SLONE NOMINATED FOR 2008 SPORTS ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Las Vegas (May 24, 2007) Artist Richard T. Slone has been nominated for Sports Artist of the Year 2008 by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives (ASAMA), a division of the United States Sports Academy (Academy). Academy curator Robert Zimlich informed the Slone Art Co. of the addition of Slone to their roster. The award is presented annually to an individual who captures the spirit and life of sport so that future generations can relive the drama of today's competition.

One of Slone's paintings that earned him the nomination.

“I’m thrilled to be nominated” said Slone, who at 32 years of age is one of the youngest nominees in the history of the prestigious awards, considered the highest within the industry. Last years winner was LeRoy Neiman and past recipients of the Sports Artist of the Year include Hans Erni, Charles Billich, Ernie Barnes, and Mina Papatheodorou-Valyraki. The 2008 award winner will be announced in late summer by Academy President Dr. Thomas P. Rosandich.

Slone is best known for his images of sport, wildlife and celebrity lifestyle and has become one of the most sought-after artists in the world. His ability to paint action has earned him the position of Official artist of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He is an Officially licensed artist of the UFC and recently signed a multi-year deal with National Geographic allowing them to publish his sports art in high-school textbooks throughout the United States until 2016.

The Sport Artist of the Year award has been presented by ASAMA since 1984 as part of the Academy's Awards of Sport program, honoring the artist and the athlete.
ASAMA houses what is believed to be the largest collection of fine sport art in the world and is dedicated to the collection, display and preservation of sports history, art and literature. The museum exhibits world-renowned sport artists Erni, Billich, Ernie Barnes and the famed Spanish artist Cristóbal Gabarrón. Slone has also agreed to provide the museum with some of his artwork. “Richard’s art would be well received here at the American Sport Art Museum” wrote curator, Robert Zimlich.

Since its inception, ASAMA has recognized the importance of the cultural connectivity of athletic competition and artistic expression. The tradition of artistically rendering the human expression that is sport provides the focus for ASAMA. This is embodied by the Sport Artist of the Year.

The United States Sports Academy is an independent, non-profit, accredited, special mission sport institute designed to serve the nation and the world with programs in instruction, research and service. The role of the Academy, "America's Sports University," in higher education is to prepare men and women for sport professions.

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Related links:

American Sport Art and Museum Archives
Previous Sports Artists of the Year