Barack Obama, Thomas Blackshear and Lenox China... Together We Can

PR Log (Press Release) – Jun 19, 2009 – Ripon, CA – Just a few months ago, America witnessed a groundbreaking day in history when the first African-American was sworn into the White House to stand as leader of the free world. Today, we observe an innovative initiative by another African-American, Thomas Blackshear, as he unveils this exquisite life-like figurine of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America. To create this extraordinary rendering, Blackshear partnered with Lenox, now celebrating its 120 year anniversary, because of the company's dedication to the perfection of America's porcelain. This awe-inspiring piece is now available for pre-order through Blackshear Online, the internet’s pre-eminent gathering place for fans and collectors of internationally acclaimed artist Thomas Blackshear.

"It's no surprise that Blackshear chose Lenox to produce his presidential masterpiece, because they've been making porcelain for the nation's presidents since 1918, when President and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson commissioned an official state service of 1700 pieces, making Lenox the first American china to grace a president's table," reports Larraine Covington, Community Director for Blackshear Online. Since its first debut, Lenox china has "set the tables" of Presidents F. D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

An American china company, founded in 1889, the Lenox name is synonymous with quality and perfection. Teamed with the talent of Thomas Blackshear II, one of the hottest contemporary collectible artists in the world, Thomas has helped bring the African-American experience to life in a way that has never been conceived of before. A touring exhibit of his Black Heritage works premiered at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. He has been honored with the coveted International Collectible Artist award. He has also been featured on The 700 Club, Ebony/Jet Showcase, and in The Saturday Evening Post. Blackshear has created works for Disney, Coca-Cola, National Geographic, the United States Postal Service and Universal Studios, just to name a few.  His most beloved works have been his Thomas Blackshear’s Ebony Visions™ designs, featuring elegant and compelling depictions of African-Americans caught in the emotions that we all share.

“One of the driving forces that make Mr. Blackshear’s art so attractive to collectors is its constantly escalating value on the secondary market,” exclaims Covington. “The Storyteller, one of the most sought-after pieces of all time from the Ebony Visions™ collection, has been sold out since 1996. It originally sold for $410 in 1995, and is currently trading on the secondary market for up to $5000." Larraine should know, as Blackshear Online recently released a handbook of many of Thomas Blackshear's works that includes vivid illustrations and current market values on Blackshear collectibles, artwork and home decor.


"The Blackshear community has been waiting patiently in anticipation that Thomas might create a rendition of this nation's unprecedented president," adds Covington.  “The result is a figurine that stands for hope, change and the willingness of a nation to see beyond race or color to elect the man most fitting to lead our country into the next decade.” A significant addition to the Ebony Visions™  collection, this limited edition piece is sure to be a collector's dream. A wise investment and a wonderful way to add a historical icon to your home.

Join Blackshear Online as we celebrate the man, the strength and the ideals--Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America.

About Blackshear Online -  Established in 2001, our goal is to continue to be the most comprehensive Thomas Blackshear community by providing the essential link collectors need to interact and share ideas and information, and conveniently and confidently purchase Thomas Blackshear products online. Visit our web site at www.BlackshearOnline.com or call us at (209) 599-8599.

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