Upper Class Collectibles Signs Two New Sports Artists to Select Licensing/Publishing Agreements

Sports Artists Brian Fox and Michael Joseph agree to select licensing agreements with MLB/MLBPA Licensee Upper Class Collectibles.

Livingston, New Jersey (PRWEB) June 21, 2007 -- Upper Class Collectibles, an Official Licensee of Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball Players Association, located in Livingston, NJ, has recently come to terms on agreements with Sports Artists Michael Joseph and Brian Fox. UCC will publish and license select works of each artist, as the company looks to expand its talent pool of today's top sports art. Michael and Brian join UCC's existing licensed artist, Bill Lopa, who has seen his exposure explode on the scene over the past three years, having been selected as a Commemorative Artist for the World Series (2004, 2005 & 2006), MLB All-Star Game (2005 & 2006), Kentucky Derby/Mint Jubilee (2005, 2006 & 2007) and the Super Bowl (2005 & 2006).

"As UCC looks to re-brand itself as one of the countries top Licensing/Publishing resources for independent sports artists, the addition of Michael and Brian is a tremendous first step." said Fred Friedman, CEO of Upper Class Collectibles, LLC. "Each side brings a value added asset to the table. Together, UCC and its select artists look to offer a wide diversity of styles and special projects for today's educated sports art enthusiasts."

Michael stated, from his studio in Los Angeles, CA, "I am very excited that I was asked to join UCC and look forward to bringing my works officially into the market place."

Brian stated, from his studio in Foxboro, MA, "This was an opportunity that any artist would jump at. The marketing and licensing that UCC brings to the table will enable me to grow and take the next step in today's market place."

About Michael Joseph

Artist Michael Joseph's photorealistic technique enables him to capture his subjects with great authenticity and fluidity. This vibrant, powerful style dubbed "raw realism" has earned him praise from celebrities, athletes, and art collectors alike.

At the tender age of five Michael knew he wanted to be an artist. Specifically, he loved creating art that centered on sports. He found that drawing his favorite players helped bring him closer to the action.

"I was an avid athlete," he says, "But I found that playing sports didn't give me the same satisfaction as drawing sports."

But what started as a hobby for this self-trained artist soon became something more when he caught his first glimpse of realistic pencil drawings.

"I thought they were black-and-white photos. I couldn't believe how realistic the drawings were." He sought out the artist of those pieces, Milwaukee-based Elwin Broughton, and flourished under his tutelage. As Broughton took Joseph under his wing, Joseph continued to refine what is today, his signature style, using acrylics, oils and occasionally pencil.

Showing an intense diversity, Joseph also brings his passionate style to city scenes and landscapes. But whatever his chosen subject, each piece allows the collector to be part of a moment that may never happen again.

And so it seems that with Michael Joseph, life will never pass you by.

About Brian Fox

Words such as "energetic" or "enthusiastic" would hardly suffice when describing Massachusetts artist, Brian Fox. "Exhuberant" and "phrenetic" seem more apropos, but anyone spending less than 15 seconds with this man would still feel as though they were making a gross understatement. One is inspired by his sentiment for the possibilities as being endless.

Fox has redefined his oil painting and portraiture skills to such high levels that he is in demand by famous athletes such as Red Sox champions Curt Schilling, Johnny Damon, David Ortiz and Tom Brady of the Patriots. With the Pirate craze in full swing, Disney is placing repeated orders for paintings of Johnny Depp as Capt. Jack Sparrow. Taking on actors portrayed as their more famed movie personae, celebrities such as Charlton Heston and Morgan Freeman have added Fox originals to their collection.

With the spirit of a true artist, Brian Fox's mission is genuine and sincere. Stepping into the world with a high standard of excellence, he easily embraces the roles of both teacher and student-whatever means necessary to exchange information, hone his craft and then ultimately, return to his atelier, put brush to canvas and paint a portrait of all things great in humanity.

About Upper Class Collectibles

Founded in 2003 as a sports collectibles company, UCC has matured into a premier publisher of licensed artwork, establishing licensing agreements with Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball Players Association, The National Football League, Players Inc., CMG Worldwide and various Celebrity Estates. As an exclusive publisher of Bill Lopa from 2003-2006, UCC was able to work with various professional leagues to create commemorative artwork unparalleled in the industry. In 2007, Upper Class Collectibles looks to expand its product line and the ability for various independent artists to have the opportunity to create licensed works. For more information visit www.visituc.com or call 973-597-9020.

Media Contact:

Eric Lanel/973-746-0500

Go 24 Media

Company Contact:

Fred Friedman/973-597-9020

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