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Prominent American Artist Celebrates the Children of the World
AMERICAN FORK, UTAH -- Best-selling artist, Greg Olsen, is known for
his imaginative portrayal of children and his realistic portraits of
Christ. And, although Greg has been exhibited in prominent art
galleries throughout North America and Great Britain, he has chosen
to make Utah his home since 1976.
One of his best-known paintings is Children of the World, which shows
children from 15 countries gathered around Christ. "America is such a
small part of the world's population. I wanted to do a piece that
increased the brotherhood of the world and got beyond the prejudice
with awareness and love," said Olsen. "It made perfect sense to use
Jesus as the example of someone who loved everyone regardless of race
or nationality."
Greg's love of children--he is a father of six--prompted him to release
his first children's book. "I Am a Child of God has sold an
unprecedented 50,000 copies," said Robby Nichols, Vice President of
Marketing at Covenant Communications. "It is easily the best-selling
children's book in this market."
I Am a Child of God was released just two weeks after the tragedy of
September 11. "We had seen a definite rise in the interest of the
inspirational art market, but in the wake of September 11 there was a
marked increase as people felt a need to connect or reconnect
spiritually," said Ellen Collard, Mill Pond Press Public Relations
Director. Mill Pond Press publishes Greg Olsen's artwork.
"As a parent, I was grateful to have this book to comfort my own
children," said Olsen. "It shows that Jesus is real and approachable
and the simplistic, but powerful message of the book--I Am a Child of
God--assures children they are special and have a bright future ahead
of them."
Linda Schaner, President of Mill Pond Press, receives hundreds of
letters from people who feel that his paintings have helped them
through trials. "Greg Olsen has an amazing effect on people's lives
and, as a result, he has become one of the best-selling artists in
the entire industry of reproductions."
"I appreciate the beauty of art and the way it makes me feel," said
Olsen. "I hope that people are happy and uplifted when they see my
work and that the inspirational pieces will bring them peace and
comfort. One of art's greatest purposes is to lift us and bring
greater joy into our lives."
I Am a Child of God, artwork by Greg Olsen, text by Wendy and Michael
Nelsen ($17.95 hardcover) is published by Covenant Communications,
and is available at bookstores everywhere, or at
www.covenant-lds.com. Images of both Greg Olsen and his artwork are
available upon request.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Greg Olsen was born and raised in a rural town in Idaho and has lived
in Utah since 1976. His Biblical paintings are represented in
religious temples in more than 20 countries around the world and are
included in many corporate collections and in the Pentagon. His works
have been exhibited in prominent art galleries and are available
across North America and in Great Britain.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHERS
Covenant Communications was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in
American Fork, Utah, Covenant Communications publishes more than 100
book, audio, and software titles annually, and is the largest
independent publisher in the LDS market.
Mill Pond Press was founded in 1973 and is based in Venice, Florida.
They publish over 2,500 signed and numbered limited editions, by more
than 50 of the finest contemporary artists in the world.
Source:
Prominent American Artist Lives in Utah, Celebrates the Children of the World
Covenant Communications Press Release 13Feb02 A2
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