Topic: News: Joe Dube's Art on Display at Times Square & More

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

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Olympic Heroes Art on Display at Times Square & Around World

Colorado Springs, Colo. - Worldwide and U.S. Olympic Team sponsor Panasonic today announced that for the first time an Olympic exhibit will be shown on the highly visible and trafficked News Astrovision by Panasonic in New York City's Times Square. "Art of the Olympians," is an exhibit of sculpture, paintings, drawings and photography by 14 Olympians representing seven countries. The exhibit will be seen on the giant video screen located at One Times Square, promoting the collection of artwork which will tour the city Nov. 27-29.

Panasonic generously donated the Astrovision advertising space, worth more than $30,000 to the group of artists, led by four-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist Al Oerter (discus/1956, 1960, 1964, 1968).

"Art has always been at the foundation of the Olympic Games, dating back to ancient times," said Oerter. "The two are a harmonious expression of individualism. Just like athletes approach training and competition, artists have the same approach and attitude - they both strive to achieve absolute perfection," added Oerter. "On behalf of all the athlete artists, we are grateful for Panasonic's generous support in promoting this exhibit to the millions of residents and visitors of New York City."

The exhibit, which will also travel to Windsor Castle in London and to Monaco in 2007, will be available for public viewing in three locations in New York: Nov. 27 at the New York Athletic Club, Nov. 28 at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park and Nov. 29 at the United Nations. The United Nations exhibit will be paired with a discussion forum, "Our Common Humanity in the Information Age." Each of the participating artists from around the globe will be at each showing, including the Nov. 29 event at the United Nations. The event at the National Arts Club is open to the public and free of charge while the other events are by invitation only.

"Art of the Olympians" is not an exhibit of sports figures and athleticism; in fact, it is quite the contrary. While some of the pieces may feature expressions of sport and Olympism, the exhibit is a splendid variety of breathtaking and interesting pieces. From abstract to scenic, to portraits, sculpture, graphic design, drawings, watercolors and pastels-there is something pleasing and appealing for everyone.

"Art of the Olympians" is exactly the kind of content that the Astrovision looks to showcase," said Terry Shorrock, Director of Shows, Events and Sponsorships. "Combine the screen's incredible presence and location with its technological capabilities such as its ability to display more than one billion shades of color, and it is the ultimate billboard for showcasing cultural and community events. The artwork will look stupendous on the big screen. We are thrilled that we can help these talented athlete artists spread the humanitarian spirit of the Olympic Games to the people of New York."

In addition to Oerter's art work, other participating U.S. Olympic artists include Olympic silver medalist Rink Babka (discus/1960), Olympic gold medalist Bob Beamon (track and field/1968); Olympic bronze medalist, Joe Dube (weightlifting/1968); two-time Olympian and five-time Olympic medalist Florence Griffith Joyner, in memoriam (track and field/1984, 1988): four-time Olympian Cameron Myler (luge/1988, 1992, 1994, 1998); Olympic silver medalist Allison Wagner (swimming/1996); and two-time Olympian and bronze medalist Larry Young (race walking/1968, 1972). The exhibit also features the art work of Liston Bochette (decathlon & bobsled - Puerto Rico), Roald Bradstock (javelin - United Kingdom), Jean-Blaise Evequoz (fencing - Switzerland), Manuel Estiarte (water polo - Spain), Kader Klouchi (track & field - France), and Wojciech Zablocki (fencing - Poland).

In 2005, Oerter was contacted about presenting an art show featuring his paintings to coincide with the XX Winter Games in Torino. Oerter suggested that not only his, but other Olympians' art work be showcased. Shortly thereafter, the "Art of the Olympians" concept was born. The inaugural event was held in Florida this past spring, generating great response and feedback. Today, the exhibit is not only an art show, but also an opportunity for the Olympians to provide lectures on art, Olympic history and present studio-style participation for students and the general public.