Art Helps to Heal a Nation

"On Freedom's Wing" inspires hope after terrorist attacks

(ARA) - "I served in the military and when I saw the destruction that came down and then I saw the print. The print just lifted it back up and made me believe in America," says Lacy Wilkens, Vietnam vet.

"I was struck with emotion when I first saw this image. A lot of times we take our freedom for granted and we as a family know what it's like to send our son to go fight for our country and this gives us hope," says Dave Herzuck, Father of Marine fighting the War on Terrorism.

In the aftermath of September 11, galleries across the country are reporting that art is bringing hope to a nation of resolve and is helping Americans heal. In fact, one gallery owner is likening Rick Kelley, artist of "On Freedom's Wing" to Norman Rockwell's work during World War II.

On Freedom's Wing, a painting by artist Rick Kelley is one of those pieces of art that is touching the hearts of thousands. A record 27,000 prints have been sold in the past few months. After the tragic events of September 11th, Kelley scoured the local shops in search of an American flag. Finding most stores sold out of flags and desperately wanting to show his love for the country, he sat down and created "On Freedom's Wing."

Artist Statement

America's strength and beliefs have made this country home to people seeking freedom. We have no boundaries. Like the Bald Eagle, we can soar to great heights and weather any storm.

The patriotic image has had universal appeal from Vietnam vets to military families, to celebrities like Joe Mantegna, star of CBS' First Monday and President George Bush Sr. who were moved by the piece.

Janet Kemper, a gallery owner in Colorado Springs agrees, "We are a military community and the image has really struck a cord for many. We recently lost soldiers in Afghanistan and this type of work unlocks memories and emotions that are often hidden beneath the surface. People seem to be reaching out to art like never before," she concludes.

"I'm overwhelmed by people's reaction to this painting. It's so wonderful to become an instrument for giving people hope," said Kelley. In his thirty years of painting, "On Freedom's Wing" was like no other painting Kelley has completed. He believes the image was divinely inspired, "It was as if someone else was grabbing a hold of my paint brush," he said. "I normally plan and see everything in my head before and while I paint. I had no idea where this image was going until the last brush stroke was placed."

A true philanthropist at heart, Kelley made an immediate decision to donate 10 percent of all sales to the September 11th Liberty Disaster Relief Fund. Within a week of release his donation was estimated at $10,000. The donation has now topped over $40,000 with sales only getting stronger. Kelley plans to have proceeds donated through September 11, 2002.

Dennis Napper, owner of the 'The What Not Shoppe' in Red Wing, Minnesota says, "I've been in the art business for 37 years and I've never seen such an overwhelmingly universal positive response."

Jerry Indermuehle, owner of the Estes Park, Colorado gallery Eagle's Nest, says, "When I unboxed the first shipment and saw the image for the first time, I had tears in my eyes. After all of the horrible images of 9-11 people are searching to replace the ugliness with images of strength and hope."

To view "On Freedom's Wing" and learn more about the creator, log on to www.kelleyfineart.com or call 1-800-949-4945.

Courtesy of ARA Content