Exclusive Artwork Part of CMA Awards for Second Straight Year

Exclusive Artwork Part of CMA Awards for Second Straight Year

Renowned 3-D Pop Artist Charles Fazzino Celebrates Nashville in Two New Works

Open Edition Fine Art Poster and 3-D Limited Edition Giclee Fine Art Print Among Items Available for Purchase

Fazzino to Sign at Frist Fridays Event on Friday, Oct. 27

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned 3-D pop artist Charles Fazzino has created two new works of art that serve as the official Country Music Association artworks of "The 40th Annual CMA Awards." The public will get a chance to view and purchase the official artwork at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Downtown Nashville on Friday, Oct. 27, (6:00 - 9:00 PM/CT) at the Frist Fridays concert series event.

The Open Edition Fine Art Poster and 3-D 250-Limited Edition Giclee Fine Art Print and 3-D Open Edition Giclee Mini Fine Art Print are available for purchase at www.CMAawards.com. The artworks, which mark the return of the CMA Awards to Nashville after a one-time visit to New York City in 2005, focus on Nashville landmarks centered around the Gaylord Entertainment Center, home of "The 40th Annual CMA Awards."

"After doing the first commemorative CMA Awards art last year and basing them on New York City, I was eager to create companion pieces this year for the return to Nashville," Fazzino said. "What a pleasure it is to document this music city and music industry at such a dynamic time in its history."

As part of the "Nashville Celebrates Country," week of activities leading up to the "The 40th Annual CMA Awards," Fazzino will appear at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Downtown Nashville. He will be signing CMA Awards cards specifically created for the occasion. The official artworks for "The 40th Annual CMA Awards" and a few pieces from last year's collection will be available for purchase and for Fazzino to sign and personalize.

The Frist Fridays event, presented by Fifth Third Bank, will feature light hors d'oeuvres, cash bars and a musical performance outside in the tented Turner Courtyard by Tasha Valentine. Admission to Frist Fridays is free to Frist Center Members and only $8.50 for non-members.

"The artwork of Charles Fazzino has added a whole new dimension to the CMA Awards," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "This is exactly the type of project that CMA is here to make happen -- opportunities that enhance the Biggest Night in Country Music and bring added attention to the great things happening in Country Music and Nashville."

A guitar representing Music City replaces a Big Apple as the focal point of the 2006 3-D 250-Limited Edition Giclee Fine Art Print and Open Edition Fine Art Poster, and familiar Nashville landmarks and CMA Awards partners dot the landscape. The 3-D Open Edition Giclee Mini Fine Art Print also features Nashville landmarks, against a moonlit backdrop with stars and musical notes. The mini artwork is on display throughout Downtown Nashville on pole banners promoting the CMA Awards.

Fazzino's CMA Awards artwork will be featured on the cover of the official CMA Awards Program Book. Additional artwork created by Fazzino will be featured on the CMA Awards collectors' ticket, Post CMA Awards Party laminate and Awards T-shirt. All artwork -- including signed and numbered, limited edition pieces and the CMA Awards Program Book, are available to purchase at www.CMAawards.com.

Fazzino is one of the most popular 3-D pop artists in the world. He is best known for detailed renderings of New York City's most famous streets and attractions, his obsession with bold colors and his unique, hand-assembled layering technique that brings his images to life.

With more than 600 galleries in more than 15 countries exhibiting Fazzino's work, his artwork has been added to many prestigious private collections, including those of President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Katie Couric, Morgan Freeman and Rosie O'Donnell. He has also created specially commissioned tributes for many famous icons including Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, as well as the characters of Walt Disney and Warner Bros. Studios. One of the most in-demand artists in the world, Fazzino was the official artist for the Indianapolis 500 (2004); Super Bowl (2001-2007); Major League Baseball All-Star Game (2003-2005); U.S. Olympic Teams (2000-2008); U.S. Tennis Foundation; CMA Awards (2005, 2006) GRAMMY Awards (2004); Daytime Emmy Awards (2006); The Belmont Stakes Triple Crown Race (2005, 2006); NBC's "Today Show" Summer Concert Series; Rosie O'Donnell's For All Kids Foundation; and the President William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation.

For additional information about Charles Fazzino and to view his artwork, visit www.fazzino.com.

Fazzino's 2005 and 2006 CMA Awards commemorative artwork, including the original paintings, are available for purchase. Items include: Open Edition Fine Art Poster - $15 unsigned, $25 signed; 3-D 250-Limited Edition Giclee Fine Art Print, full-sized, unframed, signed by Fazzino and numbered - $695; 3-D, Open Edition Giclee Mini Fine Art Print, with painted frame and signed by Fazzino - $195; CMA Awards Program Books featuring Fazzino's artwork on the cover - $20.00; and the original paintings - $20,000 each. The prices do not include tax, shipping or handling. Visit www.CMAawards.com to download an order form or call CMA at (615) 244-2840 to place your order.

"The 40th Annual CMA Awards" will be broadcast live on the ABC Television Network Monday, Nov. 6 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) from the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville.

"The 40th Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Walter C. Miller is the Executive Producer; Robert Deaton is the Consulting Producer. Premiere Radio Network is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2006 CMA Awards. Chevy, an American Revolution, is the official ride of the 2006 CMA Awards. Additional promotional partners include aolmusic.com, Camping World(R), Carl Black Chevrolet, Coca-Cola(R), Greased Lightning Cleaning Products(R), Hallmark Cards(R), Miller Brewing Company(R), Prilosec OTC(R), Purity Dairies and T.G.I. Friday's(R). Charles Fazzino is the official artist of the 2006 CMA Awards.

Source: Country Music Association

CONTACT: Brandi Sanford, +1-615-244-2840, or Wendy Pearl,
+1-615-244-2840, both of CMA; or Julie Maner of Museum Editions, Ltd for
Fazzino, +1-914-654-9370; or Doug Fraser of Art of the Game for Fazzino,
+1-404-219-9330; or Rose Mary Gorman of Frist Center for the Visual Arts,
+1-615-744-3332

Web site: http://www.cmaworld.com/
http://www.cmaawards.com/
http://www.fazzino.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Visit www.CMApress.com to download images of CMA Awards artwork created by Charles Fazzino. CMA Awards history, photos, press releases and logos are also featured on this site. This is a protected site for media use only. The public should be directed to www.CMAawards.com.

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