Award-winning Artist McKenzie’s Golf Paintings Sold Out at Vince Gill Pro-Celebrity Golf Tournament

Artist McKenzie sold out her Golf Series of paintings to raise money for the “The Vinny” Pro-Celebrity-Junior Invitational hosted by country music superstar, Vince Gill.

Hollywood, California (PRWEB) September 10, 2006 -- Vince Gill, the country music superstar and philanthropist, who has hosted the celebrity-pro golf tournament for 13 years and has raised over $3 million for junior golf programs throughout Tennessee. "I was the perfect guy to do pro-ams because I could sing a few songs and maybe people would come out. We had no idea that our golf tournament would do what it's done. We've had 10,000 people in the galleries when this first went on and everybody was in shock. The whole idea was born out of me just wanting to have a good time and inviting my buddies for some golf."

Gill has also been involved with The First Tee program and helped develop the Golf House Tennessee in Franklin, Tenn., which allows many children to get their first experience in the sport. Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, visited Gill several years ago in Nashville during what was a two-part visit. The Bushes were celebrating their wedding anniversary and paying tribute to Gill, a friend who has enhanced The First Tee program in Tennessee.

“I am so in love with this game” says Country music star Vince Gill who received the PGA Distinguished Service Award. The honorees that had stepped before him have included the late Bob Hope, former presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, along with golfers Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

The Pro-Celebrity tournament took place July 10 & 11, 2006 and included a celebrity auction with donated items from Artv Award Winning artist, McKenzie. “I was thrilled to participate in such a wonderful event” says McKenzie whose Golf Series paintings raised thousands for the charity.

McKenzie created a special painting just for the event depicting Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Arnold Palmer. “I was blown away by the artistic talent of McKenzie. We were honored to have her work in the auction. We can’t thank her enough” Says the tournament director.

John Ershek, the new licensing agent for McKenzie, says “The Vinny Golf Series paintings were quite a crowd pleaser. In fact, Vince Gill requested a special signed poster from the artist for his personal collection. That really says a lot about the artwork. We are hoping to use McKenzie’s golf images as potential fundraising items at many more events to come.“

McKenzie, who has gained acclaim for her liquid-like movement in her paintings, was the recent recipient of the ARTV Fine Art Awards for Mixed Media. “All the publicity surrounding my award has helped propel me to a place in my career where my paintings are in demand and can ‘do good’ for others. It has really been a blessing” says the artist.

McKenzie’s golf series will be available to the public as Giclees on canvas and giclees on paper in the coming months. Check the artist’s official website for upcoming news and details.

For more information please contact us at www.mckenzieartstudio.com
John Ershek – licensing agent for McKenzie
888-368-5213

###