Phillies Seek Professional Artists for 'Paint the Phillie Phanatic Public Arts Project'

Phillies Seek Professional Artists for 'Paint the Phillie Phanatic Public Arts Project'

First time a sports mascot will be immortalized with five-foot fiberglass statues for charity

PHILADELPHIA, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- It's often been said that when they made the Phillie Phanatic, they broke the mold. The Phillies and the local art community are putting that theory to the test.

The Phillies announced that they will be teaming up with local artists, businesses, charitable organizations and the City of Philadelphia to create an exciting "Paint the Phillie Phanatic Public Arts Project." The Phanatic, who is one of Philadelphia's most recognizable icons and has recently been voted the #1 sports mascot in the country, will be immortalized with a number of five-foot fiberglass statues -- all of which will be painted by local artists and displayed throughout the city in March and April of 2009. The painted statues will be auctioned off with net proceeds being directed to Phillies Charities.

"This will be the first time a sports mascot will be featured in a public art project for charity," said Tom Burgoyne, also known as the Phanatic's best friend. "We are excited to partner with the art community and can't wait to see their vision of the Phanatic!"

Professional artists who are interested in painting a Phanatic statue are asked to submit a brief letter of interest, a resume and sample of previous artwork, and a concept sketch of the Phanatic, available to download at www.phillies.com/paintthephanatic. Deadline to submit an application is Friday, August 15, 2008.

Businesses and local organizations interested in being part of the project can download a "Civic Partner Application," also available at www.phillies.com/paintthephanatic. Civic Partners will have an opportunity to display the statue and be part of the publicity surrounding this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Local Artist Selected to Paint First Phanatic

Max Mason, an artist from Wynnewood, PA, was tapped to paint the first Phanatic. Entitled the "Phanatic's Fanatics" the statue will represent the enthusiastic Phillies fans. Mason presented the Phanatic with the first of these statues in front of a sold-out crowd during the Phanatic's Birthday Celebration at Citizens Bank Park, held prior to the Phillies-Blue Jays game on Sunday, May 18.

For more info, go to www.phillies.com/paintthephanatic.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Philadelphia Phillies

CONTACT: Deb Rinaldi of the Philadelphia Phillies, +1-215-218-5391,
drinaldi@phillies.com

Web site:

http://www.phillies.com/
http://www.phillies.com/paintthephanatic

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