The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games Chooses Sacramento, California to Launch the 2008 Olympic Landscape Sculpture Design Contest and Exhibition

Having been named one of the most diverse cities in the United States, it is only appropriate that the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) chose Sacramento, California to launch the United States tour. The Beijing Organizing Committee (BOCOG) selected Alan Osborne, owner of the Art Foundry Gallery, to present this important event. Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo heads up the hosting committee for the events beginning October 9. http://www.artfoundryinc.com/

Sacramento, California (PRWEB) September 4, 2007 -- Festivities for the 2008 Olympic Landscape Sculpture Design Contest and Exhibition will take place from October 9 through    October 24, 2007 in Sacramento, California. An opening ceremony and reception will take place on October 9, 2007 to honor the delegates from the Beijing Organizing Committee.

The Beijing Organizing Committee (BOCOG) selected Alan Osborne, owner of the Art Foundry Gallery, to present this important event due to his International recognition as a sculptor specializing in public works, and the Foundry's reputation as one of the premier bronze foundries in Northern California with a history that goes back to 1979.

The Art Foundry is an upscale venue with 2,300 square feet of exhibition space located in historic warehouse district in downtown Sacramento just blocks from the State Capitol. This neighborhood is an up and coming art corridor in the region. The Art Foundry shows fine art paintings, mixed media, and original ceramic and bronze sculpture in their main gallery. The focus of the gallery is contemporary art with a celebration of art's classical roots.

http://www.artfoundryinc.com/

Alan Osborne and Gloria Burt along with regional leaders and the host committee are planning the event. Host committee members include:

Councilman Rob Fong, City of Sacramento
Supervisor Jimmie Yee, Sacramento County
Senator Darrell Steinberg, State of California
Senator Leland Y. Yee, State of California
Muriel Johnson, Director, California Arts Council
Matt Mahood, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Star Hurley, 1964 Olympian, Northern California Olympians Membership Chair
David Hosley, President, KVIE Public Televisoin
Lial Jones, Director, Crocker Art Museum
Rhyena Halpren, Director, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission
Ron Cunningham, Director, Sacramento Ballet
Debbie Meyers, 1968 Olympic Champion
Mike Testa, Convention and Visitors Bureau
John McCasey, Sacramento sports Commission
Pat Fong Kushida, Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce
Vicki Beaton, Sacramento Chinese Culture Foundation
Rodney Young, Asian Sports Foundation
Amy Tong, Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association
Linda Ng, Organization of Chinese Americans, Greater Sacramento Chapter

Artists from over 80 countries and regions entered their art and judges from counties including China, England, the United States, Italy, Germany, Austria and South Korea were part of the selection process. Over 2,300 pieces were submitted into the contest and 386 were chosen for recognition. The eight United States Award Winners are Shray Freidman, Carole Turner, Asherah Cinnamon, Scott Fuller, Edward Eyth, Mark and Diane Weisbeck, Ralf Gschwend and Mark Williamson.The Olympic Sculpture tour will include 65-70 award winning works of art.

All works will be on display at the Convention Center from October 9-11. Following the Convention Center display, 30-35 pieces will be moved to the Art Foundry Gallery for the Sponsor Reception and remain on display there until October 22. The remaining works at the Convention Center will stay on view until October 22.

Director for the competition and renowned artist Yuan Xikun and General Secretary Zou Wen lead the International effort. Delegates from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) will attend the opening ceremony on October 9th at 5:30p.m. There will also be a private sponsor reception at the Art Foundry that follows on October 12 from 5-8p.m.

The sculpture exhibition will also be featured at Sacramento's monthly Second Saturday Artwalk on October 13 from 6-9p.m. On Second Saturday Artwalk, dozens of Sacramento galleries host artist receptions and have live entertainment along with artist demonstrations. The last event will be a closing reception at the Art Foundry Galley on October 22 from 5-7pm.

Currently touring in China, the exhibition will move on to New York after its Sacramento run scheduled for October 9 through the 22nd at The Art Foundry Gallery, 1021 R. St., Sacramento, CA.

Alan Osborne
The Art Foundry Gallery
http://www.artfoundryinc.com/
Phone: 916-444-2787

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