo sculpture), Madame L.R. belonged to Fernand Leger. Apart from its artistic qualities, the ownership background of this piece is an undoubted bonus. No less than six works by Fernand LEGER will be offered for sale, including the impressive painting La tasse de the, a hymn to 1921 modernity. Should the work reach its EUR15m target, it will be among the artist's four most expensive hammer prices. The art market, which rarely sees Piet MONDRIAAN paintings at auctions nowadays, will be offered three "neoplastic" Compositions by the artist on the same day (estimated at between EUR5m and EUR10m). The paintings are large formats. Nothing larger than 50 cm has been seen at auction for five years. The most recently sold large format Mondrian painting, New York, Boogie Woogie (95.2 x 92 cm) fetched $18.75m (EUR14.6m) at Sotheby's NY in 2004. Christie's expects to generate even more from a superb cubist work by Pablo PICASSO, Musical Instruments on a Pedestal Table (estimated at EUR25m to EUR30m).

Pierre Berge and Yves Saint Laurent did not collect works of contemporary art, preferring to focus on historical works that represent the opening of the 20th century to contemporary art. One such work is Belle haleine - Eau de voilette, a ready-made bottle on which Marcel DUCHAMP appears dressed up as Rrose Selavy from a photograph by Man Ray. This emblematic work is estimated at EUR1m to 1.5m.

In this turbulent period for the art market in which auctioneers have adopted prudent sales strategies at the major sales since the beginning of 2009 by minimising the number of lots offered, this sale represents a clear exception: the superb works on offer - with the cachet of their prestigious origin - will reach peak prices. As long as pieces are considered "major", the crisis does not appear to be preventing new records from being set. This was the case, for example, of Petite danseuse de quatorze ans by Edgar DEGAS, which fetched GBP11.8m on 3 February 2009 at Sotheby's (EUR13.2m), setting a new record for a sculpture by that artist.

Artprice, the world leader in art market information, lists over 25 million auction prices and indices covering over 405,000 artists, continuously updated from 2,900 international auction houses. Artprice provides daily information on art market trends for the main financial press titles and agencies worldwide. Artprice Images(R) offers unlimited access to the largest database of art market information in the world, a library comprising 290,000 auction catalogues and reference works from 1700 to the present day. Artprice offers standardised adverts to its 1,300,000 members (member log in) and is the world's leading market for buying and selling works of art (source: Artprice). Artprice is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris: Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF - Artprice.com

Contact: Josette Mey - tel: +33-(0)478-220-000, e-mail: ir@artprice.com

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'Surface Tension': Psychologist's Poetry Gives New View to Traditional Themes

2009-02-23T13:40:00.000+02:00

KINGSTON, Ontario, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Poets, customarily, are writers from artistic or what are considered "traditionally creative" backgrounds and occupations. In his new book "Surface Tension" (published by iUniverse), author, professor and psychologist David Murray breaks not only the traditional mold of a poet but also the traditional mold for presenting poetry.

In the introduction to "Surface Tension," Dr. Murray discusses his reasoning behind the title of the book. In an ingenious twist of meaning, Murray has taken a term from physics and applied it to the human psyche and condition. He explains that in reference to people, the metaphor "Surface Tension" applies to those psychological conflicts that many people have but never let on to those around them. His poem "Downer #4" is a perfect illustration of this.

          "Downer #4"

          HE: Too often I smile and see your madcap smile
          Peep from the normal dullness of your eyes
          Till a deep bright flash springs circumstance
          On the moment of our meeting.
          SHE: Ah yes, but I can recognize
          That in your quiet reaction,
          You denigrate my moral force
          To drive you to distraction.
          HE: Yet I often place upon your open laugh
          Too often humour at superiorness;
          The suppleness of your adjustments
          Is often source for mockery of men.
          SHE: And I like men who know their minds,
          Even if criminal or lazy;
          At least they're honest, while you seek
          Perfection till you're driven crazy.

Author David Murray is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Born in Manchester, England, Dr. Murray attended Cambridge University where he earned a Ph.D. in experimental psychology. In 1964 he accepted a post-doctoral position at Queen's University. With the exception of visiting professorships at the University of Michigan and University of Bielefeld in West Germany, Dr. Murray spent his entire career at Queen's, eventually retiring in 1995. He has two children and three grandchildren. Though Dr. Murray has published multiple academic works, this is his second collection of poetry. His first is entitled "Confusion Matrix and Other Poems" and is also available through iUniverse.

iUniverse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.iuniverse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 800-288-4677
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: pj.rutar@iuniverse.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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Moet & Chandon Releases Grand Vintage 1929 Magnum Commemorating First-Ever Academy Awards(R) To Benefit Motion Picture & Television Fund

2009-02-22T09:57:00.000+02:00

Rare Bottle Autographed by Steven Spielberg, Hugh Jackman, and Robert Downey, Jr., to be Auctioned at Christie's To Raise Funds For Leading Health and Social Services Charity

NEW YORK, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- On the morning of the 81st Academy Awards, Moet & Chandon is delighted to announce a symbolic charitable donation to mark Moet & Chandon's first year as exclusive champagne of the Oscars(R). The esteemed champagne house is honored to extend celebration of the Academy Awards beyond the glamour and excitement of the Red Carpet and Oscars(R) ceremony by auctioning off this rare bottle with the proceeds to benefit the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), the leading Hollywood charity that provides health and social services to the entertainment community.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090222/NY73811-a)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090222/NY73811-b)

To celebrate Moet & Chandon's shared heritage with Oscars history, Moet & Chandon's President Frederic Cumenal has graciously released an extremely rare Grand Vintage Magnum from 1929, the year of the very first Academy Awards(R) ceremony, to benefit the MPTF. This exceptional champagne will be prominently displayed at the Governor's Ball immediately following the Oscars ceremony. To support the MPTF's fundraising efforts, Moet & Chandon has partnered with Christie's, the world's leading art business, to auction the Magnum to the highest bidder. On June 6, 2009, Christie's will present this important bottle as the star lot at a special auction of exceptional wines to be held in the Hamptons, New York.

The 1929 Magnum was presented at the MPTF Night Before Fundraiser where the bottle's wooden case was autographed by leading supporters of the charity who were in attendance. The addition of these signatures by top Hollywood celebrities will add even greater fundraising value to this unique auction item. Signatures include Steven Spielberg, 2009 Oscars host Hugh Jackman, Robert Downey, Jr., Tina Fey, Lindsay Lohan, Matthew Broderick, Jessica Simpson and more. The Magnum is expected to fetch a high price at auction due to its rarity, quality, symbolism and exclusive Hollywood allure.

As Frederic Cumenal comments, "Cinema is a universal, timeless Art form. Our new partnership with the Academy Awards(R) represents an opportunity for us to support those who dedicate themselves to the welfare of those in need within the entertainment community. During challenging times the contributions of such organizations is especially critical."

Since 1743, Moet & Chandon has produced the world's most loved champagne and in especially magnificent years, created vintages that stand the test of time. The Grand Vintage Collection 1929 was recently disgorged at Moet & Chandon's cellars in Epernay, France, by Chef de Cave Benoit Gouez who tasted the champagne before it was sealed. As Mr. Gouez commented, "This sublime, magnificent champagne is a fitting tribute to the stature and grandeur of the Academy Awards. The 1929 Vintage is a great work of Art that pairs beautifully with the level of artistic achievement celebrated at the Oscars over the past 81 years."

The Grand Vintage 1929 Magnum made the pilgrimage from Moet & Chandon's cellars in Epernay, France to Los Angeles, a journey Moet & Chandon champagnes have made since Hollywood's earliest days. Having stood fast throughout its 266 year history, Moet & Chandon recognizes the importance of joy, renewal and celebration especially during the most challenging of times.

About Moet & Chandon

Recognized for its quality and prestige, Moet & Chandon is the champagne of choice for celebration in Hollywood. The venerable house has captured the attention of Hollywood's brightest stars since the birth of the film industry. Generations of legendary actors, actresses, producers and directors have celebrated their achievements with Moet & Chandon at Hollywood's most significant and exclusive events, including past Oscars celebrations. Moet & Chandon is imported, sold and marketed by Moet Hennessy USA, the world's leading wine and spirits company, a division of French luxury group LVMH.

About the Motion Picture & Television Fund

The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Woodland Hills, CA, was founded in 1921 to provide "relief" for those in the film industry who had fallen on hard times. Today, MPTF is a major service provider to the entertainment community, providing health care, childcare, retirement living, and social/charitable services with compassion and respect for the dignity of the whole person.

About Christie's

Christie's, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2008 that totaled 2.8 billion pounds Sterling/$5.1 billion. Christie's is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie's offers over 600 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $80 million. Christie's has 70 offices in 30 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie's has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

Visit Christie's Web site at www.christies.com

About the 81st Academy Awards

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center(R), and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar(R) presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

For high resolution images, please visit http://www.beimages.net/ or contact the press contacts on the release.

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Lucian Freud Illustrates the Label of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2006

2009-02-20T01:00:00.000+02:00

Announcement by Baroness Philippine De Rothschild Kicks-Off the Exhibition of Mouton Rothschild - Paintings for the Labels at The Wolfsonian-Florida International University February 19-March 8, 2009

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year since 1945, a great artist has created an original artwork for the Chateau Mouton Rothschild label. Today, at a press luncheon that also previews the opening of MOUTON ROTHSCHILD-PAINTINGS FOR THE LABELS at The Wolfsonian-Florida International University, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, the owner of Mouton, announced that she has given the commission for the 2006 vintage to the British painter Lucian Freud, born in 1922, a universally acknowledged master of contemporary portraiture. Last year, one of his works was sold for the highest price ever attained by a living artist. Far from the tormented portraits and nudes for which he is renowned, for Mouton 2006 Lucian Freud has chosen a joyously exotic transposition of the pleasure of drinking, in which the vinestock is transformed into a springing palm tree and the wine lover into a happily anticipatory zebra.

(PHOTO: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090219/NY73184 )

The new label will be on display from February 19th through March 8th, 2009 at The Wolfsonian-Florida International University, as part of an extraordinary exhibition of original paintings commissioned to illustrate the labels of vintages of the famed Chateau Mouton Rothschild, one of the world's greatest wines and a First Growth in the Bordeaux region. Over 60 vintages ranging from 1945 to 2006 are represented. The exhibition premieres during the 2009 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

The exhibition also includes works by important artists such as Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, Robert Motherwell, Keith Haring, and Balthus, among others.

As one of the other highlights of the Festival, two gala VIP dinners/auctions will be held on Saturday, February 21st and Sunday, February 22nd in the presence of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, the current owner of the Chateau, to benefit The Wolfsonian-FIU and the FIU School of Hospitality and Tourism. The world renowned chef Daniel Boulud will prepare two different spectacular meals each paired with a special selection of the finest wines from Chateau Mouton Rothschild. A wine auction will follow each dinner, featuring large format bottles of Mouton from a variety of vintages.

Baroness Philippine has continued a tradition begun in 1945 by her father, the legendary Baron Philippe de Rothschild: Each vintage is bottled with a label illustrated with an original work by a renowned artist.

Speaking of the exhibition, Baroness Philippine said: "I am particularly happy to have been given this opportunity by The Wolfsonian to present, in the heart of South Beach, an exhibition which brings together the most famous names of modern and contemporary art. It will allow those who love our First Growth, but who until now have only been familiar with reproductions of the artworks on the labels, to admire at last the originals created since 1945 by all these artists to the glory of Mouton."

About the Mouton Labels and the Exhibition

Bringing together art and wine at the pinnacle of perfection has always been one of the most original and inspired ambitions of the owners of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, first Baron Philippe de Rothschild, and then his daughter Baroness Philippine. In turn, the bottle also was to become the symbol of this marriage of wine and art.

In 1924, to salute his first chateau-bottled vintage, Baron Philippe had the revolutionary idea of commissioning the poster artist Jean Carlu to design the Mouton label. Ahead of its time, however, his initiative was not repeated.

In 1945, this time to celebrate the return to peace, he decided to crown the label for the vintage with a drawing representing the "V" for Victory, drawn by the young painter Philippe Jullian. From an exceptional circumstance a great tradition was born, and from 1946, every year a different artist has been invited to create an original artwork for the label. Initially, Baron Philippe chose painters from amongst his friends, such as Jean Hugo, Leonor Fini and Jean Cocteau. In 1955, Georges Braque agreed to illustrate the vintage, and he was succeeded by the greatest artists of our time, including Dali, Cesar, Miro, Chagall, Picasso, Warhol, Soulages, Bacon, Balthus, Tapies, etc.

Responsible for choosing the artists since the 1980s, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild respects the artists' creative instincts, though most of them are attracted by certain themes, such as the vine, the pleasure of drinking, or the ram - the emblem of Mouton. The artists receive no fee for their work but are given cases of Mouton Rothschild, including of course "their" vintage.

Over the last 20 years or so, on the initiative of Baroness Philippine, the fascinating collection has formed the basis for an exhibition, PAINTINGS FOR THE LABELS, which has already been displayed in museums around the world, including in Europe (London, Edinburgh, Berlin, Brussels), Japan, Canada, Hong-Kong, China, Russia and twenty-one cities in the United States, including the latest in Miami Beach at The Wolfsonian.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Warrior Woman, Inc.: Empowering Writing Workshops For Teens & At-Risk Youth

2009-02-19T18:11:00.000+02:00

TAMPA BAY, Fla., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Adrienne Nadeau, a nationally touring spoken word artist, created The Warrior Woman, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to bringing teens and at-risk youth a means of artistic expression through empowering writing workshops. She's joined forces with local artists and community organizations to bring spoken word poetry to students in Tampa Bay and beyond.

This year the Florida school budget was cut by over $300 million. School administrators are desperately trying to keep cuts out of the classroom but, despite research that proves exposure to the arts results in higher GPA and lower drop-out rates, art programs are often the first thing eliminated.

In the face of such severe budget cuts, The Warrior Woman, Inc. launched the "36 Schools" Project. Teaching artists will travel into three-dozen worthy educational institutions and present spoken word poetry programs at no cost to the school. With this program, the organization has found a way to keep creative programming in the schools, without breaking the budget.

Spoken word poetry is a dynamic art form that combines traditional poetry, theatre, and hip-hop, creating a genre that is both contemporary and academically viable. Peppered with slang and pop culture references, teens get so caught up in the excitement they don't realize that they're learning about metaphor, meter, and rhyme. In addition they're told about the benefits of artistic expression and the importance of creative catharsis. The Warrior Woman, Inc. is currently booking shows for April-- which is National Poetry Month and the perfect opportunity to get teens excited about writing.

Adrienne Nadeau, a teaching artist for Ruth Eckerd Hall, created this organization to get teens excited about poetry. Clearly, her goal is being met as Jeff Morganstein, a former teacher and current Pasco school administrator claims: "My students were inspired by her presentation and the relationship between language and creativity." Sandra Kauffer, a teacher at Palm Harbor University High School claimed: "Adrienne Nadeau is the most engaging and interesting speaker I have had the pleasure to know."

In addition, Adrienne Nadeau is planning the "Slam In The Summer" Project, a weeklong creative summer camp for under-privileged teens. The Warrior Woman, Inc. has also partnered with Lizz Straight Ministries to visit correctional facilities in March for Women's History Month. The Studio @620 will present a play by Ms. Nadeau in May as a fundraising event.

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Consumers Find Creative Ways to Weather the Economy

2009-02-19T17:23:00.000+02:00

Michaels survey says consumers find positives in getting back to basics

IRVING, Texas, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- A new customer survey from Michaels, the world's largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, says that the economy is changing many people's perceptions about what is important in life. Consumers say that in the face of difficult economic times and much uncertainty, they are getting back to basics by returning to handmade items and by spending more time with their families.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090219/DA72986)

In the survey of 500 customer households, conducted in early February, 84 percent of respondents said they would like to spend more time on arts and crafts activities and 83 percent think making homemade gifts and spending time with their families are two of the "bright spots" that have emerged during this rough economy.

Customers across all income levels said they have become more budget conscious -- 94 percent said they are more concerned with getting value for their money, up from 76 percent in Michaels' October survey. It's also clear that the renewed interest in arts and crafts isn't just economic -- 82 percent of people responded that making a gift is more rewarding than buying one.

"Our customers are telling us that they're not just saving money, but they are truly enjoying the time spent working on homemade projects as an inexpensive form of entertainment," said Michaels' Chief Marketing Officer Stuart Aitken. "People get a sense of accomplishment when they make something unique, decorative and fun and that homemade projects build family and community bonds."

In response to customers' demand for more assistance in pursuing these interests, in March Michaels will re-launch its popular project idea and inspiration website, WhereCreativityHappens.com, which will feature a brand-new series of how-to videos with Michaels' Creative Expert Jo Pearson demonstrating techniques for gift and decor projects ranging from jewelry making and scrapbooking, to floral design and kids' crafts.

Throughout the year, due to their popularity, Michaels will also host additional The Knack Free Family Events and free demonstrations in stores to teach people new skills and try out new products with the help of Michaels craft specialists. For in-store schedules and information, visit Michaels.com.

About Michaels

Michaels Stores, Inc. is the world's largest specialty retailer of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall decor, and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself home decorator. The company currently owns and operates over 1000 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 161 Aaron Brothers stores.

                         Media Contact:  Kristen Kauffman or Alexandra Elliott
                                                                (817) 329-3257
                                                 kristen@spmcommunications.com
                                               alexandra@spmcommunications.com

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Coral Reinterpreted Jewelry Collection Set to Launch

2009-02-19T14:30:00.000+02:00

Jewelry Pieces Will Be Auctioned Online To Benefit Increased Coral Protection

NEW YORK, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning February 26, 2009, designers will be offering coral alternatives that are perfect gifts for those that love the ocean. To help raise awareness of the threats corals face and the need for immediate action to protect these vulnerable marine animals, renowned designers Hannah Garrison of AZU, Frank Gehry, Kimberly McDonald, Melissa Joy Manning, Jennifer Meyer, Monique Pean, Paloma Picasso, Jean Schlumberger and Vena Cava'sSophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock have united with SeaWeb's Too Precious to Wear campaign to launch a one-of-a-kind jewelry collection titled Coral Reinterpreted.

Each designer has created or donated a single piece of wearable art that evokes the feel of the ocean without harming living animals, such as corals. Pieces from the collection will be worn by models at David Peck's Untitled 11:11 show 'Into the Woods,' as well as by key influencer Olivia Chantecaille during New York Fashion Week.

The pieces will be auctioned online to benefit increased protection of precious corals. Bids may be placed online from February 26 to April 30, 2009 via www.tooprecioustowear.org.

Corals supply shelter and food for 25 percent of all marine animals, and provide services such as fishing, tourism and coastal protection estimated to be worth US$375 billion annually. Yet corals around the world are in decline. Recent scientific studies estimate 20 percent of the world's coral reefs have already been lost and another 24 percent predicted to be lost within our lifetimes if human impacts are not reduced.

Red and pink coral (scientific name Corallium) has long been a popular gift. The United States, as the world's largest documented importer of red and pink corals, has placed significant pressure on these threatened animals, importing more than 26 million pieces from 2001 to 2006. Too Precious to Wear is urging the U.S. and other countries to list red and pink corals under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) at the next Conference of Parties meeting in January 2010.

Too Precious to Wear is a SeaWeb campaign made possible with support from The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Kingfisher Foundation, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and The Ocean Foundation. www.tooprecioustowear.org

SeaWeb is a communications-based nonprofit organization that utilizes social marketing techniques to advance ocean conservation. www.seaweb.org

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Citi Launches ThankYou Network Gift Card Design Contest

2009-02-19T13:00:00.000+02:00

Winning Design to Be the Image of a ThankYou Network Gift Card

NEW YORK, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever wonder what it would be like to put your design or photograph into the hands of millions of consumers? Citi is offering members of its ThankYou Rewards Network the chance to put their creativity into wallets around the world with the launch of the ThankYou Gift Card Design Contest.

The winning design will become the face of a ThankYou Gift Card redeemable by millions of ThankYou Members nationwide. The winner will join the company of internationally renowned artist and designer Karim Rashid, who designs the current ThankYou Network gift cards which will continue to be available in the rewards collection. In addition to having his or her design on a gift card, the top winner of the contest also will receive 100,000 ThankYou Points.

"This contest is a great opportunity for our members to illustrate what Citi's ThankYou Network means to them through their card design," said George Awad, CEO, Citi Cards. "At its heart, ThankYou Network, as one of the world's largest loyalty programs, strives to help its members lead rewarding lives. This contest is a fun and creative way to acknowledge our loyal customers by letting them contribute to the meaning of the program."

The contest submission period runs from February 12, 2009 through 11:00 p.m. EST on April 11, 2009, during which time members can submit their designs through a special email address provided on ThankYou.com. Entries will be judged on overall creativity, aesthetic appeal, and compatibility with branding.

Three finalists will be selected by judges who are Citi employees, and designs will be posted on ThankYou.com. Between May 1, 2009 and May 30, 2009, consumers will be invited to vote for their favorite design. The first-prize winning design, along with the second- and third-place designs, who will win 50,000 and 25,000 points, respectively, will be announced on ThankYou.com after June 18, 2009.

Since its inception in 2004, ThankYou Network has reinforced Citi's focus on developing and nurturing long-term relationships with its customers. At launch, ThankYou Network represented an exciting way to show appreciation to members using select Citi credit cards and retail banking products.

ThankYou Network has grown to 13 million members, who can now earn points by making purchases with their Smith Barney Financial Management account cards and by booking qualified travel on Expedia. They can also earn even more points by shopping through the ThankYou Network Bonus Center, which features more than 300 brand-name online and in-store retailers.

The prepaid gift cards in Citi's ThankYou Network's rewards collection are issued by Citibank, N.A. and serviced by Citi(R) Prepaid Services, which provides fully custom prepaid solutions for public and private organizations looking for simple, convenient, economical electronic payment delivery.

About Citi

Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 140 countries. Through its two operating units, Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

HBO, Woodruff Arts Center's Celebrate Diversity Through the Arts Initiative and the 100 Black Men of Dekalb County to Host Atlanta Premiere of the HBO Documentary Film 'THE BLACK LIST: VOL. 2' on Thursday, February 19 at Woodruff Arts Center

2009-02-18T14:00:00.000+02:00

ATLANTA, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- HBO, in partnership with the Woodruff Arts Center's Celebrate Diversity Through the Arts Initiative and the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, will co-host the Atlanta premiere of THE BLACK LIST: VOL. 2 at an invitation-only screening on February 19 at The Woodruff Arts Center. Renowned photographer and filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and award-winning journalist, critic and radio host Elvis Mitchell will attend to present the second installment of a remarkable group of African-American notables sharing candid stories and revealing insights into the struggles, triumphs and joys of black life in the U.S.

THE BLACK LIST: VOL. 2, which debuts February 26, exclusively on HBO, is a collaboration between celebrated portrait photographer and filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, who directs, and award-winning journalist Elvis Mitchell, who interviews a host of influential people. The documentary profiles some of today's most fascinating African-Americans. From the childhood inspirations that shaped their ambitions, to the evolving American landscape they helped define, to the importance of preserving a unique cultural identity for future generations, these prominent individuals offer a unique look into the zeitgeist of black America, redefining the traditional pejorative notion of a blacklist.

The list of people featured in THE BLACK LIST: VOL. 2 includes activist and artist Majora Carter; activist and academic Angela Davis; producer Suzanne de Passe; actor Laurence Fishburne; Anglican Bishop Barbara Harris; Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick; pastor T.D. Jakes; physician and academic Valerie Montgomery- Rice, M.D.; filmmaker Tyler Perry; singer Charley Pride; fashion designer Patrick Robinson; actress Maya Rudolph; musician RZA; filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles; and artist Kara Walker.

Mitchell is never heard or seen on camera, which allows the subjects' own voices to remain the focus. The actual title was first conceived by Mitchell as an antidote to the persistent taint that western culture has applied to the word "black."

Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and Elvis Mitchell conceptualized what would become "The Black List Project" in May 2006, discussing the idea of collaborating on a book on black culture, which led to the documentary. They wanted "The Black List Project" to be not just an enumeration of obstacles overcome, but also a unique source of insights that would emphasize the elegance and determination of its subjects.

A 2008 Sundance Film Festival selection, "The Black List: Vol. 1" debuted on HBO last August, and featured such notables as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Sean Combs, Thelma Golden, Lou Gossett, Jr., Bill T. Jones, Vernon Jordan, Toni Morrison, Richard Parsons, Chris Rock, Al Sharpton, Slash, Faye Wattleton, Keenen Ivory Wayans and Serena Williams.

Inspired by "The Black List: Vol. 1," HBO launched a "Who's on Your Black List?" contest, asking viewers to submit a video of themselves, a relative, a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor or anyone else who has a story to tell about his or her experience of what it's like to be black in America today. The four winning videos were selected by a distinguished panel of judges and general viewers and are currently viewable on whosonyourblacklist.com. In January 2009, the winners visited New York, where they had their portraits taken by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and were interviewed on film by Elvis Mitchell. Select clips from these interviews will be showcased on various HBO platforms throughout February.

HBO Documentary Films and Freemind Ventures & Perfect Day Films present THE BLACK LIST: VOL. 2. A film by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders & Elvis Mitchell. Directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders; interviews by Elvis Mitchell; producers, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Elvis Mitchell and Michael Slap Sloane; executive producers, Tommy Walker, Scott Richman, Christopher McKee and Payne Brown; associate producers, Lukas Hauser and Mary Bradley; editor, Benjamin Gray; music by Neal Evans; directors of photography, Joe Victorine and Graham Willoughby.

Unisource Relaunches Unisourcegreen.com Paper Web Site Offering Green Knowledge and Expertise

2009-02-17T11:00:00.000+02:00

NORCROSS, Ga., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Unisource Worldwide, Inc. one of the leading distributors of paper, packaging and facility supplies in North America, has relaunched its newly designed, customer-focused unisourcegreen.com paper Web site, offering the graphic arts industry the latest Green knowledge, resources and access to environmentally-friendly products and specialized services.

"Our new, interactive www.unisourcegreen.com paper Web site is specifically designed to assist our customers, suppliers and other companies in their efforts to meet the highest level of environmental stewardship, health and safety standards, and compliant Chain-of-Custody transactions," said Ed Farley, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Unisource. "Unisource has made a conscious effort to practice sustainability, provide environmentally-friendly products, and offer companies information they need to make their own Green commitments," he said.

Through continual RSS feed updates on a daily basis, visitors to the unisourcegreen.com paper Web site will find up-to-date, relative and informative news about what it means to be "Going Green." A featured benefit to the site is the ability for printers to sign-up for Unisource's respect(TM) Printers' Program, allowing corporate specifiers, designers and end-users searching for papers with Green attributes to easily locate Chain-of-Custody printers using the unisourcegreenfinder(TM) search tool. Another distinctive function of the site is the user's ability to ask Chain-of-Custody questions and receive responses directly through the unique "ASK unisourcegreen" feature, hosted by Erin Light, a Unisource Marketing Specialist and Chain-of- Custody expert.

An industry leader in corporate sustainability and environmental stewardship, Unisource is the first distributor to attain national Chain-of-Custody certification of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI); and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). With the relaunch of the unisourcegreen.com paper Web site, Unisource upholds its commitment to continuously develop and offer more value-added resources to its customer base by providing a one-stop Green Internet portal for the graphic arts industry.

About Unisource Worldwide, Inc.

Unisource Worldwide, Inc., (www.unisourcelink.com) is a leading independent marketer and distributor of commercial printing and business imaging papers, packaging systems and facility supplies and equipment in North America. Headquartered in Norcross, Ga., Unisource is one of the largest private companies in the United States and offers the most comprehensive suite of products and services in the industry. With more than 6,000 team members -- including sales, customer service and technical support specialists; approximately 85 distribution centers; and a fleet of "Big Red" trucks -- Unisource can deliver what your business needs when and where you want it -- locally, regionally and nationally.

Efficient and Comfortable, the Right Brush(R) is the First Revolution in Painting Since the Roller

2009-02-17T10:06:00.000+02:00

WEST BABYLON, N.Y., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- New paintbrush makes painting easier. The Right Brush by the ArroWorthy Co. NY, is designed to match the function of the hand. Right-angled, ergonomically contoured handle allows a variety of gripping areas for comfort, accuracy and flexibility. A hanging hook is incorporated for on job resting or storage. White sculpted handle has a welcoming user-friendly appearance.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090217/NYFNSF01 )

Benefits all painters enabling them to work longer, with better control and less fatigue. Good for walls, trim, cut in, detail work, window frames, and hard to reach areas such as shelving or cabinets. Complete information is available at www.theRightBrush.com

According to physical therapist Joy Twelves, MSPT, "The design allows the hand to remain in a neutral position and employs the stronger arm muscles during painting."

Further information on workplace hand tools can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-164/default.html

The Right Brush was invented and patented by award winning sculptor, Mark Wholey, who says, "While restoring an old farmhouse in Italy, the brush I was using fell apart. As I was repairing it I discovered that a right-angled position was comfortable and worked better. That was my Eureka moment. In development, I wanted it to look sculptural, and use the extraordinary sensitivity to touch nature has given us."

Its hanging hook allows the brush to be suspended on the rim of a paint can freeing the hands and keeping the brush clean when resting or storing. The 2 1/2" angle cut professional grade poly-nylon bristles are suitable for all paints. Handle is molded white polypropylene for easy cleaning.

Those who experienced pain from painting have welcomed the brush. Kris Carlone, fitness trainer, was able to paint long hours again. "My hand didn't hurt at all, even after two days of painting."

Mark Gorman, professional painting contractor states: "Every painter should have at least one of these in their kit."

Homeowners are turning to painting as a cost effective way to improve quality of life and home value.

The Right Brush is made by ArroWorthy, West Babylon, New York, manufacturers of high quality professional paint products including rollers, trays and standard paintbrushes, www.ArroWorthy.com . Ailmav Inc., Warren, RI designs ergonomic hand tools.

Retail price is competitive with other high quality paintbrushes.

Available in paint supply and hardware stores and on the web, www.theRightBrush.com

ArroWorthy's Right Brush(R) makes painting fun. Engineered for comfort, efficiency and accuracy, the user-friendly design incorporates a hanging hook to keep brush and hands clean. Competitively priced. www.theRightBrush.com

The first revolution in painting since the roller.(TM)

Made to professional quality standards, suitable for all paints.

2 1/2" Poly-nylon angle cut-in brush with stainless steel ferrule and white Polypropylene handle. For more information or images contact: Mark Wholeymark@theRightBrush.com

Or: Sales manager, Roland Kolilas RolandK@ArroWorthy.com Toll free: 888-444-4949

Oklahoma City Ballet's Paris Rouge A Sensation!

2009-02-16T23:06:00.000+02:00

OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Oklahoma City Ballet continued its remarkable 2008-2009 season on February 13th and 14th with performances of a triple-bill production entitled Paris Rouge. The show was enthusiastically received by nearly sold out audiences both nights. Leading off the evening was the classic white ballet Les Sylphides. Next came a world premiere contemporary ballet by popular choreographer Amy Seiwert named Finding/Almost, exhibiting a distinctive choreographic style never before seen by Oklahoma City audiences, enhanced by a unique stage and lighting design by Matthew Antaky. Completing the show was Artistic Director Robert Mills' ballet Paris Rouge, a fast, fresh and colorful romantic comedy set in 1900 Paris. Mills commented, "We're thrilled that the Oklahoma City dance community came out in force once again to enjoy our performances. Their response to this show was tremendous!"

At a time when many performing arts companies throughout the United States are experiencing declining support or are even shutting their doors, Oklahoma City Ballet is experiencing a resurgence under a new board and management. Ticket sales for Paris Rouge were higher than for any show since 2003, other than its December 2008 performances of The Nutcracker, which sold the most tickets since 2002. "We are exceeding our expectations in nearly all facets of our operations this season," stated Judith Hankins, the company's Executive Director. "Our success this year will give us a solid base to build from for next season."

Oklahoma City Ballet's upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz on March 27th, 28th and 29th is expected to be an immediate family favorite. An original adaptation of the book by L. Frank Baum, it will feature all the familiar characters including Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Wicked Witch of the West, and even Toto. The OKC Philharmonic will once again be in the pit to play an original orchestral score by composer Kermit Poling, who will also be the guest conductor. Call Oklahoma City Ballet at (405) 843-TOES or the Civic Center Box Office at (405) 297-2264 for tickets. Also visit www.okcballet.com.

David Rockwell Reveals Set Design Elements of the 2009 Oscars(R)

2009-02-16T14:00:00.000+02:00

Rockwell is the First Architect to Craft the Environment for the World Renowned Academy Awards(R) Ceremony

NEW YORK, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Internationally acclaimed architect and designer David Rockwell, who was selected by Academy Awards producers Laurence Mark and Bill Condon to design the sets for this year's Oscar telecast, is now revealing select design elements of the 81st Academy Awards ceremony, airing February 22, 2009 at 8:00pm EST on ABC. The first architect to design the sets, he took his creative cue from the Kodak Theatre, which he also designed, to craft an immersive environment evocative of an intimate club.

Together with the producers, Rockwell took a fresh look at the award ceremony, and developed sets that create an atmosphere of an elegant party rather than a formal gathering. The theater and sets will be reorganized and re-envisioned to concentrate the energy for the live and broadcast audiences, powered by a visual narrative that will unfold through twelve transforming sets throughout the night.

"We created a spatial and architectural solution for the 2009 Oscars that is based on storytelling, spectacle, and community," explained David Rockwell, founder and CEO of Rockwell Group. "We wanted to use a surprising and dramatic integration of technology and movement to celebrate the awards ceremony, which has become one of the greatest shared rituals of our time."

Although most of the design will be kept a secret until the live event, there are some details that can be revealed. Rockwell created a new proscenium curtain comprised of approximately 100,000 Swarovski crystals in a variety of shapes and sizes, a nod to the high-profile fashion associated with the event. Instead of one giant flat screen to show movie clips and montages, there will be five LED screens that will transform and reconfigure, as well as 20 other still LED screens, the appearance and movement of which will be based on the needs of the choreography of the show. An elaborate bandstand will be placed on stage for a full orchestra, with the capability to move up and down the stage, and then break apart and disappear throughout the night. Rockwell also added a thrust stage to the theater, with only four steps between the stage and seating level in an effort to bring the presenters closer to the audience. On the stage floor will be an abstract floral pattern referencing the curve of the thrust stage.

Please go to www.rockwellgroup.com/oscars09 for high resolution images.

About Rockwell Group - www.rockwellgroup.com

Rockwell Group is an award winning, cross-disciplinary 150-person architecture and design firm specializing in cultural, hospitality, retail, product, and set design. Based in New York, with satellite offices in Madrid and Dubai, the firm crafts a unique narrative and an immersive environment for each project. Rockwell's interest in theater has informed much of the firm's work, including: the W Hotel, Union Square; Adour Alain Ducasse at The St. Regis New York; the central Marketplace of the JetBlue terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport; Canyon Ranch Miami Beach; the Kodak Theatre, Los Angeles; Nobu restaurants worldwide; set design for Broadway's "Hairspray," and the upcoming "Houdini" and "Catch Me if You Can;" The Elinor Bunin-Munroe Film Center at Lincoln Center; and the Imagination Playground initiative. David Rockwell is the 2008 recipient of the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum's National Design Award for Interior Design.

Photos: National Museum of American History and USA Weekend Magazine Partner for National Anthem YouTube Singing Contest

2009-02-16T13:00:00.000+02:00

Winner to perform at the museum and the Baltimore Orioles game on Flag Day, June 14

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, home of the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem, has partnered with USA Weekend Magazine to launch the Star-Spangled Banner YouTube Singing Contest on Sunday, Feb. 15.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/americanhistory/37059/

"The Star-Spangled Banner is one of our nation's most treasured objects, a symbol of what this country stands for," said Brent D. Glass, director of the museum. "We thought that this contest would be a fun way to dispel the notion that history is boring and engage people with their flag and their anthem."

Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected by April 17 according to vocal performance, originality, accuracy and popularity on YouTube. All semi-finalists will receive a signed copy of the book "The Star Spangled Banner: The Making of an American Icon," and their videos will be featured on the museum's Star-Spangled Banner Web site.

The top video will be chosen by a panel of celebrities, Smithsonian judges and a representative from the Orioles and announced May 19. The winner will be invited to perform the national anthem at the museum and at the Baltimore Orioles versus Atlanta Braves game in Baltimore on Flag Day, June 14. USA Weekend will provide the winner with a trip for two to Washington, D.C., including airfare, hotel accommodation for two nights, tickets and transportation to the game and $400 spending money.

"This is the first YouTube contest at the Smithsonian and it fits well with the notion that the Star-Spangled Banner belongs to everyone," said Matthew MacArthur, the museum's director of New Media.

For contest rules, sample videos, lyrics and to enter, participants should visit the Star-Spangled Banner YouTube Singing Contest Web site. Entries may be submitted from Feb. 15 to April 13, 2009. Participants and others can follow the contest via Twitter: http://twitter.com/amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum)

The National Museum of American History is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W., and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check http://americanhistory.si.edu or for general Smithsonian information, call (202) 633-1000; (202) 633-5285 (TTY).

Daum, Legendary Maker of Luxury Crystal and Glass Art, Selects TransMedia Group to Add New Luster to Its National PR

2009-02-16T10:15:00.000+02:00

BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- How has Daum, a crystal company born in recession in northern France 130 years ago, risen to become the quintessential crystal and art glass creator in the world? And how in the midst of a modern recession is it still experiencing a 30% increase in sales at its elegant Manhattan boutique?

Daum (www.daumusa.com), the renowned luxury crystal maker that produces one-of-a-kind originals, has retained a one-of-a-kind PR firm, TransMedia Group, an international firm that represents legendary clients from champion Indy race car drivers to Hollywood celebrities, from world-renowned artists and galleries to billionaire collectors. (www.transmediagroup.com)

In 1878, Jean Daum set out to create the ultimate crystal art pieces and have since been seducing the world's top collectors with unique, limited edition sculptures in crystal. Dedicated to working with the world's highest regarded artists, Daum has collaborated with over 350 artists including Salvador Dali, Arman, Cesar, Andre Deluol, Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne, Paloma Picasso, Roland Topor and Manolo Valdes.

"We have so many wonderful stories to tell and selected TransMedia because of their desire, connections and reputation to garner powerful exposure," said Thomas Zimmerman, Executive Vice President of Daum. "Like each of our exquisite art pieces, our company, the design process and our story are unique, colorful and worthy of media attention."

"There are many amazing Daum stories to tell from its passionate relationship with the upscale collector's market, to its revolutionary color-changing crystal pieces, to its new artist showcases, to its partnership with this year's America's Polo Cup, the world's largest and most prestigious polo sporting event, May 8-9 2009 in Washington, DC," said Lynn Lewis, Director of Public Relations for TransMedia Group. "It's an honor to represent a brand that embodies such beauty and luxury, and we look forward to advancing its worldwide acclaim."

The House of Daum is headquartered in Paris and operates seven Daum boutiques internationally in New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Osaka and Singapore. It also presents its collection in the world's finest department and specialty stores including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States, Harrod's in London and Galeries Lafayette in Paris. www.daumusa.com

TransMedia Group, headquartered in Boca Raton, FL is an award-winning PR firm serving clients worldwide since 1981.

Two Center Street Project Among Top Priorities on City of Newark's Economic Development Scorecard

2009-02-13T17:26:00.000+02:00

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN NJPAC AND DRANOFF PROPERTIES EMERGES AS LEADING PROJECT IN CITY'S PLANS FOR DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A cornerstone of Mayor Cory A. Booker's State of the City address Monday night was the announcement that Two Center Street, a mixed-use residential and retail project on a 1.2 acre site adjacent to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), was selected as one of the City of Newark's top economic development priorities following a rigorous evaluation conducted by a Scorecard committee convened by the Brick City Development Corporation. Two Center Street is a partnership between NJPAC and Dranoff Properties, Inc. of Philadelphia.

"We are pleased to be advancing our partnership with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. This project will strengthen our downtown, add hundreds of new housing units and create construction jobs in our city," said Mayor Cory A. Booker. "In partnership with NJPAC and Dranoff Properties, we pledge to move this project forward intensively this year - securing the resources we need to make it a go for construction in the coming years."

As announced last year, NJPAC entered into a Letter of Intent with Dranoff Properties, Inc. to develop Two Center Street, which is envisioned to become the tallest building in Newark. The forty story-plus building is set to include a residential community of 300 units - 20% of which will be set aside for artists, over 20,000 square feet of street-level, high-quality retail (including restaurants, cafes, shops, galleries and related uses), possible cultural uses and structured, hidden from street view parking for over 550 cars to serve the shared needs of the residential community as well as those of NJPAC's audiences and the increasing daytime commercial demand.

"This is a huge vote of confidence and a milestone as Newark re-emerges as a viable and attractive destination for downtown residential living," said Lawrence P. Goldman, NJPAC's President and CEO. "The Scorecard process was thoughtful, tough, comprehensive and made us think even more carefully about the kind of neighborhood we want to create around the Arts Center's Theater Square. A complex, mixed-use urban redevelopment project like this can only be done though a partnership of public and private entities. We are pleased to be partnered with Dranoff Properties and congratulate Mayor Booker, Governor Corzine and their Administrations for their vision in establishing so thoughtfully the City's and the State's priorities."

Two Center Street will be the Arts Center's first major expansion since its opening in 1997 and the first newly constructed residential building in downtown Newark in over four decades. "We see this as nothing less than a transformative development for the State's largest city," said Goldman. "The Arts Center was always intended as the centerpiece of a busy, inviting downtown core. Now, with Two Center Street and the new Seton Hall Law School residence building the Mayor also announced Monday evening, it's not difficult to imagine a real urban buzz in Newark again, with students and artists, singles, young married couples, professionals and empty-nesters all moving in and living here 24/7, with great shops, hip hangouts, trendy restaurants and NJPAC itself all contributing to a renewed vibrancy of a great American city."

"Our mission for Two Center Street is to transform downtown Newark into a vibrant arts and cultural district - an area where people not only come to work, shop and be entertained, but a residential destination," says Carl E. Dranoff, Founder and CEO of Dranoff Properties. "We will draw upon our extensive, mixed-use experience, using arts and culture as a springboard to make Two Center Street a success."

Goldman and Dranoff believe the seal of approval from the City and State will be significantly useful as work commences to secure all necessary financing and subsidies to make Two Center Street viable. "There is every reason to believe that Newark can be the next major urban success story," said Goldman.

"We recognize the realities of the current economic climate," said Dranoff. "We have been through economic cycles before and are confident that this, too, shall pass. When it does, we will be ready on Day One to build something that will continue to change perceptions about Newark. The Arts Center itself proved that if you insist on excellence, people will support something bold and innovative."

Grace Ellay Gallery and Boutique Announces Solo Exhibition for Charlie Lieberman

2009-02-12T23:51:00.000+02:00

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Opening Reception - Saturday, February 21st, 2009 - 7:00 to 11:00 PM

Charlie Lieberman Photography Exhibition "Chicago: 24/70s"

February 21 thru March 22, 2009

    Grace Ellay
    1615 Silver Lake Blvd.
    Los Angeles, CA 90026
    (323) 664-0568

www.graceellay.com

Charlie Lieberman currently employs his visual and artistic skills as the Director of Photography for hit series, Heroes, on NBC. Through the past twelve years he has worked as the Director of Photography on such television series as My So-Called Life, Once and Again and Joan of Arcadia. This is Charlie's second show at Grace Ellay, following a very successful first exhibit. Artist statement: "The beginnings of the visually obsessive part of my life took place long ago in a mysterious land known as Chicago. I roamed the streets trying to see if I could capture images that had some aesthetic qualities. This show represents some of my early work that I still find compelling. This is the first time these photographs have been gathered together for exhibition."

Grace Ellay - gallery and boutique - is located in the heart of Silver Lake and prides itself on debuting local and national artists by providing a multi-tiered platform of exposure to an impressive array of industries, people and interests, accompanied by just the right amount of southern hospitality. Media represented include acrylic, oil, photography, mixed media and metal sculpture. The boutique also carries many well known clothing and accessory designers, artists and labels, inviting everyone to dress like they, too, are a piece of art. Additionally, Grace Ellay represents Jeremy Szuder, Osage Residency award winner David Linn Arnold, Christian Gordon, Robin Maguire, Michael Derry, Miles David Scott, Ivan Mayes and Nathan Beatty.

For photos, more information and/or private appointments, please contact Ramey Arnold at (323) 377-4612 or email graceellay@yahoo.com.

Park West Gallery Defamation Case Against Fine Art Registry to Proceed in Michigan Court

2009-02-12T19:30:00.000+02:00

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States District Court in Miami this week determined that the Florida federal court will not be the primary venue for a defamation lawsuit brought by PWG Florida, Inc., an affiliate of Park West Gallery, against the website Fine Art Registry. The court's decision, which is not a ruling for any of the parties as to the merits of the underlying claims, focuses the litigation in Michigan, where Park West Gallery is headquartered.

"Park West Gallery welcomes this determination by the Florida court, which permits us to focus our energies on proving the defamation in one forum, Michigan," said Robert E. Goldman, a member of the 40-year-old gallery's legal team. The case in Michigan was filed by Park West Gallery last April in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Goldman served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for 19 years, during which time he focused on matters involving international art theft and museum theft. He was also Special Trial Attorney, appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice to counsel and assist the newly created FBI National Art Crime Team, which battles international theft, antiquities smuggling, and fraud in the art industry. (For more information visit http://www.parkwestart.com)

"I am proud to represent Park West Gallery in this important legal battle, the outcome of which will be important to the entire art industry," said Goldman. "If reckless individuals and organizations are permitted to falsely attack the hard-earned reputations of legitimate art dealers without consequence, the art market, including artists, auction houses, museums, dealers and collectors, will suffer irreparable harm. I look forward to highlighting the truth and righting this wrong in Michigan federal court."

BACKGROUND ON FINE ART REGISTRY DEFAMATION CAMPAIGN

Fine Art Registry's (FAR) defamatory attacks began in 2007 shortly after Park West rejected a business offer from the start-up website's management. Recognizing the potential profit from Park West's clients -- the gallery sells hundreds of thousands of works each year -- FAR approached Park West to buy the website's art registry services. For an annual membership fee of $9.95 and $2.25 per registered work, FAR simply lists an artwork on its site without examining the actual work, researching its authenticity or guaranteeing the website's future existence. Park West saw no value to its customers in spending well in excess of $1 million per year for FAR's service, and passed on FAR's solicitation.

FAR's defamation began soon after, forcing the gallery in April 2008 to take its initial legal action against FAR in Michigan and Florida, two states in which Park West owns and operates major gallery and processing facilities. While those suits have been progressing through the courts, FAR has continued its online attacks -- publishing numerous false and defamatory statements about Park West -- and sponsored unsuccessful legal challenges in a number of states. A FAR-sponsored suit was dismissed in California in December 2008. Park West is seeking reimbursement for legal fees in that case.

ABOUT PARK WEST GALLERY

Founded in 1969, Park West Gallery conducts art auctions at locations throughout the world, as well as on 85 cruise ships operated by the Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. The Park West Gallery collection includes oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors and drawings, hand-signed limited edition etchings, lithographs, serigraphs, and hand-embellished graphic works, as well as animation art and selected sports memorabilia. Park West Gallery occupies a 63,000 square foot headquarters and gallery in Southfield, Michigan and an 181,000 square foot fulfillment center and gallery in Miami Lakes, Florida.

Metropolitan Opera Brings Free Live Opera Broadcasts to Public Schools Nationwide

2009-02-12T18:02:00.000+02:00

The Met: HD Live in Schools Series to reach 18 School Districts nationwide began January 10

NEW YORK, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the Metropolitan Opera's continuing efforts to bring opera to a wider audience, the Met has joined with educators and representatives from opera houses around the country to introduce its educational program, The Met: HD Live in Schools, to 18 school districts in 13 states. The program, in which students, parents, and educators experience live Met performances transmitted for free at participating movie theaters, began with Puccini's La Rondine on January 10, followed by Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor (February 7), Puccini's Madama Butterfly (March 7), and Rossini's La Cenerentola (May 9).

The Met launched the program last season in partnership with the New York City Department of Education and the Metropolitan Opera Guild, incorporating live opera into lessons in New York City classrooms. The program, which will now be extended to approximately 180 schools nationwide, is designed to fully immerse students in the opera experience and integrate it into the classroom. The Met has created a set of standards-driven curriculum guides and other opera resources for teachers and administrators and provides teachers in each district with in-person training seminars to learn how the program can be woven into the curriculum. Through a network of participating movie theaters, free tickets are distributed to each school district for the HD broadcasts of the live opera performances.

"New York City is proud to have been the first school system to participate in The Met: HD Live in Schools program," New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein said. "The program has already greatly benefited several school communities by bringing opera to students and families who may not otherwise experience it. The HD events at five of our high schools this fall and spring also provide a unique opportunity for our students to learn about music, theater, production, running a box office, and theater management."

"The Met HD Live in Schools program has given our students a new perspective on what was previously an unfamiliar art form for many of them," said William Bassell, the Principal of Long Island City High School in New York City where the program was introduced in all five New York City boroughs last year. "Our students now see interdisciplinary relationships between opera and various elements of other courses in the curriculum. The HD broadcasts give us a way to engage our students further in the learning process by highlighting and revealing many cross-curricular connections."

"The Metropolitan Opera's HD Live in Schools performances will afford our urban students in San Antonio, Texas, a unique opportunity. Most of our students come from an environment where they have no contact with opera," said Ann Burbridge, Teacher Specialist for Vocal Music K-12 in San Antonio's Independent School District. "Our students have enjoyed the advance class preparations and are looking forward to experience a rich musical tradition with world-class performances."

"The Met's Live in HD presentations are a good way to introduce opera to the next generation," said Met General Manager Peter Gelb. "I am very pleased that we are able to bring the program to students and teachers across the country."

The Met: Live in HD series, now in its third season, is the company's award-winning series of live performance transmissions shown in high definition in movie theaters around the world. Featuring the world's leading opera singers and artists, the series expands from eight to eleven transmissions in 2008-09 and is now seen in over 850 theaters in 31 countries around the world. The Met: Live in HD reached more than 935,000 people in the 2007-08 season, more than the number of people who saw performances in the opera house in a single season.

This introduction of the Met's HD series is a key part of the company's larger public initiatives under the leadership of Met General Manager Peter Gelb and longtime Met Music Director James Levine. In addition to the more than 8,500 students, educators, and parents who will once again participate in the New York City program, the national program will involve another 4,700 people for a total of over 13,000 participants.

While many of the students and teachers involved in The Met: HD Live in Schools are studying an arts curriculum, there are a significant number of English, foreign language, and history class participants in the program.

The 18 school districts participating in the program this year are: Atlanta, GA; Baton Rouge, LA; Charlotte, NC; Cleveland, OH; Colorado Springs, CO; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Helena, MT; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Las Vegas, NV; Memphis, TN; Nashville, TN; Portland OR; Reno, NV, San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; and Tulsa, OK.

The Met's HD Live in Schools Broadcast Education Program is scheduled as follows:

Saturday, January 10, 2009LA RONDINE (1:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. CT / 11:00 a.m. MT / 10:00 a.m. PT/ 18:00 p.m. UTC; 19:00 p.m. CET) - Renowned husband and wife team Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna star in Nicolas Joel's production of Puccini's La Rondine, originally mounted by the Theatre du Capitole, Toulouse, and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Marco Armiliato conducts. (Co-production with the Theatre du Capitole, Toulouse, and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.) NEW PRODUCTION

Saturday, February 7, 2009LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR (1:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. CT / 11:00 a.m. MT / 10:00 a.m. PT/ 18:00 p.m. UTC; 19:00 p.m. CET) - Dynamic opera duo Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon star in Mary Zimmerman's acclaimed production of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor. Marco Armiliato conducts.

Saturday, March 7, 2009MADAMA BUTTERFLY (1:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. CT / 11:00 a.m. MT / 10:00 a.m. PT/ 18:00 p.m. UTC; 19:00 p.m. CET) - Cristina Gallardo-Domas sings the title role of Puccini's Madama Butterfly in Anthony Minghella's stunning production. Marcello Giordani stars as Pinkerton. Patrick Summers conducts.

Saturday, May 9, 2009LA CENERENTOLA (12:30 ET / 11:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. MT / 9:30 a.m. PT/ 16:30 p.m. UTC; 17:30 BST; 18:30 p.m. CEST) - Elina Garanca stars in Rossini's bel canto Cinderella story, La Cenerentola. Lawrence Brownlee stars as her Prince Charming, Don Ramiro. Maurizio Benini conducts.

Visit www.metopera.org/education for more information about the program.

About the Met

Under the leadership of General Manager Peter Gelb and Music Director James Levine, the Met has a series of bold initiatives underway that are designed to broaden its audience and revitalize the company's repertory. The Met has made a commitment to presenting modern masterpieces alongside the classic repertory, with highly theatrical productions featuring the greatest opera stars in the world. Six new productions debut at the Met in 2008-09, including the company premiere of John Adams's Doctor Atomic.

Building on its 77-year-old international radio broadcast history - heard over the Toll Brothers-Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network - the Met now uses advanced media distribution platforms and state-of-the-art technology to attract new audiences and reach millions of opera fans around the world. The Met: Live in HD, the company's Emmy-winning series of live performance transmissions, shown in high definition in movie theaters around the world, expands from eight to eleven transmissions in 2008-09 and includes distribution in New York City public schools and a number of pilot programs in schools around the country. Global distribution of the series this season reaches over 850 participating venues in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. These performances began airing on PBS in March 2008. Commercial releases include Eugene Onegin (Decca), I Puritani (Deutsche Grammophon), The First Emperor, Hansel and Gretel, Macbeth, Manon Lescaut, Peter Grimes, and La Boheme (EMI). The Magic Flute is the latest and ninth HD production to be released on DVD and the first on the Met's own label.

Metropolitan Opera Radio on SIRIUS XM Radio is a subscription-based audio service broadcasting both live and rare historical performances. The Met recently introduced Met Player, a new subscription service that makes its extensive video and audio catalog of full-length performances available to the public for the first time online, and in exceptional, state-of-the-art quality. In addition to providing audio recordings through the Met on Rhapsody on-demand service, the company also presents free live audio streaming of performances on its website once every week during the opera season with support from RealNetworks(R).

The Met has recently launched several audience development initiatives, including Open House dress rehearsals, the Arnold and Marie Schwartz Gallery Met, reduced ticket prices--including an immensely popular new rush ticket program, and an annual Holiday Series presentation for families. For more information, please visit: www.metopera.org.

'Manhunt: Chasing Lincoln's Killer' Opens at the Newseum Feb. 14

2009-02-12T15:25:00.000+02:00

Author James L. Swanson to Appear on Inside Media Program

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following advisory is being issued by the Newseum:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080919/NEWSEUMLOGO)

WHAT: A new exhibit at the Newseum reveals how Lincoln's death and the hunt for his killer marked a turning point in how news was reported. New York Times best-selling author and Lincoln scholar, James L. Swanson will talk about the chase for John Wilkes Booth through the streets, swamps and forests of the Washington, D.C. area as part of the Newseum's discussion series Inside Media. Swanson will be available for media interviews following the program.

WHO: James L. Swanson, author and Lincoln scholar

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009

WHERE:

Newseum

Knight Television Studio

555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.

Washington, D.C.

BACKGROUND: The exhibit was created in collaboration with James L. Swanson, Edgar Award-winning author of the New York Times best-seller "Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer," and features 40 artifacts and documents from Swanson's personal collection, many of which are being displayed publicly for the first time. Artifacts on display include an original Ford's Theatre playbill for "Our American Cousin," the play Lincoln was attending the night John Wilkes Booth shot him; an original poster advertising a $100,000 reward for the capture of the assassins; rare newspaper extra editions reporting the assassination; mourning memorabilia that marked the nation's sense of loss; and a decorative flagpole that adorned Lincoln's catafalque. Two priceless artifacts -- a fragment from the dress worn by "Our American Cousin" lead actress Laura Keene and stained with Lincoln's blood, and a lock of Lincoln's hair framed with flowers from his coffin -- will join the exhibit for a limited time beginning April 14, the 144th anniversary of the assassination of President Lincoln.

International Museum of Women to Host Fifth Annual Gala on March 4

2009-02-12T09:00:00.000+02:00

A Celebration of International Women's Day

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An expected 500 people will celebrate International Women's Day at the International Museum of Women's (I.M.O.W.) fifth Annual Gala on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. The evening's featured speaker is the founder of Women for Women International, I.M.O.W. Global Council member and champion of women survivors of war, Zainab Salbi. Mistress of ceremonies is Emmy-winning journalist Jan Yanehiro.

This diverse gathering includes civic leaders, philanthropists and cultural leaders. The gala's honorary committee is led by I.M.O.W. Board member Jennifer Siebel Newsom, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Chief of Protocol for the State of California and San FranciscoCharlotte Mailliard Shultz, and former U.S. Secretary of State George P. Shultz, and includes Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Lois Capps, Senator Dianne Feinstein, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, Chief Joanne Hayes-White, SFFD, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Senator Mark Leno, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, and Congresswoman Lynn C. Woolsey. Event chairs are Stacey C. Fleece and Marie Louise Hurabiell.

The event's Presenting Sponsor is Wells Fargo Bank. Entertainment includes a visual presentation from I.M.O.W. exhibitions www.imow.org/exhibitions. Proceeds benefit I.M.O.W.'s exhibitions and programs for 2009.

Event Details:

International Museum of Women's Annual Gala 2009

A Celebration of International Women's Day

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

6:00 p.m. - Reception

7:00 p.m. - Dinner and Program

The Ritz-Carlton

600 Stockton Street

San Francisco, California 94108

Annual Gala 2009 tickets: $250; www.imow.org/support/events

For nearly 100 years, International Women's Day has been the global day of celebration connecting all women around the world, inspiring them to achieve their full potential. In the United States, the month of March is celebrated as Women's History Month in order to publicly recognize the contributions of American women in history.

About the International Museum of Women (I.M.O.W.):

I.M.O.W. is a groundbreaking social change museum that inspires global action, connects people across borders and transforms hearts and minds. The mission of I.M.O.W is to value the lives of women around the world. I.M.O.W. exhibitions, education and events programming are offered globally and locally in the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn more at www.imow.org.

    Press Contact:  Jo Beaton,
    Marketing and Communications Manager
    International Museum of Women
    415.543.4669 x16; jbeaton@imow.org

New York Flamenco Festival's Stellar Performances Inspire Tourism to Andalucia, Home of Flamenco

2009-02-11T16:23:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Andalucia region of southern Spain romances New York with its 9th Annual Flamenco Festival in February, "one of New York City's most important events" (Newsday), thrilling audiences while inspiring them to visit Andalucia, birthplace of flamenco.

The acclaimed Antonio Gades Company, established to perpetuate masterworks of the legendary dancer-choreographer, presents the flamenco version of "Carmen" in its USA premier, a re-staging of the Carlos Saura classic film starring Gades (now celebrating its 25th anniversary) at New York City Center.

Estrella Morente, daughter of flamenco cantaor Enrique Morente, is "a singer of amazing power and rhythmic control...among the new generation of flamenco" (New York Times). She ignites Carnegie hall with her stirring concert of flamenco and traditional Andalusian songs. For New York program and world tour: www.andaluciaflamenco.com

Flamenco, with folkloric origins centuries ago, is flourishing and evolving as a performing art with diverse regional genres and styles uniquely characteristic of each of Andalucia's eight provinces: Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Sevilla.

Coinciding with the New York Flamenco Festival, the Andalucia Tourist Board (www.andalucia.org), in conjunction with the Tourist Office of Spain (www.spain.info), is promoting tourism. Dignitaries and marketing executives from Andalucia are hosting special events for the travel industry in the New York area.

Traveling to and within Andalucia has become easier and even more convenient. Inaugurated June 4, 2008, Delta's nonstop service between New York (JFK) and Malaga's Pablo Ruiz Picasso Airport (duly named for the city's native son), increases its frequency to five flights a week in June 2009. (www.delta.com)

Iberia Airlines offers extensive service from five U.S. cities -- New York, Chicago, Miami, Boston and Washington DC -- nonstop to Madrid with convenient connections to cities in Andalucia. (www.iberia.com)

A transportation milestone in Andalucia is the high-speed AVE (Alta Velocidad Espanola) state-of-the-art bullet train between Madrid and Malaga in just 2-1/2 hours (velocity up to 215 mph). Inaugurated in December 2007, it transported over two million passengers during its first year of operation. This Madrid-Malaga route compliments Spain's first AVE service between Madrid and Seville (also a 2-1/2-hour trip), launched with extraordinary success for Seville's 1192 Universal Exposition. Additionally, a growing high-speed network connects Andalusian cities such as Malaga-Sevilla. (www.renfe.com)

Advertising's Ills Call For New Medicine: Is OpenPitch Part of the Cure?

2009-02-10T00:32:00.000+02:00

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- http://www.openpitch.com/ Quick, what year is it? An ad agency just tripled the size of its creative department. At the same time, an established client, in a mature business, has an in-house marketing department doing the same. Both are attracting award-winning creatives with deep top-10-agency experience. The promise? An opportunity to land a solid day-rate and never have to endure a staff meeting or even press the flesh with a client. In return, both Agency and Client receive stellar work at maximum cost-efficiency.

Given current headlines, it seems the question shouldn't be what year, but what planet. Yet, it's happening right now, through industry startup OpenPitch. OpenPitch is an online creative exchange, connecting Agencies and Brands with award-winning Creatives. It's an option so practical and obvious for ad bizzers, it just might fall in the categories of "This could be huge" and "Damn it, why didn't I think of that?"

"It's always a Catch-22, especially in times like these," notes Ron Cicero CEO and Co-Founder of OpenPitch.com. "Agencies of all sizes need to land new business, but it's tough to take an already overworked staff and put them on pitch work. Both projects can suffer. OpenPitch allows agencies to not only grow a creative department on demand, but also mold it based on the pitch at hand. The site effectively breaks down the financial and geographical barriers to top creative talent."

The web application at OpenPitch allows clients to post an advertising project either publicly or in total confidence. The OpenPitch creative community is then notified, or individual talent asked to pitch privately. Creatives are compensated based on the selection of their winning pitch, or with a typical day-rate, or both. With all projects, pitches AND solutions are kept completely confidential and the transfer of IP rights is systemized.

This process should appeal to agencies looking for more brain power, clients looking to supplement their current agency relationships, or progressive brands requiring high-level creative, but lacking the volume of work to justify employing a full-service agency. This is especially true for companies looking to cross borders, and in need of a one-time, international creative department, whether they are based in the US, or are looking to break in to the US market.

Such a timely approach may never have developed if the founders, Ron Cicero and Brad Townend didn't have such deep advertising experience. Cicero, a spot and interactive producer, and Townend, a Creative Director and Interactive Designer, have fifteen-plus years of experience in advertising, working with an enviable list of clients such as Apple, Microsoft, NFL, Comcast, Toyota, Puma, and Range Rover, with agencies including BBDO,TBWA/Chiat Day, McCann, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, and more.

"Like any agency, we realize the quality of talent is key," Townend says, "so we have been selective in our invitations, mixing it up between established CD's and promising new talent from multiple disciplines." The site now features teams of Cannes Lion and Clio Award-winning creatives from almost a dozen countries. Artists come from leading agencies such as TBWA Chiat Day, Strawberry Frog, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, 180 Amsterdam, and McCann Erickson, with a combined portfolio of work for Nike, Heineken, Coca Cola, MTV, Bud Lite, BMW, and others.

It's easy to see why the site, which launched in Beta a little over two months ago, has already attracted a healthy mix of advertisers and artists. Among the firm's initial clients is a high-profile manufacturer seeking a creative solution for their latest product launch. "The project details are still under wraps," notes Cicero, "but I can say despite a tight time frame - the project came in on December 15, with submissions closing on Christmas Eve - the client found the solution they were looking for - and met their deadline."

"We've seen the industry from all sides," says Cicero, "and we're always amazed that the industry largely responsible for the explosion of the Internet, has never really utilized it to evolve one of their core business processes: the creative pitch." Townend, who has done creative work for diverse brands such as Ed Hardy and Smith MicroSystems, adds, "It's important that both sides win, meaning agencies and clients can harvest many, many more solutions, while creatives are not 'crowdsourced' out of a living."

"Anyone who has worked in this business awhile will tell you that collaboration is the heart and soul of successful advertising," Townend concludes. "We're just taking the Long Tail and applying it to the ad industry."

Crafters Choose Stampin' Up!(TM) Nine Years Running

2009-02-09T19:46:00.000+02:00

Coordinated products and business opportunity a big draw

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- For the ninth year in a row, Stampin' Up! has won Creative Keepsakes magazine's coveted Readers' Choice Award for its core product - decorative rubber stamps - as well as the categories of Stamping Inks , Software and Idea Books. Creating Keepsakes calls Stampin' Up! results a "sweep" in these respective categories. During the economic downturn, Stampin' Up! has also seen renewed interest in its direct-sales business opportunity.

Stampin' Up! is a Utah-based, creative, direct-sales company that specializes in exclusive stamp art and color-coordinated accessories, and provides home-based business opportunities.

Born from the passion that Shelli Gardner and her sister shared for stamping and a desire to help support their families, Stampin' Up! had a humble beginning with a small number of distributors who were mostly friends and family, and a limited product line. The sisters felt that if the hobby attracted them so strongly, it would also appeal to other women both as customers and distributors. They were right. Stampin' Up! is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and the direct-sales company has grown to over 500 employees and a distributor [demonstrator] base of approximately 40,000 globally that shares the co-founders' passion for crafting.

"We constantly work to offer unique, high-quality products that both our customers and demonstrators love, products that they can use to explore and express their creativity," says Gardner, who is now CEO. "It's wonderful to see that those efforts are so well received by the crafting community. We are also happy to offer so women the opportunity to run their own businesses and achieve their personal desires on so many different levels."

US crafters are not the only ones to give accolades to Stampin' Up! The company has launched into Europe, Australia and New Zealand in the past three years, and has received an enthusiastic welcome. Australia experienced a 56 percent increase in sales in 2008 and a 63 percent increase in demonstrator count, and in New Zealand, demonstrator count increased by 138 percent and sales more than doubled.

"In this challenging global economy, people are looking for ways to supplement their incomes and reduce their stress," says Gardner. "When you love crafting, and then get paid for sharing that love with others, you can accomplish both."

While maintaining the great product lines for which it continually receives "Readers Choice Awards" (http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/10455.asp), Stampin' Up! is diversifying into new product areas such as vinyl wall clings called Decor Elements and Gardner's personally endorsed line of favorite products, Shelli's Signature Collection, as well as exclusive die-cut products through a recent partnership with Sizzix.

"We're excited about what we've got coming up too," says Gardner. "Readers should stay tuned for next year!"

Stampin' Up!, a 20-year-old, multimillion dollar, direct-sales company, offers an exclusive line of decorative stamp sets and accessories for home decor, greeting cards, craft projects and scrapbooking. Currently, tens of thousands of demonstrators from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom teach the art of stamping. Stampin' Up! operates two state-of-the-art facilities, including an 80,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Kanab and a 300,000-square-foot corporate office, distribution center and demonstrator support call center in Riverton, UT. For more information, call 801.257.5336 or visit www.stampinup.com.

Billy Collins, Limon Dance, Ljova & the Kontraband and Others Take the Stage

2009-02-09T19:11:00.000+02:00

Two Nights of Poetry, Dance, Art and Music at Tribeca Performing Arts Center

NEW YORK, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins and the legendary Limon Dance will perform at Tribeca Performing Arts Center (BMCC) on February 27 and 28, respectively, as part of a performance series sponsored by International Arts Movement. Tickets for both nights are on sale at www.tribecapac.org.

In addition to Billy Collins, Friday night's performance will feature award-winning jazz pianist Helen Sung and painter Makoto Fujimura, former member of the National Council on the Arts and winner of the NEA Chairman's Medal (2009).

Collins will sign his books, including his latest collection, "Ballistics," for ticket holders after the show.

Saturday night's performance will feature Limon Dance, LIGHTPAINTER Eva Flatscher and Ljova and the Kontraband.

Journalist Alice Rhee will moderate a panel of artists addressing the power of the arts in humanitarian causes.

About the Performers:

Billy Collins served as United States Poet Laureate from 2001-2003 and New York State Poet Laureate from 2004-2006. His last three collections of poems have broken sales records for poetry, and his readings are usually standing room only. Limon Dance was awarded the 2008 National Medal of Arts by the National Endowment for the Arts in recognition of its innovative contributions to America modern dance over half a century. Ljova and the Kontraband have been hailed by Billboard as "one of New York's fastest rising composers and instrumentalists" and have performed at MoMA, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Joe's Pub. Helen Sung, winner of the Kennedy Center's 2007 Mary Lou Williams Piano Competition, is hailed as "one of the brightest emerging stars in jazz today." Makoto Fujimura is an internationally renown artist and author of several books, most recently Refractions (NavPress, 2009). Eva Flatscher is a Viennese artist who created an avant-garde combination of painting, dance and music, known as LIGHTPAINTING.

Performances are Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28, at Tribeca Performing Arts Center (BMCC), 199 Chambers St. in lower Manhattan. Show times both nights are 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $55 (general seating). To purchase tickets, visit http://tribecapac.org/also.htm#iam.

Media contact Christy Tennant, Director of Public Relations for International Arts Movement at christy@iamny.org or (917) 287-2581.

Cathedral Choral Society to Honor Jaylee Mead with the Laura E. Phillips Angel of the Arts Award

2009-02-09T18:32:00.000+02:00

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Cathedral Choral Society (CCS) is pleased to announce that it will honor Washington philanthropist Jaylee Mead on April 4, 2009 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. A longtime supporter of the arts in our community, Mrs. Mead, along with her late husband Gilbert, contributed an estimated $50 million to numerous local performing arts organizations over the past two decades.

Despite their vocations as NASA scientists, both Jaylee and Gilbert Mead felt a strong connection to the performing arts: Gil to music and Jaylee to the theatre. With an unprecedented level of generosity, they donated their time, talents and resources to Washington's burgeoning arts community. With a strong belief that they should give where they live, the Meads have made gifts to such organizations as Arena Stage, The Studio Theatre, The Helen Hayes Awards, the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, the Levine School of Music, the Cathedral Choral Society, The Washington Chorus, Signature Theatre, Atlas Performing Arts Center, and the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater (located in Gil's hometown). Jaylee continues to serve on the boards of The Studio Theatre, The Helen Hayes Awards, Arena Stage, The Wellness Community of Greater Washington, DC and the Mead Family Foundation, which she and Gil founded in 1989. Jaylee has also been involved with Leadership Greater Washington and the boards of The Carnegie Institute of Science and the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers.

Jaylee and Gilbert Mead received several awards over the years including the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington's Patron of the Arts Award in 1995; The Washington Post Award for Distinguished Community Service in 1996; and The Mayor's Arts Award for Excellence in Service to the Arts, District of Columbia, in 1998. In 1999, they were among those named Washingtonians of the Year by Washingtonian Magazine.

The Cathedral Choral Society established the Laura E. Phillips Angel of the Arts Award to pay tribute to individuals or organizations that demonstrate exemplary love and support for the arts in our community such as Mrs. Phillips did when she was alive. Donna and John W. Palmer will chair the event which raises funds for the education and outreach programs of the Cathedral Choral Society, among them an annual high school choir festival as well as partnerships with several DC public schools and the Sitar Arts Center.

CCS would like to thank KPMG who has already committed to sponsoring a corporate table at the Gala.

About the Cathedral Choral Society Founded in 1941, the Cathedral Choral Society is the oldest choral group in Washington and is the resident symphonic chorus of Washington National Cathedral. Under the leadership of music director J. Reilly Lewis, CCS has performed such notable venues as the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, and Avery Fisher Hall in New York City, and on nationwide radio and television. CCS has also appeared with such organizations as the NSO, The Washington Ballet, and the Philharmonia of Russia. The Choral Society's discography features nine recordings and members of the chorus also appear in the PBS television special Denyce Graves: A Cathedral Christmas. A CD of Dominick Argento'sEvensong: Of Love and Angels, commissioned and premiered by the Choral Society, will be released in the spring of 2009.

For more information, please visit www.cathedralchoralsociety.org.

VSA arts Presents Work from 16 Artists with Disabilities at the 2009 Armory Show

2009-02-09T16:53:00.000+02:00

Inaugural Booth Challenges Perceptions about Disability Art

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For its inaugural debut during the Armory Show, VSA arts is pleased to present work by sixteen artists with disabilities at Booth #1601 on Pier 94, many of whom whose work has been heavily influenced by their disability experience, reimagining and defying the limitations of the body and the mind.

"The Outsider Art movement has drawn the world's attention to and critical acclaim for artists with disabilities," said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. "VSA arts' inaugural booth at the Armory highlights and showcases the depth of work from artists with disabilities by considering their contributions within a greater context. We're pleased to bring the work of these artists - both established and emerging - before the critics, artists, galleries and art lovers who will be at this year's Armory Show."

Highlights include:

Connecticut native Ken Morgan's exhibition history spans three decades, with solo and group shows all over the country, his minimalistic drawings indicative of larger art world trends. In 2007, Morgan had to reclaim art and embrace technology after a stroke. His recent computer prints take his traditional background and updates it with a technical flair, the playful symbols imitating the dexterity and whimsy of acrobats. Morgan's work creates safe havens, mindscapes, places to play, and momentary impossible realities.

From San Francisco, Emily Eifler's whimsical fabric sculptures are reminiscent of costuming, exploring boundaries in objects that are derived from the body. The resulting forms elicit an initial playful response that upon closer investigation reveal a deeply personal experience with disability. Eifler, who has a progressive neurological disorder resulting in limited mobility, uses her work to examine biological forms in an effort to exert control. Her sculptures are investigations into a fantasy tumor with clearly defined edges, where a healthy body ends and illness begins. The objects serve as models to animate a cathartic fantasy of control for the artist, who faces no specific diagnosis or cure. She uses soft, easily manipulated forms that conjure childlike, Seussian daydreams.

Often tied to the Outsider Art movement, Linda Carmella Sibio studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Italy in 1973 before going on to practice art in New York City among notable artists from the Whitney Independent Study Program. Currently represented by the Andrew Edlin Gallery in New York, Sibio concentrates on painting and drawing, creating both large-scale works and intimate pieces. In the mid-'80s, Sibio began to practice interdisciplinary work, combining her visual imagery with performance. Her journey as an artist includes participation in solo and collaborative performance, theater, dance, playwriting, and visual art for more than five years. The themes of her work originate from difficult issues such as homelessness, mental illness, suicide, and mass murder. "Trapped" (96 x 48 in.) is gouache and sumi ink on paper.

Other artists on display at VSA arts' booth include:

Lanham Bundy of Providence, Rhode Island; Caleb Charland of Brewer, Maine; Busser Howell of New York City; Sophie Kahn of Brooklyn; Lihua Lei of Solon, Maine; Ryan McDonnell of Northampton, Massachusetts; Eric McGehearty of Lewisville, Texas; Coralina Meyer of Brooklyn; Katie Miller of Parkton, Maryland; Mark C. Parsons of Brooklyn; Gordon Sasaki of New York; Ricky Subritzky of Australia; and Mare Vaccaro of Brooklyn.

The Armory Show has been the world's leading art fair devoted exclusively to contemporary art since its introduction in 1999. The 2009 Armory Show takes place from March 5-8, 2008, at Twelfth Avenue at 55th Street, New York, NY. It is open to the public from noon to 8 p.m.March 5-7 and from noon to 7 p.m. on March 8.

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in 55 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, please visit www.vsarts.org.

Legendary Ferrari 'Pontoon-Fender' Testa Rossa Expected To Break World Auction Record at Ferrari Leggenda e Passione

2009-02-05T19:26:00.000+02:00

RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby's, announce the most significant Ferrari to be offered on the world's auction stage - the legendary 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (TR). Expected to set a new world record* for a vintage motor car sold at auction, this exciting car will be offered at 'Ferrari Leggenda e Passione' May 17, 2009 in Maranello, Italy.

LONDON, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby's, will present one of the most historically significant and valuable Ferrari racing cars ever offered at auction, the legendary 1957 Ferrari 250 TR (chassis no. 0714TR), when the famed Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event returns to Maranello, May 17, 2009. Held during the final stretch of the Mille Miglia retrospective, the exclusive auction will offer an unprecedented collection of historic Ferraris.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090205/NY67379 )

Considered one of the most competitive and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars, the immediately recognizable Scaglietti-designed, 'pontoon-fender' 250 TR was produced from 1957 to 1958 during which only 22 were constructed. The Ferrari 250 TRs entered 19 international championship races from 1958 through 1961 emerging with 10 victories and earning them legendary status among discerning collectors, as well as the honor of being one of the most desirable and competitive racing Ferraris ever built.

"This legendary 250 TR is one of the most exciting motor cars ever to be presented in auction history," said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.

"The Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event, now in its third year, is firmly established as the place to sell important road and race going Ferraris, and we are delighted to present this car at its Maranello birthplace," he added.

0714TR was extensively campaigned in its day with significant finishes at the world's most important racing events and is now being offered at auction for the first time. The car is resplendent in its period race-correct black livery and red nose.

In December 1957, this car was delivered to its first owner, racing driver and future coachbuilder, Piero Drogo in Modena, Italy. Drogo debuted the car as a privateer in the celebrated 1000 km Buenos Aires in January 1958 with a respectable fourth place finish competing with such legendary drivers as Phil Hill, Peter Collins, Wolfgang von Trips and Olivier Gendebien. Following entries in the Grand Prix of Cuba and Portugal, the car was sold by American Ferrari agent Luigi Chinetti to Texas rancher and entrepreneur Alan Connell whose competitive driving skills and affluence afforded him several wins on the 1959 North American racing circuit. 0714TR continued its prowess on the track with subsequent owners and competed in its last professional race in June 1963 at the Elkhart Lake 500.

The legendary s/n 0714TR is by far the most campaigned of the 250TR cliente series cars with a fascinating ownership and racing history, establishing its rarified place in the collector world as one of the most beautiful and valuable Ferraris ever offered in auction history.

All cars presented at the Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event will be certified by Ferrari Classiche.

For further information, please contact RM's London Office on +44 (0) 207 293 6336 or visit www.rmauctions.com

*Current world record is held by RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby's, for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder (s/n 2377GT) which sold for $10,894,400).

About RM Auctions, Inc.

Celebrating 30 years in the collector car industry, RM Auctions and its associated companies are responsible for acquisitions, restorations and sales of the world's rarest and most valuable vintage automobiles, including record-breaking sales in Maranello, Italy and London, England. For further information, visit www.rmauctions.com

About Sotheby's

Sotheby's is a global company that engages in art auctions, private sales and art-related financing activities. The Company operates in 40 countries, with principal salesrooms located in New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris. The Company also regularly conducts auctions in six other salesrooms around the world. Sotheby's is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BID.

About Ferrari S.p.A.

Exclusivity, technological excellence, precision engineering and outstanding performance are the hallmarks of Ferrari S.p.A. a unique sports car manufacturer. Based in Maranello, Italy, Ferrari delivers to its clients about 6,400 individually crafted cars annually, each a work of art. Since the first car appeared in 1947, the famous Prancing Horse on a yellow shield has represented the motoring and racing ideal among Ferrari fans around the world.

Yeshiva University Museum Presents Winter-Spring Exhibits Celebrating the Global Jewish Experience

2009-02-05T14:30:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- One of NYC's cultural gems, Yeshiva University Museum, welcomes 2009 with five new exhibitions embracing the diverse intellectual and artistic achievements of the global Jewish experience. The range of these exhibitions will captivate visitors, offering exceptional works from Mexico, London and India as well as America, that explore the complexities of Jewish life.

Three of the exhibitions will open on Thursday, February 26. In the first, Joseph, the Bull and the Rose, Mexican artist Anette Pier uses the metaphor of the bullfight to portray the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers in vibrant, intensely colored, mixed media paintings on canvas and palm paper. The second offering, Max Miller's emotionally charged paintings of synagogues, Final Mourner's Kaddish: 333 Days in Paintings by Max Miller, expresses his grieving during his year of mourning for his father, when he prayed in many different locations. The third exhibit, Testimony and Memory: Contemporary Miniature Torah Mantles, features the diminutive Torah mantles of London-based textile artist Carole Smollan, well known in England for her commissioned wedding canopies.

On March 22, 2009, the Museum will offer I of the Storm: Michael Hafftka, Recent Work. The son of Holocaust survivors, Hafftka uses Hebrew letters as visual imagery to express his reflections on life, history, and on the Zohar, the Jewish book of mysticism.

On March 30, 2009, From Malabar and Beyond: The Jews of Indiawill showcase the rich culture of Indian Jews through photographs and artifacts of ritual and daily life featuring a selection of textiles and ceremonial objects. This exhibit is organized in conjunction with a two-day conference on Israel and India, a joint project of The Center for Israel Studies and The Institute for Public Health Sciences at Yeshiva University.

For information about admission fees or events, visit www.yumuseum.org or call 212-294-8330.

For 35 years, the Yeshiva University Museum, located at 15 West 16 Street has provided culturally diverse exhibitions and programming for the greater metropolitan area and beyond, as well as to Yeshiva University students, faculty, and alumni. Its permanent collection includes more than 9,000 objects spanning over 3,000 years of Jewish history. Located at the Center for Jewish History, the Museum occupies four spacious galleries, a children's workshop center, and an outdoor sculpture garden.

Levi's(R) Collaborates With Influential Street Artist for Exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston

2009-02-05T11:00:00.000+02:00

The original denim company sponsors retrospective of Shepard Fairey, including the now iconic Barack Obama campaign poster

Shepard Fairey and the Levi's(R) Brand to co-design a special, limited-edition Levi's(R) piece to commemorate exhibit

BOSTON, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Shepard Fairey, one of the most influential and iconic street artists of our time, will be featured in a museum survey at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, in collaboration with the original denim company, Levi Strauss & Co. ("Levi's(R)"), on February 6, 2009. This exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of Shepard Fairey's groundbreaking Obey Giant campaign and the retrospective, the first major exhibition of the artist's work, signifies the breadth of Fairey's incredibly meaningful career. Based on their longstanding supportive relationship with Fairey, the Levi's(R) brand is proud to sponsor this landmark exhibition, which features the instantly recognizable and often imitated Barack Obama presidential campaign poster. Shepard Fairey: Supply & Demand will feature about 200 works, ranging from Fairey's renowned Obey Giant stencil to screen prints of political revolutionaries and rock stars, to recent mixed-media works and a new mural commissioned for the ICA show.

A natural partner for this legendary exhibition, Levi's(R) has stood behind Fairey's career since before his explosion on the art scene. The Levi's(R) brand sponsored one of Fairey's first shows, Authentik, which was held in 2002 at the Levi's(R) Vortex Gallery in Levi's(R) San Francisco flagship store. Fairey's take on what constitutes art and his unique view of the world instantly caught the eye of many at Levi's(R), and the company continues to express their support and pride in the vast success of his career. Fairey's career has spanned multiple aesthetics and been shaped by diverse influences ranging from Soviet propaganda, psychedelic rock posters, images of Americana and the layering and weathering of street art.

"Levi's(R) collaboration with Shepard Fairey is the perfect fit. As original as Levi's(R) jeans, Fairey is a groundbreaking innovator who has fast become a cultural icon," said Robert Cameron, vice president of marketing for the Levi's(R) brand. Added Jill Medvedow, the Director of the ICA/Boston, "Shepard Fairey's powerful and varied body of work has reached into all aspects of our visual culture, from political posters to T-shirts and album covers, and now museum installations. His integration of design, popular culture and politics, places him in the current of artistic and cultural forces that shape our world today."

Shepard Fairey: Supply and Demand will feature pieces in a wide variety of media including screen prints, stencils, stickers, rubylith illustrations, collages, and works on wood, metal, and canvas. To further commemorate Fairey's first-ever, career-spanning ICA retrospective, Fairey will be collaborating with Levi's(R) on a limited edition piece that will be unveiled on May 1, also known as "501(R) Day."

Fairey's audience is seduced by the striking and imaginative imagery he creates to express his viewpoint on social issues that are important to him. Explaining his driving motivation, Fairey simply says: "The real message behind most of my work is 'question everything'."

The Shepard Fairey: Supply and Demand exhibition will run from February 6, 2009 to August 16, 2009 at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. Located at 100 Northern Avenue, the ICA/Boston is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 am - 5 pm; Thursday and Friday, 10 am - 9 pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm. Admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, and free for members and children 17 and under. Free admission on Target Free Thursday Nights, 5-9 pm.

About Levi Strauss & Co.

One hundred and fifty years ago, a San Francisco man by the name of Levi Strauss created a pair of trousers designed to endure the harsh conditions of the California gold mines. The quality and comfort of Levi's jeans, however, has far outlasted the gold. Levi's(R) is the authentic, original denim brand that defines the jeans category. Levi's(R) is the only brand that can provide authentic, vintage detailing based on more than a 150 years of rich denim history. Levi's(R) has the best range of fits in the market which includes the 501(R), authentic, original blue jean, which comes in pre-shrunk and Shrink-To-Fit(R).

About the ICA

An influential forum for multi-disciplinary arts, The Institute of Contemporary Art has been at the leading edge of art in Boston for seventy years. Like its iconic building on Boston's waterfront, the ICA offers new ways of engaging with the world around us. Its exhibitions and programs provide access to contemporary art, artists, and the creative process, inviting audiences of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the excitement of new art and ideas. For more information, call 617-478-3100 or visit our Web site at www.icaboston.org.

About Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey was born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1970 and currently lives and works in Los Angeles, California. He received a BA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1991. He has had recent solo exhibitions at White Walls Gallery, San Francisco (2008); Merry Karnowsky Gallery, Los Angeles (2007); Jonathan Levine Gallery, New York (2007); Stolen Space, London (2007); and Galerie Magda Danysz, Paris (2006). His works are in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego. Fairey is also the founder of Studio Number One, a graphic design company.

Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation, Adobe Foundation and Entertainment Industry Foundation Launch Partnership at February 5 Benefit Concert

2009-02-05T05:01:00.000+02:00

Partnership to Help At-Risk Youth Develop Creative Skills Through Video, Dance, Music and Art

SAN JOSE, Calif. and LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The Adobe Foundation, the Black Eyed Peas and the Entertainment Industry Foundation today announced a new partnership to help underserved youth access and learn to use multi-media production tools, including those for video, dance, music and art, to comment on critical issues and spark social change in their communities. The collaboration will be highlighted this evening at a benefit concert hosted and performed in Los Angeles by the Black Eyed Peas and other musical artists.

"As a group, we've made a commitment to help give teens the artistic tools and opportunities to help them realize their fullest potential," says will.i.am, who grew up in the projects in Boyle Heights, Calif. "Thanks to the incredible generosity of Adobe Youth Voices, we are able to expand our vision and give even more kids a chance to be productive, enterprising adults."

"Creativity and digital literacy are as fundamental to a quality education as every other skill taught in the classroom today," said Shantanu Narayen, president and chief executive officer of Adobe Systems Incorporated and president of the Adobe Foundation. "We're proud to be working with such talented and committed artists to nurture self-expression among young people in underserved communities. We hope this is just the beginning."

Last year, internationally acclaimed hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas - will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo and Fergie - opened the first Peapod Academy, a state-of-the-art music and educational center and recording facility serving foster care youth and other at-risk teens, at the Watts/Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club. AYV, introduced by Adobe in 2006, continues to expand worldwide, building on more than 160 sites in 31 countries. Together, the organizations will launch two new integrated music and multi-media academies in the San Francisco Bay Area in Fall 2009. Plans to scale the program over time include combining Peapod Academies and Adobe Youth Voices (AYV) sites worldwide.

Moving forward, the joint Adobe Youth Voices/Peapod Academy sites will incorporate high-tech curriculum developed by AYV with the latest multi-media production tools, recording studio tools and expertise and mentoring in the performing arts. Past students enrolled in AYV programs have had their work showcased at prestigious venues including the Sundance Film Festival and the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival, addressing topics such as domestic violence, drug abuse and migrant labor. AYV participants from the Bay Area will appear on stage tonight with the Black Eyed Peas; their work will be shown in and around the concert venue.

The Adobe Foundation's commitment includes a $1 million cash donation along with other in-kind support, including a comprehensive training program designed for youth and educators, and volunteer support from Adobe employees. The Peapod Foundation will contribute an on-site fully-equipped recording studio at each site, along with expertise and mentoring.

About the Adobe Foundation and Adobe Youth Voices

The Adobe Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation created and funded by Adobe Systems Incorporated to leverage human, technological and financial resources to drive social change and community improvements. The Foundation's Adobe Youth Voices global philanthropic program brings digital and multimedia tools and training to students and educators and empowers youth to comment on their world, share their ideas and demonstrate their potential to take action in their communities. The AYV global network currently includes more than 160 sites, grantees, and organizations in 31 countries engaging youth and educators in schools and out-of-school programs. For more information, visit www.adobe.com/go/youthvoices.

About the Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation

The Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation encourages social change by uniting people, especially children, through the universal language of music. The Peapod Foundation was established as a Charitable Service Fund administered by the Entertainment Industry Foundation. For more information, visit www.thepeapodfoundation.com.

About the Entertainment Industry Foundation

The Entertainment Industry Foundation, as a leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support charitable initiatives addressing critical health, education and social issues. For more information visit www.eifoundation.org.

Charity Auction - the World's Largest Custom Oil Painting of a Wedding Portrait

2009-02-04T17:50:00.000+02:00

SEATTLE, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The charity auction of the world's largest custom oil painting of a wedding portrait is live on eBay through February 4th 2009, and the start bid is US$1. painting4u.com has decided to donate 100% of the proceeds raised to IFRC.

"We are very pleased that painting4u.com has decided to hold this charity auction, to sensitize people about the crisis in global humanitarian assistance," said Simon Missiri, Head of IFRC Resource Mobilization and Relationship Management.

"While the world financial crisis may have serious repercussions on humanitarian aid budgets, the Federation wants to remind governments that they cannot be oblivious to the worsening problems of the most vulnerable people in countries around the world," said Federation Head of Communications, Pierre Kremer. "In the context of the 'globalisation' of crises, humanitarian issues are everyone's concerns."

"What we can do might be very little, but we hope to make the world aware that there is a much worse disaster outside Wall Street now! And we are delighted to work with the IFRC to be part of the solution," said Thomas Luce, the co-founder of painting4u.com.

"The World's Largest Custom Oil Painting of a Wedding Portrait" will be 8 meters wide by 2.7 meters high. The auction winner will provide a wedding photograph, and artists from painting4u.com will turn it into the world's largest wedding portrait oil painting on canvas.

Visit www.painting4u.com/charity or shop.ebay.com/merchant/painting4u-com for more information or to place a bid. The auction will be closed on Feb. 13rd and the winner will be announced on Feb. 14th 2009, Valentine's Day.

About IFRC

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world's largest humanitarian organization.

About painting4u.com

painting4u.com is the world's leading oil painting studio as well as the first online painting studio committed to charity support. It provides 100% hand-painted oil portraits, painted from customers' photographs, a unique and original gift idea for all occasions.

     Contact:
     Sandy Chong
     Marketing Director, painting4u.com
     Tel: +1.206.274.9440 | sandy@painting4u.com

     Marie-Francoise Borel
     Media and Public Communications, IFRC
     Tel: + 41.22.730.4346 | Manuela.Limacher@ifrc.org

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

4th Annual 'Jazz In The Gardens' Hosted by Tom Joyner March 28 & 29, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium

2009-02-04T17:00:00.000+02:00

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Miami Gardens announces the star-studded lineup for the 4th Annual "Jazz in the Gardens" hosted by #1 rated, nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner, taking place on Saturday, March 28th and Sunday, March 29th at Dolphin Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056.

Confirmed artists include the dynamic and popular Maze featuring Frankie Beverly; soul singing sensation, Anthony Hamilton; renowned Grammy award-winning saxophonist, Kenny G; hip-hop emcee and actor, Common; Grammy-winning soul singer and writer, Erykah Badu; R&B singer and songwriter, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds; smooth and sexy, Will Downing; funk, soul and old school jazz composer, Roy Ayers; West-African-born and critically acclaimed jazz vocalist, Angelique Kidjo; and two-time Grammy-nominated songwriter, guitarist and producer, Jonathan Butler.

"Four years ago, we were just another jazz festival, now it is really amazing to know that nationally and internationally, we are a well-known and respected music festival. 'Jazz in the Gardens' has become an economic resource; infusing a new stream of revenue into the South Florida area; creating business opportunities for local businesses and sponsors; and driving tourists into South Florida and the local community. In 2009 we will exceed our past attendance records and continue to make Miami Gardens the winter-break destination for adults," says Mayor Shirley Gibson.

With attendance doubling each year, "Jazz in the Gardens" is one of the top cultural events in South Florida and across the country. The jazz festival is a diverse mix of music genres that range from Jazz, R&B, Caribbean and African sounds. "Jazz in the Gardens" is an exciting multi-cultural event that has something to offer all music aficionados. With an expected turnout of 30,000, it is positioned to break its own attendance record yet again.

Tickets are on sale now, available through the Dolphin Stadium Box office, www.jazzinthegardens.com or www.ticketmaster.com. For additional information about "Jazz in the Gardens" 2009 visit www.jazzinthegardens.com or contact the City of Miami Gardens (305.622.8043). For media inquiries contact Circle of One Marketing (305.576.3790). Artists' photos and interviews are available upon request.

Boston BLOOMS! This March!

2009-02-04T15:49:00.000+02:00

BOSTON, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- In the Boston tradition of celebrating the arrival of Spring, The Trustees and Officers of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society announce their new spring flower event, "BLOOMS!", taking place Friday March 13 through Sunday March 15, 2009 in downtown Boston. Accomplished flower designers and plant societies will present a spectacle of springtime collections of gorgeous floral and garden arrangements in the magnificent marble lobbies of One International Place, 125 High Street, and the InterContinental Hotel in Boston. These three venues, overlooking Mass Hort's own 5-acre Greenway Gardens, have been generously donated for this new and exciting event.

As a departure from the traditional, large scale landscaping vignettes of former flower shows, "BLOOMS!" will offer intimate displays, enhanced by the magnificent architecture of these lobbies. According to Diane Valle, Chair of the event, "This visual abundance of flora, to be offered free to the public, celebrates the location, beauty and natural energy of Mass Hort Greenway Gardens, from The Moakley Bridge to South Station, part of The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

"We believe this complimentary, uplifting and entertaining event will allow city visitors and local Bostonians, who have not yet explored the area, an opportunity to discover the accessibility and vibrancy of the new Greenway Gardens and the evolving waterfront neighborhood," says Tim Kirwan, General Manager, InterContinental Boston.

"BLOOMS!" plans to offer an educational lecture series including a talk by Roger Swain, former host of the Victory Garden and editor of Horticulture magazine; an extraordinary display of roses from around the world in tribute to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway; children's gardening activities; window boxes designed with unusual plants; a Master Gardener Information Booth, orchid and bonsai exhibits; as well as a "BLOOMS!" party.

The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, celebrating its 80th year of exhibiting at Mass Hort events, will showcase fifty "Boston Landmarks Standard Flower Show" designs. Mass Hort Amateur Designers will create floral interpretations of "Boston Neighborhoods."

The Massachusetts Horticultural Society is the oldest horticultural society in the United States, founded in 1829, and has recently been reorganized with new leadership. "BLOOMS!" is funded in total by in-kind donations and services and a grant from the F.A. Bartlett Tree Experts Company. For more information and a schedule of events: www.masshort.org

Consulting Producer of 'The Antiques Roadshow' Joins Enservio

2009-02-04T13:10:00.000+02:00

Dan Farrell Appointed VP of Collector Services at EnservioSelect

NATICK, Mass., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Enservio Inc, the nation's leading provider of contents inventory creation, valuation services and software, today announced the appointment of Dan Farrell as vice president of Collector Services at EnservioSelect. EnservioSelect delivers the market-leading property contents inventory and valuation services to private clients, adjusters, insurance carriers serving high-net-worth individuals and related business entities. Mr. Farrell is, perhaps, best known as the Consulting Producer of "Antiques Roadshow," a signature program for PBS.

As vice president of Collector Services, Farrell's extensive background offers "myriad opportunities for EnservioSelect's clients to realize precise and accurate appraisals of their most valuable possessions and will instill the highest level of confidence in Enservio's capabilities," said Jon McNeill, CEO of Enservio. "We couldn't be more pleased to have him on board."

In addition to Mr. Farrell, EnservioSelect has a committed, professional staff with superior knowledge of high-end property claims. They have full-time specialists, staff experts and a comprehensive network of consultants with extensive credentials and years of experience in fine arts, antiques, collectibles, interior decoration, oriental rugs, couture clothing and wine collections, including conservation and restoration. "I've known and collaborated with Dan over a number of years and am now thrilled to have someone of his stature in the appraisal community join our team," said Tom Kirkpatrick, president of EnservioSelect.

Mr. Farrell serves as the consulting producer for the PBS television series "Antiques Roadshow." He has worked since 1981, with many stops along the way, to finally bring together WGBH in Boston and PBS to present this popular television show to the American viewing public. In 1990, Mr. Farrell established and served as the managing vice president of the U.S. Office of Antique Collectors' Club Ltd., a specialty publisher and distributor of high-quality books on art, antiques, architecture and fine living. He is also a principal in the fine art publishing company Hudson Hills Press. Farrell holds a BA degree from the University of Notre Dame, an MBA from the University of Chicago and an M.Sc. from the London School of Economics.

Mr. Farrell is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of EnservioSelect by leading the Collector Services team. "Our goals at EnservioSelect are ambitious and will take substantial effort to achieve. I believe the potential for Collector Services is outstanding," said Kirkpatrick.

EnservioSelect Collector Services offers:

Specialty appraisal of fine arts, antiques, textiles and collectibles, wine and objects d'art for Insurance Companies and the public.

Assistance to underwriters conducting surveys and appraisals of personal property to ensure accurately written coverage.

Pre-loss inventories and appraisals for individuals, businesses and institutions for insurance, probate and net worth management purposes.

EnservioSelect delivers the highest-quality property contents inventory and appraisal services to institutions and insurance companies, catering primarily to high-net-worth individuals and related business entities. EnservioSelect works closely with the insured and adjusters to achieve a fair and equitable contents valuation in a timely manner. Concierge-level service and a deep understanding of the claims process allow us to satisfy the most demanding customers. EnservioSelect is headquartered in Easthampton, MA.

    Contact Information:

    Christine St. John
    Director, Marketing
    Enservio
    phone: 508-318-4825
    mobile: 617-777-4349
   http://www.enservio.com
   http://www.enservioselect.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

Kodak and Duckwall-ALCO Introduce New Photo Solutions to Rural America

2009-02-04T13:00:00.000+02:00

Innovative Kodak Photo Solutions Enhance Retail Photo Center Experiences

ROCHESTER, N.Y. and ABILENE, Kan., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK) and Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUCK) today announced the successful deployment of KODAK Picture Kiosks to more than 213 Duckwall-ALCO stores across the U.S. (approximately 80 percent of Duckwall-ALCO stores nationwide). KODAK Picture Kiosks allow Duckwall-ALCO to deliver a host of new digital printing and photo processing services to its customers in small communities around the country.

In addition to conventional photo prints, KODAK Picture Kiosks enable Duckwall-ALCO customers to quickly and easily create unique photo solutions, such as KODAK Picture Movie DVDs, KODAK Picture CDs, photo collages, calendars, invitations, announcements, and greeting cards. Prior to installing the KODAK Picture Kiosks, Duckwall-ALCO customers had limited choices for photo finishing and photo creation services, and would often have to drive to larger cities to take care of their photo printing and processing needs.

"KODAK Picture Kiosks represent the latest service in a continuing effort to provide product and services for everyday life in small town America," said Mike Crist, Director of Business Development, Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. "Introducing a highly recognized brand like Kodak to our customers has been overwhelmingly positive and has generated increased week-to-week traffic at our photo centers."

Duckwall-Alco has taken advantage of Kodak's scalable suite of digital printing kiosks and has selected specific equipment configurations to meet each store's volume and available space requirements. Leveraging Kodak's award winning user interface, the KODAK Picture Kiosk G4's lightning fast image loading and processing speed reduces wait times, increases consumer satisfaction and delivers stunning products that help consumers share and relive their lives in new and exciting ways.

"Kodak's state-of-the-art photo order and processing technologies can be scaled to meet a wide variety of retail environments, and we're proud to see our KODAK Picture Kiosks driving success for a leading small-market retailer like Duckwall-ALCO," said Mike Saturnia, Director & Vice President of Sales, Eastman Kodak Company. "We are proud to bring our digital printing capabilities and experiences to a new set of consumers. Kodak is helping retailers in markets of all sizes and locations inspire their customers to create unique and memorable photo products."

You will find a KODAK Picture Kiosk in every Alco store - please visit www.alcostores.com for a store near you.

About Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. specializes in meeting the retail needs of smaller, underserved communities, primarily in the central United States. The Company offers an exceptional selection of fashionable merchandise, quality products and recognized brand names at reasonable prices. Its specialty is delivering those products with the friendly, personal service its customers have come to expect. With 258 stores across 23 states, Duckwall-ALCO Stores is proud to have continually provided excellent products at good value prices to its customers for 107 years. To learn more about Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. visit www.ALCOstores.com.

About Kodak

As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.

2009

KODAK is a trademark of Kodak.

Pictures Say a Thousand Words... No American Should Lack Access to Affordable, Comprehensive Health Services

2009-02-04T11:15:00.000+02:00

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) along with Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon and CareOregon come together to present the unique photos by Bruce Davidson who documents the lives benefited by Medicaid Managed Care and Safety Net Health Plans.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090204/DC65762)

Davidson is a renowned American photographer who has dedicated his life to documenting the tenderness and courage of human life. Davidson took these photos in partnership with CareOregon to help illustrate the lives of people who are covered by CareOregon.

"I have devoted many years of my life to capturing the essence of substantive issues across the nation, and felt this was yet another opportunity to show the positive influence these plans have on the people they serve," said Bruce Davidson.

ACAP's Safety Net Health Plans, which include CareOregon, have made great strides in improving health care efficiency and quality for low-income, vulnerable individuals. With greater use of health plans in Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care has the potential to save upwards of $83 billion over the next 10 years, according to research sponsored by ACAP.

"We felt it is important to show the public how our plans affect the many lives Medicaid serves across the United States," said Margaret Murray, CEO of ACAP. "And what better way to tell our story than with these astonishing photos Mr. Davidson has captured on our behalf."

ACAP is a national trade organization representing 42 nonprofit Safety Net Health Plans that serve more than 6 million individuals in Medicaid, Medicare, SCHIP, and other public health programs. ACAP's mission has always been to represent and strengthen not-for-profit Safety Net Health Plans as they work in their communities to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. CareOregon is a not-for-profit organization committed to improving and protecting the health of low-income and vulnerable Oregonians.

A special reception featuring remarks by Bruce Davidson and Senator Ron Wyden will take place at the Russell Senate Building, Room 385, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (remarks will be made around 5:15 p.m.) The photos will be on display at the Russell Senate Building Rotunda from Feb. 9-13, 2009. By displaying pictures of actual CareOregon members, ACAP hopes to put a face to Safety Net Health Plans.

For more information about ACAP or any of their member plans, please visit www.communityplans.net.

Top National Museums Outside D.C.: 5 Unique Collections to Visit Far Beyond the Beltway

2009-02-03T18:00:00.000+02:00

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- True, Washington, D.C.'s venerable array of museums has been much in the news of late with the capitol's recent status as red-hot travel destination; but you don't have to be Washington-bound to enjoy our country's national museums. A number of intriguing offerings lie well beyond the Beltway and enjoy extensive histories and collections of their own, including the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which perches on a Jackson Hole butte overlooking the National Elk Wildlife Refuge.

"Our location plays an integral role in our mission of connecting people with the natural world through fine art," explains National Museum of Wildlife Art Director of Marketing Zeenie Scholz. "There's an immeasurable benefit to seeing the art along with wildlife in its natural habitat on view from our terrace -- not to mention our proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks -- that we couldn't provide even from a spot on the Washington Mall."

For Washington outsiders looking to share in a national vision for the arts closer to home -- or Washington insiders looking for a getaway -- these five museums ably represent unique U.S. collections from disparate spots across the country:

National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyo. Representing more than 5,000 works of international wildlife art from its slope-side perch amid real wildlife habitat. www.wildlifeart.org
National Quilt Museum (Museum of the American Quilter), Paducah, Ky. Honoring the quilt maker's art with exhibits from antique to contemporary and American to international. www.quiltmuseum.org
National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, Ill. Presenting a borderless view of Mexican arts and history from its culturally-grounded location in the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood. www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, Okla. Encompassing everything from Western art and firearms to John Wayne memorabilia and Native American arts from the heart of cattle country. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
National Music Museum, Vermillion, S. Dak. World's most inclusive collection of some 14,000 instruments, from 16th-century European keyboards to great American guitars. www.usd.edu/smm

Media Contacts: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, 307.734.5335, darla@wordenpr.com; Zeenie Scholz, National Museum of Wildlife Art, 307.732.5437, zscholz@wildlifeart.org

DeCordova Museum Taps CMN's Expertise for Innovative Flickr Site

2009-02-03T15:10:00.000+02:00

WATERTOWN, Mass., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Corey McPherson Nash (CMN), a leading national branding and design firm based in Watertown, MA, has created a Flickr site as a means of press interaction for DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park. The Museum looks to CMN's expertise in communications including social media tools to promote the Sculpture Park and current exhibitions.

The DeCordova Flickr account is intended to share high-resolution photos with journalists and members of the media. CMN created procedures and documentation for the Museum's staff to reduce the amount of time it takes for them to prepare and distribute publicity photographs as well as consolidate information for journalists writing about the Museum and its exhibitions.

"The Flickr site is a user friendly place for us and the media that saves us time and energy while simultaneously augmenting quality of communication," said Nina Bozicnik, DeCordova's Koch Curatorial Fellow. "[It] streamlines our operations and solved our once haphazard system of providing media outlets with high-resolution images."

The account launched on December 30, 2008 with over 100 images of the Sculpture Park and artwork from four current and upcoming exhibitions. The images are accompanied by exhibition descriptions, artists' statements, and details on artwork. The content on the Flickr site is protected from public view and can only be accessed through invitation from DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park.

About The DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park

The DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park is a public museum of art established to educate as broad and diverse a public as possible about modern and contemporary American art. The Museum accomplishes this mission by focusing primarily, though not exclusively, on the art of the New England region, while the Sculpture Park features artwork produced nationally.

About Corey McPherson Nash

Corey McPherson Nash, a national branding and design firm, helps organizations achieve measurable brand equity across a wide variety of print and interactive communications. Widely recognized for its thoughtful design and strategic insights into the critical task of brand iteration and creative development, it is the branding studio of choice for a wide range of leading business, educational, and cultural institutions. Visit Corey online at http://www.corey.com.

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New Abstract 'Green Art' & 'Energy Art' Series Launched: 50% of All Proceeds Will Go to a Pro-Life Organization

2009-02-03T15:00:00.000+02:00

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- After seven years of painting and marketing contemporary figurative oils on canvas with eye-sharing faces, Artist, Author and Designer Sharon M (Geisen) Hayes is painting abstract "Green Art" and "Energy Art" with a new goal in mind.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090203/CG65017)

"I love our world, I love people and I love life. My oil paintings with eye-sharing faces have a meaning behind them, which is, we are all one, all connected," said Sharon Hayes. "I want to help young pregnant women who think that abortion is their only alternative because they cannot afford a child, or because they are alone; that is one of the loneliest feelings in the world."

We are also one with our environment, and in keeping with that thought Ms Hayes has released her first two paintings from her "Energy" Series. Both paintings are six feet long by eighteen inches tall and are oils on canvas. Their titles are "Wave" and "Motion".

The "Our World" design series being launched includes the titles "I Think Green", which is a digital abstract and has a view looking up through a tree, "I Think Clean", which is a digital abstract of air swirls, and "I Think Clear", which is a digital abstract of water waves.

The art may be viewed at: http://www.hayesfinearts.com/HFA/

Ms Hayes is also CEO and Founder of Angel Heaven(TM) World.com (http://angelheavenworld.com), a new safe and wholesome website and toy line for children ages 3-11.

TED Conference Introduces TED Fellows Program

2009-02-02T14:35:00.000+02:00

Fifty World-Changing Individuals to be Selected Annually for New, Prestigious Fellowship Program; 20 move to Senior Fellows Three-Year Program

LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Organizers of the TED Conference today announced the introduction of the TED Fellows program, a new international program designed to foster the spread of great ideas. Initially 50 individuals, selected for the world-changing potential of their work, will be invited to participate in the TED community each year. At the end of the year, 20 of these 50 will be selected to be TED Senior Fellows, participating in an extended three-year program will bring them to six consecutive conferences, along with additional benefits. The principal goal of the program is to empower the Fellows to effectively communicate their work to the TED community and to the world.

The TED Fellows program will focus on attracting applicants living or working in five parts of the globe: the Asia/Pacific region, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Middle East, with consideration given to applicants from the rest of the world. TED will seek remarkable thinkers and doers that have shown unusual accomplishment, exceptional courage, moral imagination and the potential to increase positive change in their respective fields. The program focuses on innovators in technology, entertainment, design, science, film, art, music, entrepreneurship and the NGO community, among other pursuits.

The program was inspired by the TEDAfrica 2007 conference in Arusha, Tanzania, in which 100 fellows participated in a first-of-its kind gathering that catalyzed a new generation of doers -- all entrepreneurial, fluent in technology and vested in creating change on the continent. The Arusha fellows brought with them new perspectives, enormous energy, enthusiasm and, through their ovation-generating talks, catalyzed the launch of many initiatives with other attendees. Propelled by their energy, TED decided to develop the TED Fellows program.

"Because TEDAfrica's success in 2007 was due in no small part to the boundless energy and remarkable ideas of our fellows, we decided to create a permanent program to bring more amazing individuals into the TED Community. TED will help them communicate their 'ideas worth spreading' to a much larger audience," said Tom Rielly, TED Community Director, who is responsible for the program.

Each Fellow will attend the prestigious TED Conference in Long Beach or Oxford, where they will have the opportunity to speak before or during TED and spread their ideas online through TED.com. They will also receive exclusive communications training, a private social network and the opportunity to tell their ongoing stories on the new TED Fellows blog.

Each year, 50 Fellows will be selected to attend the TED (Long Beach) or TEDGlobal Conference (in Oxford, U.K.), approximately 25 at each location. TED Fellows will be awarded the opportunity to participate in the full spectrum of TED community offerings. An international selection committee representing the target regions will then choose the Senior Fellows. Three years from today, in addition to the 50 TED Fellows, there will be 60 concurrent TED Senior Fellows, with 20 joining each year, and 20 graduating to the Fellows alumni.

The first participants include

Erik Hersman and Juliana Rotich, co-founders of Ushahidi.com, a website for citizen journalism covering crises such as the Kenyan post-election violence
Faisal Chohan, CEO of Cogilent Solutions and founder of BrightSpyre.com, the leading job portal in Pakistan
Juliana Machado Ferreira, Brazilian CSI: Wildlife biologist who uses genetic markers to track, interdict and convict illegal songbird traffickers
Sara Mayhew, Canadian mangaka (manga artist)
Patrick Awuah, founder and President of Asheshi University in Ghana, which specializes in economics and computer science
Bola Olabisi, founder and CEO of the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network
Katrin Verclas, founder of Mobileactive.org, a global network using mobile technology for social good
Taghi Amirani, award-winning documentary filmmaker from Iran
Yatin Sethi, Indian design researcher and children's education activist
Kyra Gaunt, professor, ethnomusicologist and recording artist
Karen Baptiste, post-doctoral fellow from Trinidad and Tobago working on environmental justice
Tin Ho Chow, former Singaporean military officer and RISD industrial design student organizing design conferences for social change
Gerry Douglas, founder of Baobab Health - an NGO creating eHealth systems to address health care crises in the developing world with particular emphasis on HIV care and treatment
Esther K. Chae, Korean-American actor and writer whose solo performance So the Arrow Flies, inspired by true events, tells the story of a North Korean spy and the FBI agent who pursues her

A complete list of the 2009 Long Beach TED Fellows can be found at http://www.ted.com/fellows/2009.

The program is supported initially by the Bezos family, the Harnisch Foundation, private donors and Nokia, with additional in-kind support from Kodak, Livescribe and One.org. To support the program, email fellows@ted.com.

Details are available at http://www.ted.com/fellows/2009. For more information, please contact Logan McClure at +1 212.346.9333 or via email at fellows@ted.com.

About TED

TED is an annual event where some of the world's leading thinkers and doers are invited to share what they are most passionate about. "TED" stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design -- three broad subject areas that are, collectively, shaping our future. And in fact, the event is broader still, showcasing ideas that matter in any discipline. Attendees have called it "the ultimate brain spa" and "a four-day journey into the future." The diverse audience -- CEOs, scientists, creatives, philanthropists -- is almost as extraordinary as the speakers, who have included Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Frank Gehry, Paul Simon, Sir Richard Branson, Philippe Starck and Bono.

TED was first held in Monterey, California, in 1984. In 2001, Chris Anderson's Sapling Foundation acquired TED from its founder, Richard Saul Wurman. In recent years, TED has expanded to include an international conference, TEDGlobal; media initiatives, including TED Talks and TED.com; and the TED Prize. TED2009, "The Great Unveiling," will be held Feb. 3-7, 2009, in Long Beach, California, with a simulcast event in Palm Springs, California.

Annenberg Space for Photography

2009-02-02T14:00:00.000+02:00

Internationally Renowned Artists Come Together for Inaugural Exhibit

"L8S ANG3LES"

Features 8 LA-based Master Photographers Plus 3 from LA Times

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Annenberg Foundation announced today the opening exhibit for the Annenberg Space for Photography, a community space dedicated to both digital images and print photography in Los Angeles, California to open Friday, March 27, 2009.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090202/DC65326 )

The premiere show, entitled "L8S ANG3LES" will comprise of images from eight Los Angeles-based photographers in the genres of fine art, architecture, documentary, fashion, photojournalism and celebrity portraits. The artists contributing to the group show, are among the most respected in their fields; John Baldessari, Catherine Opie, Greg Gorman, Douglas Kirkland, Tim Street-Porter, Julius Shulman, Lauren Greenfield, and Carolyn Cole. The exhibit will also include work from Los Angeles Times staff photographers depicting life in this city; Lawrence Ho, Genaro Molina, and Kirk McKoy. Following a Gala premiere on March 25, the exhibit will open to the public on Friday, March 27 and close on June 20, 2009.

Located on the former site of the Shubert Theater, the Photography Space is a 10,000 square foot facility. The dynamic exhibition space will feature, along with a traditional print gallery, a state-of-the-art digital presentation system capable of sharing an unprecedented number of photographs with the public in large and high-resolution format. This system can also simultaneously show adjacent video of the photographers discussing their work.

The selected work of the artists, though greatly contrasting in style and tone, all speak to the mission of the Photography Space, which is to celebrate photography as an art form and present images focused on the human condition. Anne Wilkes Tucker, Gus and Lyndall Wortham Curator of Photography from the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, served as Special Advisor for the opening installation. Of the artists featured in "L8S ANG3LES" Ms. Tucker comments, "The vision of these photographers reflects the vast talent and energy that have made Los Angeles into a world class city in less than a century."

Annenberg Foundation Vice President, Wallis Annenberg, commented, "I have a passion for photography and a great pride in the fine city of Los Angeles. I am thrilled that artists of this magnitude are taking part in our inaugural show and know that through their brilliance they will bring great inspiration to the visitors of this new space which we are creating and operating as a gift to the community."

The exhibit will include work from:

John Baldessari (www.baldessari.com) John Baldessari is one of the most sought after artists of our time. He is a recipient of the Americans for the Arts lifetime achievement award and the Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in Visual Arts in California. He has shown his work in over 200 solo exhibitions, and taken part in more than 750 group shows. Employing humor and irony to convey his thoughts, he takes his own photographs or appropriates images from popular culture to make large scale artworks.

Carolyn Cole is a staff photographer for the Los Angeles Times. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography in 2004, for her coverage of the siege of Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. Ms. Cole has specialized in photographs of children living in war torn areas such as Israel, Liberia and Iraq, but her newest coverage has ranged from the Israeli war with Gaza to the recent inauguration of Barack Obama. She has repeatedly placed herself in situations of danger around the world in order to report on issues that she believes should be covered.

Greg Gorman (www.greggormanphotography.com) Greg Gorman began his career in 1968 when he photographed a Jimi Hendrix concert, which led to coverage of the sixties rock movement. Over the decades, he has captured famous people in film, music, sports and the art world, ranging from Bette Davis and Leonardo DiCaprio to David Hockney and Philip Johnson. Working in a high key, black and white style, he developed a distinctive look for his images, which he later brought to his photographs of nudes. He has also produced music videos.

Lauren Greenfield (www.laurengreenfield.com) Lauren Greenfield's work features the dark side of the idealized world of stardom and celebrity. Her work focuses on issues relating to youth culture, gender identity, body image, eating disorders, money and the influence of popular culture on how we live. Ms. Greenfield has published several books and has directed a feature-length documentary entitled Thin, as well as the follow-up short film kids + money for HBO.

Douglas Kirkland (www.douglaskirkland.com) Douglas Kirkland became famous for his photographs of Marilyn Monroe in 1961 and has since photographed generations of actors, ranging from those of the Golden Age to today. He is also known for his work as a set photographer having work on more than one hundred films, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Sound of Music, Out of Africa, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Titanic and most recently Australia. He began his career as a staff photographer for Look and Life magazines and has continued to freelance for major publications.

Catherine Opie came to art-world prominence in the mid-1990s as an artist specializing in issues within portraiture and documentary photography. Throughout her work she has investigated aspects of social culture, taking portraits of many groups including the gay and lesbian community, surfers, and most recently high school football players. Ms. Opie has also focused on the cultural and literal landscapes in and around various cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Pittsburg where she's explored how identities are projected by our architecture.

Julius Shulman For over 72-years Julius Shulman has played a major role in crafting the images of the Los Angeles and Southern California lifestyle as they came to be perceived by the world. He is best known for his iconic photographs of landmark buildings such as the Kaufman House in Palm Springs, "Case Study House #22" and the Stahl House designed by Pierre Koenig, where he used people to humanize the cool international style. He continues to photograph today.

Timothy Street-Porter (www.timstreet-porter.com) Tim Street-Porter has documented architecture for nearly 30 years. Through his lens visitors can see a Los Angeles that no longer exists, as well as new buildings such as the Disney Center and the restorations of historical modern and vernacular architectural treasures. He was inspired by the city's unique quality of light, which he has used to great effect over the years with his eloquent photographs.

The Photography Space will also offer the public programs, which will include lectures and workshops related to "L8S ANG3LES." Additional dates will be announced as available. Online registration for all events, unless otherwise noted, will begin March 27, 2009 at www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org.

"Iris Nights" Lecture Series

Conducted on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8pm, these sessions will be free but will require advance reservations. Confirmed thus far are:

Douglas Kirkland A FIFTY YEAR LOVE AFFAIR WITH PHOTOGRAPHY April 2, 2009

Presented by Canon's Explorer's of Light program

Greg Gorman CELEBRITY PORTRAITURE April 16, 2009

Carolyn ColeApril 30, 2009

Catherine OpieMay 7, 2009

Julius Shulman and Wim de Wit (Head of the Department of May 14, 2009

Architecture and Design The Getty

Research Institute)

Lauren GreenfieldMay 21, 2009

Patrick Ecclesine FACES OF SUNSET BOULEVARD June 4, 2009

Workshops

Greg Gorman DIGITAL WORKSHOP Saturday, April 18, 2009

This session includes a fee. More information and registration is at www.greggormanphotography.com and www.gormanworkshops.com.

The Annenberg Space for Photography General Information:

2000 Avenue of the Stars,

Century City, CA. 90067

General admission is free.

Operating hours Wednesday through Sundays are 11am to 6pm. The Photography Space is closed Monday and Tuesday. Underground self-parking is available and can be accessed via Constellation Boulevard. Validation for reduced parking fees will be provided.

The Annenberg Space for Photography future exhibit schedule includes July 2009 to October 2009: "PICTURES OF THE YEAR," the winning photographs from the country's premiere photojournalism contest; and Early November 2009 to March 2010: WALTER IOOSS and NEIL LEIFER, work by two eminent sports photographers.

Background

The Annenberg Space for Photography was conceived by the collective Board of Trustees of the Foundation-Wallis Annenberg, Lauren Bon, Charles Annenberg Weingarten and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten. The original inspiration behind the Photography Space was sparked by Wallis Annenberg's personal devotion to photography. Wallis and the Foundation Trustees sought to create a new paradigm for experiencing photography that would compliment the landscape of the Los Angeles and national photography community, and build on the longstanding tradition of the Foundation to support the arts.

About the Annenberg Foundation

Established in 1989 by Walter H. Annenberg, the Annenberg Foundation provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations in the United States and globally through its headquarters in Radnor, Pennsylvania, and offices in Los Angeles, California and Washington, D.C. Its major program areas are education and youth development; arts, culture and humanities; civic and community life; health and human services; and animal services and the environment. In addition, the Foundation operates a number of initiatives which expand and complement these program areas. The Annenberg Foundation exists to advance the public well-being through improved communication. As the principal means of achieving this goal, the Foundation encourages the development of more effective ways to share ideas and knowledge.

Filmed Documentary 'I Remember When' Features John Daso

2009-02-01T08:12:00.000+02:00

ATLANTA, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Principal Photography began on Friday, January 30, for the filmed documentary, "I Remember When" at John Daso's Gallery - Gifted Artist. The project is a joint venture of Michael D. Wilson, CEO of BuppieTv.com and Annette D. Colbert-Beavers, CEO of Visage Production of Georgia, Inc. A short will be presented to the Festival de Cannes-Marche du Film Festival for consideration this year.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090201/DA65304 )

During the Martin L. King Day ceremonial celebration, Annette contacted Michael and William in Atlanta. She asked that they stop by the Gallery just to see Daso's work in Buckhead. After the conference call, and a meeting with John Daso, Michael scheduled the date for the shooting. The phenomenal thing about all of this is - Michael, William and John have yet to meet Annette.

"I'm from Oklahoma City, and people are friendly," states Annette D. Colbert-Beavers, "Oklahomans know how to make friends." "It is interesting," Michael Wilson adds, "because she sold us on the project by phone and the Internet."

The "I Remember When" Collection will be shown on March 8-12, 2009 at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, New York. Tickets are on sale through Shubert Ticketing. (www.telecharge.com)

In addition, a local event at the Mansion on Peachtree is scheduled for Friday, February 27 at 7:00p.m. This event will give John Daso local recognition in Buckhead.

"Art with a Touch of Mink" is another elegant event produced by Annette D. Colbert-Beavers and tickets go on sale next week through the same company (www.telecharge.com). It features art and a mink fashion show.

John Daso keeps this all in perspective. His wife Janice shares, "It is the gift that makes room for him."

And John is quick to conclude, "Wherever the gift takes me is where I go."

    Annette D. Colbert-Beavers
    adcolbert@yahoo.com
    Visage Production, Inc
    6009 Northwest Expressway
    Oklahoma City, OK  73118
    (405) 722-7774 office
    (405) 722-1930 fax
    (405) 431-5203 cell

Naples Winter Wine Festival Charity Auction Features an Audi R8

2009-01-30T16:14:00.000+02:00

HERNDON, Va., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the grandest prizes up for auction this year at the Naples Winter Wine Festival, Naples, Florida charity event is the chance to own an Audi R8 sports car finished in Ibis White and a black Fine Nappa leather interior.

The Naples Winter Wine Festival is one of the nation's leading arts and entertainment events for wealthy Americans, as ranked by the Luxury Institute. The event brings together some of the world's premiere vintners, chefs, wine collectors and philanthropists over three days. Proceeds from the festival's 2009 Dreams DO Come True Auction will benefit the Naples Children & Education Foundation, which assists underprivileged and at-risk children in that region of Florida. This year's auction will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples with 65 lots to be auctioned off this year.

Last year's auction raised $14 million for children's charities, with the average winning bid hitting $197,183 in 2008. Wine Spectator hailed the festival as the nation's most successful charity wine auction since 2004. The event has raised $69.5 million since 2001.

Audi of America and Audi Naples are providing the R8 that will be auctioned off. For more information on the Naples Winter Wine Festival and the 2009 auction, please go to http://www.napleswinefestival.com .

ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA

Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German- engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales growth. Visit http://www.audiusa.com or http://www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

Jeremy Strick Named Director of Nasher Sculpture Center

2009-01-30T10:00:00.000+02:00

DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, Texas, announced today the appointment of Jeremy Strick as the Center's new Director. Mr. Strick will begin his position on March 2, 2009. His selection follows an extensive international search led a by a committee established by the Center's Board of Directors.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090130/DA64417)

Mr. Strick served over nine years as the Director of The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, California. He is the second Director to be named to the Nasher Sculpture Center. The Center's first Director, Dr. Steven A. Nash, led the Center's opening in 2003, and resigned in March 2007 to become Director of the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Springs, California.

"The appointment of Jeremy Strick as the Nasher's new Director is a pivotal moment in the five-year history of this institution," said David J. Haemisegger, President of the Nasher Sculpture Center Board. "We look forward with great anticipation to Jeremy's innovative leadership in guiding the Nasher into the future and continuing to enhance Dallas' reputation as a cultural destination of international acclaim."

As Director of The Museum of Contemporary Art since 1999, Mr. Strick was responsible for exhibitions at, and operations of, three MOCA Los Angeles locations, in addition to leading a staff of over 150 full and part-time employees. Accomplishments during his tenure included the opening of MOCA Pacific Design Center, a 3,000-square-foot satellite gallery, in January of 2001, as well as a significant expansion of the museum's permanent collection - now comprising over 6,000 works - most recently strengthened through the gift of The Blake Byrne Collection, the largest single donation in the history of the institution, and The Einstein Collection.

"Having worked with the Nasher Collection at the very outset of my career, I am especially delighted to be joining the Nasher Sculpture Center at this exciting moment in the history of this marvelous institution," said Mr. Strick. "No museum anywhere is better-positioned to further the understanding of, and appreciation for modern and contemporary sculpture. I look forward to working with a talented staff and committed board to create a program that through its quality, scope, and ambition will capture the attention of the world."

During his tenure, MOCA's membership increased by over 80 percent to become the largest of any museum of contemporary art in North America, and the museum was honored with numerous awards for exhibitions, excellence in design, and civic guidance. Mr. Strick was responsible for the presentation of many landmark exhibitions at MOCA, including: Martin Kippenberger: The Problem Perspective (2008), Marlene Dumas: Measuring Your Own Grave (2008), (C)MURAKAMI (2007), WACK!Art and the Feminist Revolution (2007), Ecstasy: In And About Altered States (2005), Basquiat (2005), Visual Music (2005), Robert Smithson (2004), A Minimal Future? Art As Object 1958-1968 (2004), Rodney Graham: A Little Thought (2004), Lucian Freud (2003), Andy Warhol Retrospective (2002), Willem De Kooning: Tracing The Figure (2002), Superflat (2001), Douglas Gordon (2001), and The Architecture Of R.M. Schindler (2001).

Prior to being the Director of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Mr. Strick served as a senior curator at the Art Institute of Chicago, and held curatorial posts at The Saint Louis Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. He pursued graduate studies in Fine Arts at Harvard University and received his Bachelor of Arts (History of Art) in 1977 with highest honors from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Additionally, he has curated numerous exhibitions including Louise Bourgeois: The Personages 1946-1954, The Saint Louis Art Museum, 1994, and Visual Music, MOCA, 2005, and has written and lectured extensively about modern and contemporary art including as a contributor to A Century of Modern Sculpture: The Patsy and Raymond Nasher Collection, exh. cat., Dallas Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1987.

About the Nasher Sculpture Center:

Open since October 2003, the Nasher Sculpture Center is dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary sculpture through its collection, exhibition, conservation, and education programs.

The Center is located on a 2.4-acre site adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Art in the heart of the Dallas Arts District. Renzo Piano, a world-renowned architect and winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1998, is the architect of the Center's 55,000-square-foot-building. Piano worked in collaboration with landscape architect Peter Walker on the design of the 1.4-acre sculpture garden.

The Nasher Sculpture Center was the longtime dream of the late Raymond and Patsy Nasher, who together formed one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculpture in the world. The Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection includes masterpieces by Borofsky, Brancusi, Calder,

de Kooning, di Suvero, Gauguin, Giacometti, Hepworth, Kelly, Matisse, Miro, Moore, Picasso, Rodin, Rosso, Serra, Smith, Turrell, among others, and continues to grow and evolve.

The Nasher Sculpture Center presents rotating exhibitions of works from the Nasher Collection as well as special exhibitions drawn from other museums and private collections. In addition to indoor gallery space, the Center contains an auditorium, education, conservation and research facilities, a cafe, and a store.

The Nasher Sculpture Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, and during special hours for public events. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students, and free for Members and children 12 and under. For more information, visit www.NasherSculptureCenter.org.

Adrienne Arsht Among Nation's 50 Biggest Donors on the Chronicle of Philanthropy's Annual List

2009-01-29T20:31:00.000+02:00

MIAMI, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Adrienne Arsht, a respected, national business leader and hands-on philanthropist, ranks 39th among the nation's top 50 donors, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy (www.philanthropy.com). Arsht is the only Miami resident, and one of four women, to make this year's list. In 2008, Arsht donated $43.3 million to several recipients such as the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, Blair House, the University of Miami, American Ballet Theatre, Best Buddies, the United Way of Greater Miami, The Metropolitan Opera, and the Cuban National Council, among others.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090129/CLTH104)

A community-minded power broker, Arsht has taken a leading role promoting artistic, business and civic growth and development in her adopted hometown of Miami, Florida. In January of 2008, her commitment to the community and the arts took the form of a $30 million contribution to Miami's Performing Arts Center. With this contribution, the newly renamed Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County secured its financial footing and ensured the future of quality cultural programming for future generations. In 2008, Arsht also donated $5 million to the University of Miami for the Arsht Ethics Programs, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami and other university initiatives.

For more than 10 years, Arsht served as chairman of the board of TotalBank. Under her leadership, TotalBank grew from four locations to 14 locations with over $1.4 billion in assets. In November 2007, she sold the bank to Banco Popular Espanol, the third largest banking group in Spain, and was named chairman emerita of TotalBank.

New to The Chronicle of Philanthropy's annual list, but not to the world of philanthropy, Arsht has generously donated funds and resources to numerous organizations over the years. In 2004, Arsht became the first woman to join the Million Dollar Roundtable of the United Way of Miami-Dade. In 2005, she announced a $2 million gift to Goucher College, creating the Roxana Cannon Arsht Center for Ethics and Leadership, in honor of her late mother, a Goucher graduate.

Arsht serves on various national boards, including the Metropolitan Opera, American Ballet Theatre, Best Buddies International and the Global Advisory Board of the Washington National Opera. In South Florida, Arsht is chairman of the Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation and vice chair of the Miami Business Forum. She also sits on the boards of the University of Miami and Amigos For Kids. Arsht is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a lifetime trustee of Vizcaya Museum and is a fellow of The Aspen Institute.

Valentines Day: A Night of Romance Starts on the Dance Floor

2009-01-29T19:00:00.000+02:00

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Want to make this Valentine's Day more romantic? Start your evening with the sexiest pastime of all -- dancing with your partner! At Arthur Murray Dance Studios (www.arthurmurray.com) around the world, dance experts know that a real night of romance begins on the dance floor, whether the music is a sexy Latin tango, a dashing Viennese waltz, or the classic Foxtrot.

For a romantic surprise this Valentine's Day, take your date to the local Arthur Murray Dance Studio. We guarantee you'll have a fun evening together, learning new dance moves in the company of other dance lovers. It's impossible not to feel romantic when the one you love is holding you, staring at you, while you move to romantic love songs. At Arthur Murray Dance Studios across North America you'll find a comfortable atmosphere, professional instructors who are experienced in teaching couples, dance floors with lots of room to move, state-of-the-art sound systems, soft lighting and what could be better - your partner, with a smile, in your arms?

"A Valentine's dance is a warm and loving way for couples who treasure the romance of their relationship, whether they've been together for months, years, or decades. Taking your partner in your arms and moving to the music is something that you can't put in a box or have delivered," says Thomas Murdock, VP of marketing for Arthur Murray International.

"Experiencing the joy of movement together during an evening devoted just for each other demonstrates a level of caring that is missing from many couples' lives. The dance floor is a wonderful place to rediscover each other, and just in time for Valentine's Day."

Arthur Murray Dance Studios can be found throughout America and Canada and in Australia, Brazil, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, South Africa, Japan, and Puerto Rico. Arthur Murray International is based in Coral Gables, Florida (305) 445-9654 and online at www.arthurmurray.com.

Stereotypical Expectations of 'Internet Love' Ring False... True Love Story and Travel Documentary with Original Photographs and Artwork Demonstrate How Compelling Such Communications Can Be

2009-01-29T14:05:00.000+02:00

Book Provides Intimate Examination of The Joys and Challenges of a Cross-Cultural Courtship and Marriage in Both English and Spanish

LONG ISLAND, N.Y., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Internet Love: How I Met My Wife chronicles the journey of two ordinary people in two different countries who courted via the Internet for nine months and then married, only to discover they needed to learn each other's languages and cultures to make a true union.

Author Dennis Cleasby is a world traveler, artist, musician, and photographer who asked a friend from Colombia if she had any single companions in her home country. Enter Diana Marcela, who has dual masters' degrees, gave up two careers, and left Colombia for the "land of milk and honey" in the pursuit of love. The climate and cultural changes were nearly enough to cause her retreat, yet in the spirit of Valentines Day, love prevails.

Replete with insider tips such as using a translation program is not the best way to interpret love letters and that introductory photographs do not always work as a means of attraction, Dennis reaffirms that finding true love came as a result of persistence, blind faith, and tremendous risk-taking.

With the tone and authenticity of journal entries, the author describes his yearning to find his soul mate, their long-distance Internet dating, his journey to Columbia to meet her, their marriage, the legal paper-chase, and their subsequent travels in the United States and abroad. As the intricacies of life intervene they meet one another's family and friends, and this network of characters blossoms into a real-life global family.

Internet Love: How I Met My Wife has global distribution:

www.denniscleasby.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.borders.com

Ebook is available at www.booksonboard.com

To view Dennis' 'Surprise Wedding Song' for Diana click link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyx6cWOAEOs

Internet Love: How I Met My Wife by Dennis Cleasby;

$38.00 Large Full Color soft cover; ISBN 978-0981701509.

$22.00 Small English soft cover; ISBN: 978-0979459801.

$22.00 Small Spanish soft cover; ISBN 978-0981701523

Skinner, Inc. Moves to Marlborough, MA

2009-01-29T13:00:00.000+02:00

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. , Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- - www.skinnerinc.com - On February 2, 2009, Skinner, Inc., one of the nation's leading auction houses for antiques and fine art, will move from its long-time Bolton gallery to a new, state-of-the-art facility located at 274 Cedar Hill Street in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The 69,000 square foot space will house the company's corporate offices, suburban auction gallery, and property warehouse. Situated on five acres just north of the junction of Interstate 495 and the Massachusetts turnpike, the Marlborough gallery is approximately three times the size of Skinner's former location in Bolton, accommodating more room for staff, greater storage for property, and parking for over 200 cars.

"The move to this new facility has been planned since early Fall 2008, and we're very excited to finally call Marlborough home," notes Karen Keane, CEO and president of Skinner, Inc. The first auction to be held in Marlborough will be Skinner's February Discovery auction, featuring Country Americana, slated for February 26, 2009 at 10 a.m. The Marlborough location will feature Skinner's monthly Discovery auctions, as well as auctions of Science/Horology and Toys & Dolls. Skinner's Boston gallery will remain as the company's primary location for its wide array of fine specialty auctions.

Closely following on the heels of this move, Skinner also plans to launch a new live online bidding applet on its own website, www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner's live bidding applet will enable bidders to compete for auction items in real-time online without leaving the Skinner website. The live bidding applet is currently being beta-tested and will be officially launched later this spring. This applet, combined with Skinner's recently redesigned website providing enhanced content and functionality, gives online buyers a better auction experience at Skinner.

Continues Keane, "With Skinner's move to Marlborough and our online bidding applet, we hope to expand our ability to market the Skinner brand to a broader range of auction buyers and consignors."

For more information on all the ways to bid in a Skinner auction, or to register to be one of the first to live bid users at Skinner, log onto the Skinner site, and click on the Skinner-Live! page under How to Buy & Sell. It can be found at http://www.skinnerinc.com/buy-sell/skinner-live.php.

About Skinner

Skinner, Inc. is one of the nation's leading auction houses for antiques and fine art. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner's appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Paintings & Prints, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics, Fine Silver, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Science & Technology, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, Fine Judaica, Antique Motor Vehicles, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, and Discovery. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Marlborough, Mass. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner's web site http://www.skinnerinc.com.

The Kennedy Center and Daimler Financial Services Announce Interactive Media Bus Hits the Road With Innovative Arts Education Program

2009-01-29T11:00:00.000+02:00

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in partnership with Daimler Financial Services, has completed the launch phase of its innovative educational program On Location: Spotlight On Your Community at the Arts and Technology Academy Public Charter School here.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090129/CLTH017-a )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090129/CLTH017-b )

The digital media classroom on wheels, specializing in arts and technology, has started its odyssey across the United States and will travel to nine states through the end of May.

The program is designed to allow students the opportunity to tell the story of the arts in their communities, which will be shared worldwide on the Internet. Each of the 10 schools is receiving a media equipment package. Students and teachers will be trained in storytelling, filmmaking, editing, and producing video stories.

A new, customized Thomas Built Bus, a leading provider of school buses, manufactured and donated by Daimler Trucks North America, was converted into a media studio, and is visiting each school for two weeks. A drama teaching artist and media teaching artist will work with the classes in storytelling techniques and media skills. The teachers and students will work together to create a short video about an artist or arts group in the community. The completed video projects will be uploaded to www.onlocationproject.org web site maintained by the Kennedy Center and shared around the world.

"After months of planning, we are pleased to see the bus head out on the road," said Darrell Ayers, Vice President of Education for the Kennedy Center. "We were impressed by the enthusiasm, creativity, and talent demonstrated by the first school in D.C., and we can't wait to see the final products the other schools will produce."

"It is exciting for us to see this ambitious initiative reach the launch phase and see the bus start its' journey," said Richard Howard, Vice President of Daimler Truck Financial, a business unit of Daimler Financial Services. "It is an honor to partner with the Kennedy Center to bring this educational initiative to students, teachers and diverse communities across the United States."

    Schools Selected for the 2008-2009 School Year:
    -- Arts and Technology Academy Public Charter School, Washington, D.C.
    -- Hometown Elementary, Hometown, West Virginia
    -- Samuel S. Gaines Academy, Fort Pierce, Florida
    -- Beaufort Middle School, Beaufort, South Carolina
    -- Antonia Pantoja Charter School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    -- Anderson Middle School, Berkley, Michigan
    -- Normal Park Museum Magnet, Chattanooga, Tennessee
    -- Foley Middle School, Foley, Alabama
    -- Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School, Joplin, Missouri
    -- W.A. Meachum Middle School, Forth Worth, Texas


    Each school will receive:
    -- A two-week visit by the "On Location" Bus

-- Installed Media Lab consisting of a computer, digital editing software, camera(s), sound recording equipment, and accessories valued at approximately $5,000

-- $1,000 for the school to support the project

-- Curriculum materials and support to develop media projects about the arts in the community

-- Training for teacher(s) and students on how to use the media equipment and development of storytelling skills by professional teaching artists in drama and media

-- Ongoing relationship with the Kennedy Center's Education Department and the opportunity to work on additional projects with the Kennedy Center through its online program, ArtsEdge (www.artsedge.kennedy-center.org)

About The Kennedy Center Education Department

For more than 35 years, the Kennedy Center Education Department has provided quality arts experiences through performances, residencies, workshops, conferences, career development programs, symposia, and on-line and print resources. In the past year, the Center's education programs have directly impacted more than 11 million people across the nation. The mission of the Education Department is to foster understanding of and participation in the performing arts through exemplary programs and performances for diverse populations of all ages that represent the unique cultural life and heritage of the United States. For more information, visit the Center's web site at www.kennedy-center.org/education .

About Daimler Financial Services Americas (DCFS USA LLC)

Daimler Financial Services Americas (DCFS USA LLC), headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., provides brand-specific financing for Mercedes-Benz automotive dealers' inventories and their retail customers, and conducts business in the United States luxury car market as Mercedes-Benz Financial. In the U.S. trucking industry, Daimler Financial Services Americas conducts business as Daimler Truck Financial and finances Daimler commercial vehicles branded Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star for dealers and their customers in the fleet, vocational, municipal and owner/operator segments. Daimler Financial Services Americas serves as the headquarters for operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil, and has approximately 1,600 employees. Daimler Financial Services Americas is a company of the Daimler Financial Services Group, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, which operates in 40 countries with an employee base of close to 6,800. Daimler Financial Services is one of the leading financial services organizations worldwide. For more information visit www.daimler-financialservices.com/na .

About Thomas Built Buses

Thomas Built Buses (www.thomasbus.com) is the leading manufacturer of school buses in North America, with more than one-third of the market. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line in 1936, the company has focused on delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Thomas Built Buses, Inc. is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer on the continent and a leading manufacturer of class 3-8 vehicles. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.

              For more information on this project, please visit
                       www.onlocationproject.org
            For more information about the Kennedy Center please visit
                        www.kennedy-center.org

Mummies of the World: The Dream of Eternal Life, the Blockbuster Traveling Exhibit of 2010 Announces Its U.S. Tour

2009-01-28T22:55:00.000+02:00

BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- American Exhibitions, Inc., in association with the Reiss-Engelhorn Museum of Mannheim, Germany, announced that the blockbuster exhibit Mummies of the World: The Dream of Eternal Life, the largest traveling exhibition of mummies and artifacts, will tour science centers and museums in the United States for a limited three year tour commencing July 2010.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090128/CLW116 )

"Never in history has there been such an important collection of mummies and artifacts," said Marcus W. Corwin, President and CEO of American Exhibitions, Inc. "This blockbuster exhibit is poised to bring record-breaking attendance to museums in its limited United States tour."

Dignified, reverent and scholarly, this unique collection brilliantly enhances our educational, scientific and cultural landscape, as mummification provides a window into the lives, history and cultures of every major region of the world.

"The largest mummy exhibition worldwide will include 70 human, animal and reptilian mummies gathered from the four corners of the world," said Dr. Wilfried Rosendahl, Curator of the Reiss-Engelhorn Museum, Mannheim, Germany. "Visitors will embark on an exciting and historical journey around the globe, with mummies representing several continents and spanning thousands of years."

Unlike exhibits which feature only Egyptian mummies, this remarkable and compelling exhibition demonstrates the different processes of mummification and serves to educate visitors as to their respective cultures. The collection includes ancient mummies and important artifacts from Asia, Oceania, South America and Europe, as well as ancient Egypt, and demonstrates how mummification can be a natural process; one which occurs in hot, dry desert sands, in eternal ice, in moors and bogs and even, amazingly, in dry cellars.

"Using state-of-the-art scientific and forensic research, the secrets of the mummies are now revealed. Sensational historic research crowns this impressive multi-media exhibition and affords a fascinating cultural and historical insight into people from ancient civilization," said Dr. Heather Gill-Robinson, renowned anthropologist. "This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for Americans to learn about the lifestyle, health and culture of ancient people from around the world."

Why do mummies of the ancient and modern worlds fascinate us so? "It is because every one of us shares a yearning for what has come before us," said James Delay, Vice President of American Exhibitions, Inc. "Natural mummification is so rare and is what elevates this exhibition to an educational level unparalleled to the current scientific and museum arena."

Mummies are the single direct archive to the human species, the study of which provides great information and data in the context of archaeology, anthropology and science. All mummies in the exhibition originate from established and respected European museum and university collections. The exhibition was prepared in accordance with all recommendations of the International Council of Museums' (ICOM) code of ethics. The exhibition is presented with respect and dignity, acknowledging the interests of the social, ethical and religious groups from which the mummies originate.

Mummies of the World: The Dream of Eternal Life is presented by American Exhibitions, Inc. in association with the Reiss-Engelhorn Museum, Mannheim, Germany. The exhibition is not merely a presentation of mummies; it originated from the scientific work of the German Mummy Project. The German Mummy Project is an international, multidisciplinary collaboration of specialists from 15 different institutes in 7 countries. The U.S. tour shall be limited to 7 markets for which museums in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and St. Louis have expressed interest. The tour dates and sponsors shall be announced shortly.

American Exhibitions, Inc. is a producer of museum-quality touring exhibitions for science centers and museums whose mission is to produce blockbuster exhibits that physically, intellectually and emotionally excite, educate and engage those who experience them. As a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) and the American Association of Museums (AAM), American Exhibitions, Inc. is one of the largest, privately-funded exhibitioners in the United States. The Reiss-Engelhorn Museum, an internationally-acclaimed complex in Mannheim, Germany, has been one of the major venues for exhibitions in Europe in the realms of archeology and world cultures. With a collection that began in the early 1700's, the museum houses over 1.2 million objects in its collection, comprising over 300,000 square feet of exhibition space.

Please visit www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

Park West Gallery, Defending Itself Against Defamation, Files Counterclaim in Michigan Against Fine Art Registry and Surrogates

2009-01-28T18:15:00.000+02:00

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Park West Gallery, one of the world's largest art dealers, is defending itself forcefully against a campaign of defamation and business interference waged by the website Fine Art Registry (FAR). Responding to a lawsuit filed earlier this year in Oakland County Circuit Court by Park West customers recruited by FAR, the 40-year-old Southfield-based gallery has filed a counterclaim charging defamation, tortuous interference and civil conspiracy. In addition, Robert E. Goldman, one of the most respected art legal experts in the world, has joined Park West's legal team.

PARK WEST SEEKS INJUCTION AND DAMAGES

Park West Gallery's counterclaim names five plaintiffs from the earlier suit along with a third-party complaint against FAR, its founder Theresa Franks, and Frank Hunter, operator of another art website. Park West Gallery is charging the parties with:

     --   Publishing numerous false and defamatory statements about Park West
     --   Attempting to destroy Park West's goodwill and reputation by use of
          false and defamatory statements
     --   Interfering with existing contractual relationships between Park
          West and its customers, and
     --   Interfering with Park West's prospective business opportunities.

Park West is seeking a permanent injunction against these individuals and FAR along with actual and punitive damages.

INTERNATIONAL ART LAW EXPERT JOINS PARK WEST DEFENSE

Park West Gallery also announced that art legal expert Robert Goldman has joined its legal defense team, assisting the Southfield-based law firm Young & Susser. "I am proud to represent Park West Gallery in this important legal battle, the outcome of which will be important to the entire art industry," said Goldman. "If reckless individuals and organizations are permitted to falsely attack the hard-earned reputations of legitimate art dealers without consequence, the art market, including artists, auction houses, museums, dealers and collectors, will suffer irreparable harm. I look forward to highlighting the truth and righting this wrong in the courts."

Goldman served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for 19 years, during which time he focused on matters involving international art theft and museum theft. He was also Special Trial Attorney, appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice to counsel and assist the newly created FBI National Art Crime Team, which battles international art theft, antiquities smuggling, and fraud in the art collecting industry. With the FBI, Goldman was involved in the recovery of more than $150 million of stolen art and cultural property.

"In the fall of 2008, Albert Scaglione invited me in to examine the company's people, policies, operations and collection," said Goldman. "There were no boundaries or barriers to my study, and I have developed a deep respect for and trust in this extraordinary organization of honest, hard- working professionals. Based on my first-hand observations and decades of art law experience, I am delighted to be joining their legal team."

PARK WEST DEFENDS 40-YEAR REPUTATION

"Over the last 40 years we have served more than 1.2 million satisfied clients through our gallery sales as well as our land and sea auctions," said Albert Scaglione, chief executive officer and founder of Park West Gallery. "Our reputation is dear to us and we stand behind the authenticity of everything we sell, including the works of art involved in the meritless lawsuits brought by FAR. We welcome Bob Goldman, who is one of the most accomplished art legal experts in the world, to our team and are confident that we will prevail in the legal actions we have initiated against FAR as well as the baseless suits they have brought against us."

Park West Gallery's 40/40/40 Customer Satisfaction Guarantee is the most generous and comprehensive in the art industry, giving customers the opportunity to return purchased items for refund (excluding buyer's premium and shipping costs) for up to 40 days after delivery, and the right to exchange any work for another in the Park West collection for up to 40 months.

More than 90 % of the artworks sold by Park West have been created by living artists with long-standing relationships with the gallery. These internationally acclaimed artists include Yaacov Agam, Simon Bull, Alfred Gockel, Scott Jacobs, Thomas Kinkade, Anatole Krasnyansky, Linda Le Kinff, Csaba Markus, Peter Max, Itzchak Tarkay, and David Willardson, as well as Detroit favorites Marcus Glenn and Dominic Pangborn. Responding to FAR's defamation, Tarkay remarked, "I believe so much in Park West that I have entrusted the company with my intellectual property and copyrights for more than a decade, and they have tirelessly and with great expense, defended my work against counterfeiters and others who have attempted to illegally gain through my success."

BACKGROUND ON FAR DEFAMATION CAMPAIGN

As Park West's counterclaim states, FAR's defamatory attacks began in 2007 shortly after the gallery rejected a business offer from the start-up website's management. Recognizing the potential profit from Park West's clients -- the gallery sells hundreds of thousands of works each year -- FAR approached Park West to buy the website's art registry services. For an annual membership fee of $9.95 and $2.25 per registered work, FAR simply lists an artwork on its site without examining the actual work, researching its authenticity or guaranteeing the website's future existence. Park West saw no value to its customers in spending well in excess of $1 million per year for FAR's service, and passed on FAR's solicitation.

FAR's defamation began soon after, forcing the gallery in April 2008 to take its initial legal action in Michigan and Florida against FAR. While those suits progress through the courts, FAR has continued its online attacks and sponsored unsuccessful legal challenges in a number of states. A FAR- sponsored suit similar to the one filed in Michigan this year was dismissed in California in December 2008. Park West is seeking reimbursement for legal fees in that case.

ABOUT PARK WEST GALLERY

International Artexpo Brings the Best in Affordable, Innovative and Sustainable Art to New York City

2009-01-28T15:18:00.000+02:00

The world's leading art fair returns for its 31st year, Open to trade and consumers

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- International Artexpo New York (www.artexpos.com), the world's largest popular and fine art fair, announces its return to the Jacob Javits Center from Thursday, February 26 - Monday, March 2, 2009. Now in its 31st year, Artexpo New York will showcase exciting original artworks, prints, and the latest trends in the art world from more than 500 artists, galleries and publishers across the globe. Artwork includes paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, lithographs, photography, and posters ranging from $100 - $100,000. This year, the show expects to have more than 25,000 buyers, established dealers, collectors, designers, architects and art enthusiasts to walk the show floor.

Artexpo New York is the only art trade show to offer industry professionals access to thousands of works at wholesale prices. The first two days are open to trade only, starting February 26. Over the last three days, visitors from the general public can also buy straight from the source. For both consumers and trade buyers, acquiring artwork from Artexpo New York is the ideal solution to finding beautiful, affordable art in today's economy.

"We are excited to return to New York and host the show again this year. In today's economic climate, Artexpo New York is a great place to discover a variety of artwork at reasonable prices that will be the perfect addition to your home or office," said Eric Smith, Vice President of The Art Group of Summit Business Media.

New to the show this year is the The Global Green Artist Challenge - a call to action for artists to utilize art for the improvement of the planet through creating work with environmental themes, using eco-conscious materials, and maintaining safe earth friendly practices in their daily lives. Teaming up with renowned environmental artist and advocate Wyland, Artexpo New York will create several green events with exhibiting artists and the community to raise awareness of environmental issues in the art world.

The popular "SOLO" show will also return, with more than 250 of the worlds top emerging, independent artists exhibiting and selling their work in the hopes of being discovered as one of the next big names in the art world. Over its 30-year history, Artexpo New York has enjoyed the participation of many of the art world's most renowned artists, including Andy Warhol, Peter Max, Robert Rauschenberg, Robert Indiana, and Leroy Neiman.

In addition to an exciting showcase of international artwork, several new events have been planned for consumers and art industry insiders alike, including:

Artexpo Goes Green: The Global Green Artist Challenge

Wyland will be kicking-off the global green artist challenge with two youth-centered painting events:

THE YOUTH ART CONTEST

In partnership with NYC Department of Education and Materials for the Arts, a non-profit organization that provides arts materials to schools and community groups, twenty NYC public schools have been invited to take part in an environmental mural painting contest. Each school has been asked to paint the natural world as they see it, which can include any environmental subject such as animals, parks, lakes, and oceans. The winning class will be announced in early February and will participate in a live mural painting with Wyland at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27. All painting materials will be supplied by Fredrix Artist Canvas and Pearl Fine Art Supplies.

PAINTING WITH WYLAND & JANE SEYMOUR - FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Continuing the green challenge, at Artexpo on Saturday, February 28 at 10:00 a.m., Wyland and award-winning actress/painter Jane Seymour will host a FREE aquatic mural painting event for all children in the New York City area. Ms. Seymour is an environmental advocate who recently narrated the documentary, "Running Dry," which explored the world water crisis. Admission is free for children under 12 with a complementary adult ticket for each child that registers in advance. Families can register by visiting: www.artexpos.com.

Meet Actress/Painter Jane Seymour

Actress and painter Jane Seymour will debut artwork from her Open Hearts Collection. Jane Seymour will make a personal appearance, sign her new book, and exhibit a collection of recent paintings on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, February 29.

The SOLO show

The SOLO show is a special section of Artexpo dedicated to showcasing the work of more than 250 emerging independent artists. SOLO is the perfect place for up-and-coming, innovative artists to get their work into the art marketplace, and for galleries, who visit the show each year to find fresh talent.

The Artexpo Design Center

Through a partnership with ASID (The American Society of Interior Designers), visitors to the Artexpo Design Center can receive free interior design consultations on how to incorporate newly purchased art in their home, office or gallery.

The International Art Business Conference

The International Art Business Conference (IABC) will offer more than 20 lectures over three days, including:

Color Pulse 2010 - Sponsored by Benjamin Moore

Thursday, February 26, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Hosted by color expert Frances Mooney of Benjamin Moore this lecture discusses forecasting for the year ahead. For 2010, Color Pulse takes a new perspective on how Authenticity is translated through three distinctive influences.

The ART of TRENDS - How to Connect with What's Happening in Interiors Right Now

Thursday, February 26, 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.

Linda Blair, noted interior designer and two time past president of ASID New York Metro tells it like it is - a no-nonsense expose of exactly what art is being purchased, by whom and from where. In a frank and informative appraisal of art available today, Blair debunks the myths of "trends", the influence of the media and discusses her experiences locally and globally. Be prepared for a frank and informative talk and a down and dirty Q & A.

Origins of Color - Sponsored by Benjamin Moore

Friday, February 27, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

The world of color comes from the colors of the world. The story is as old as time itself; a link to our ancient ancestry. Used to communicate, color has conveyed wealth, status and success, and it also reflects the hopes, fears and desires captured in each era's collective psyche. Color has sparked wars, built trade, and raised and toppled economies. Worshipped, reviled sought after discarded, its relationship to humanity is as rich and complex as our relationships with one another. This is the story color and we begin at its origin.

How to Work with an Interior Designer - The Reality of a Successful Relationship

Friday, February 27, 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.

Can you really make an interior designer a life-long client and ally? Are you put off by many designers? Find out what makes them tick and the way to forge a successful relationship. Learn how to get on the inside track and what you need to do to stay there. Join Interior Designer Judy Sheridan, ASID, CID, as she discusses the reality of what life is like on the designer's side.

To register in advance, visit www.artexpos.com.

Ticket Information:

Tickets for Artexpo can be purchased on-site at the Jacob Javits Center Box office. The show opens to trade only on Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27 from 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and will be open to the general public from Saturday, February 28 from 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 1 from 11 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Monday, March 2 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The cost for an adult ticket is $15, for students under 18 and seniors it is $5, free for children under 12. For more information visit www.artexpos.com

About Artexpo New York:

Artexpo New York is produced by The Art Group of Summit Business Media, the leading worldwide producer of art shows and art-related trade publications, including Artexpo Las Vegas, Art Miami, Art Business News, DECOR and Volume. For more information visit www.artexpos.com

Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Strikes Deal With IFC to Televise 2009 Interactive Achievement Awards

2009-01-28T14:30:00.000+02:00

Marks First Broadcast of the "Oscars of Video Games" on a Major Television Network

CALABASAS, Calif., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences(R) (AIAS) and IFC (Independent Film Channel) today announced a partnership to bring the 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (IAA) to television audiences for the first time. The awards will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The IAA will be broadcast on IFC in April 2009 and comprise of a half hour special with highlights from the IAAs and will be hosted by comedian, actor and proud game enthusiast, Jay Mohr.

This landmark deal brings together the IAA, the only peer-based awards that recognize the year's best games, computer games, online entertainment, outstanding individuals and groundbreaking development teams with IFC, the network that uncovers champions and delivers alternative programming. The IAAs are supported by all of the major video game publishers and developers in the industry. No person may vote unless he or she can demonstrate a threshold level of experience and professional credits in the industry.

"The Academy is excited to bring the Interactive Achievement Awards -- the Oscars of video games -- to the IFC audience," said Joseph Olin, President, AIAS. "The amazing popularity of interactive entertainment is attributed to the manner that today's games allow people to be part of fantastic worlds, incredible challenges and the simple fun of sharing these experiences with friends and family. As IFC celebrates the creative spirit of independent filmmaking, I can think of no better place to showcase the talented men and women who are responsible for our dynamic entertainment art form."

"Bringing the Interactive Achievement Awards to our audience marries alternative culture with alternative content," said Jennifer Caserta, executive vice president and general manager of IFC. "The Interactive Achievement Awards is an exciting and highly anticipated addition to our programming line-up that will include award highlights, scenes from the red carpet and interstitials hosted by IFC News' Matt Singer."

The 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas during the annual D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit hosted by the AIAS. The D.I.C.E. Summit is a once yearly conference dedicated to exploring approaches to the creative process and artistic expression as they uniquely apply to the development of interactive entertainment.

About the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) was founded in 1996 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of the interactive arts, with the mission to promote and advance interest and recognize outstanding achievement in the worldwide interactive entertainment community, as well as putting on an annual awards show (The Interactive Achievement Awards(R)) to enhance awareness of the interactive art form. The IAA's are the only peer-based awards that recognize the year's best video games, computer games, online entertainment, outstanding individuals and groundbreaking development teams that have propelled the advancement of the multi-billion dollar worldwide entertainment software industry. The awards presented by the AIAS are determined by a vote of field-specific, qualified Academy members, making the Interactive Achievement Awards the most sought-after, respected and credible recognition for creators of entertainment software, with just under 25,000 general voting members.

In 2002 the Academy created the D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit, a once yearly conference dedicated to exploring approaches to the creative process and artistic expression as they uniquely apply to the development of interactive entertainment. The Academy also oversees Into The Pixel, a juried exhibition of art from games, and this year started the Randy Pausch Scholarship fund for students in the games industry. More information can be found at http://www.interactive.org, http://www.dicesummit.org and http://www.intothepixel.com.

About IFC

Operating under the mantra "always uncut," IFC (The Independent Film Channel) uncovers and champions alternative content and makes it available to audiences across multiple platforms: on-air, online and On Demand. In pursuit of what's new, next and relevant, IFC presents clever, offbeat original series like "The Whitest Kids U' Know" and "Z Rock" alongside thought-provoking original documentaries such as At the Death House Door. The network also offers exclusive web series, shorts, animation, and a comprehensive independent film library of award-winning titles and cult classics. IFC broadens the audience for independent culture through its exclusive live coverage of notable film and music events like the Independent Spirit Awards and South by Southwest. The network's on demand offering, IFC Free, gives audiences the opportunity to watch premieres of all of IFC's original series before they air on the linear network. IFC Media Lab offers financing, professional development and distribution opportunities for aspiring film makers. IFC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.