Todd M. Beamer Foundation to Benefit From Sale of Wildlife Art
Minnesota wildlife artist, Rick Kelley, unveils new painting and gives big to teh Todd M. Beamer foundation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2002
Contact: Julie Swenson
Abbas Public Relations for Kelley Fine Art Publishing
julie@abbaspr.com
952-921-7287
SEPTEMBER 11th REMEMBERED
IN RICK KELLEY'S PATRIOTIC WILDLIFE ART
"AMERICAN FREEDOM SERIES"
(Minneapolis, Minn.) -- In the last year artist Rick Kelley www.kelleyfineart.com has
donated over $40,000 from the sale of 35,000 prints from the American Freedom series
of wildlife paintings inspired by the September 11th tragedy. Kelley unveils the third and
final painting of the series, Reflections of Freedom, September 8th. Proceeds from the
sale of prints from Reflections of Freedom benefit the Todd M. Beamer Foundation.
Throughout his career, Kelley has always made philanthropy a priority. Since 1993, his
work has raised over $15 million for Ducks Unlimited. Now he devotes his full-time
efforts to creating art to raise money for charities supporting efforts to heal from the
September 11 tragedy.
The first piece of the American Freedom Series, On Freedom's Wing, launched the
popular series of patriotic wildlife paintings in October 2001. This painting depicts an
American Bald Eagle soaring through a mountainscape. Within the snow on the mountain
is the image of an American flag.
Immediately after its release, there was so much interest in the piece that Rick and his
wife and business partner Shawn, had to hire an outside firm just to answer the phone and
fulfill thousands of orders. The overwhelming response led Kelley to create the second
painting, Liberty's Flight, depicting a continuation of the mountain scene with the image
of the statue of liberty within the mountainscape. Liberty's Flight was unveiled in
Minneapolis in April 2002, and since has sold over 6,000 copies. Proceeds from Liberty's
Flight totaling $10,000 (so far) support the work of the Todd M. Beamer Foundation.
The third painting, Reflections of Freedom, is a continuation of the mountainscape theme
with two beams of light coming down from the sky. The piece is set to be unveiled in
Chicago on September 8th, 2002 in honor of the first anniversary of the tragedy. Proceeds
from the sale of the prints from Reflections of Freedom as well as Liberty's Flight will
benefit the Todd M. Beamer Foundation.
It all started on Sept. 12, 2001, when Kelley couldn't buy an American flag anywhere -
they were all sold out at everywhere he went. So, Shawn Kelley suggested he paint one.
Rick then poured his pain into his work and created On Freedom's Wing, the most
popular painting of his 30-year career in wildlife art.
This series hangs in the private collections of Joe Montagna, Major General Joe Engle,
and in the Presidential library of President George Bush Sr. On Freedom's Wing is also
proudly displayed in Congressman Jim Ramstad's Washington, D.C. office. Ramstad
says, "America is soaring to meet the current challenge on the war against terrorism. That
spirit is dramatically reflected in Kelley's painting."
The American Freedom Series isn't just for the rich and famous. It's available to
everyone with prints starting at only $15. You can get any of the prints from the
American Freedom Series at your local art gallery, or by calling 1-800-949-4945 or just
point your browser to www.kelleyfineart.com.
About the Beamer Foundation
The Todd M.Beamer Foundation provides long-term support for families and children
who lost loved ones in the September 11 tragedy. Doug MacMillan, Chief Executive
Officer of the Foundation says,
On behalf of the Todd M. Beamer Foundation, I would like to
extend my sincere gratitude to Rick and Shawn Kelley for offering
to donate a part of the proceeds from "Libertyıs Flight" to the
Foundation. It is inspiring to know we are not alone in our mission
to carry on Toddıs legacy to our children. We thank the Kelleys
for their generosity and support and for believing in the kind of
person Todd M. Beamer was and always will be - a true hero.
About Rick Kelley
Kelley's philanthropic endeavors started long before the Sept. 11 tragedy. Since 1993
Rick Kelley's wildlife paintings have raised over $15 million for the Ducks Unlimited
Foundation. Throughout his career, Kelley has donated work to dozens of foundations
and community groups in his home state of Minnesota and beyond.
In 1989 his work was chosen for the Wisconsin Duck Stamp and he has been a finalist for
the Federal Duck Stamp every year since 1990. In 1994 Kelley was chosen as Ducks
Unlimited International Artist of the Year and his wildlife prints continue to set record
sales year after year. Additionally, Kelley's work is featured in countless galleries across
the U.S. and Canada earning him numerous awards. For the last year, Kelley has devoted
his full-time attention to work associated with the September 11 relief efforts.
To interview Doug MacMillan of the Todd M. Beamer Foundation or Rick Kelley of
Kelley Fine Art or receive press samples of On Freedom's Wing and Liberty's Flight,
respond to this email or contact Julie Swenson at 952-921-7287. To purchase the pieces
go to www.kelleyfineart.com or call 1-800-949-4945.
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