NASHVILLE, TN (April 26, 2012) Governor Bill Haslam accepted a one of a kind sculpture of the official state bird of Tennessee from nationally acclaimed fine artist Randal Martin on Wednesday, April 25 at 2:30pm.
The unveiling and ceremony occurred in the Governor’s Conference Room in the State Capitol. The incomparable sculpture depicts the Mockingbird, perched on a carved branch of the Tulip Poplar, which is the official state tree of Tennessee. The artist also included the state insect, the ladybug; as well as a baby Mockingbird, all intricately shown in native habitat.
After expressing his awe of the sculpture itself, asking how long it took to carve (several months) & what materials were used to create such an amazing piece of art, Governor Haslam went on to say, “On behalf of all of the citizens of the Volunteer state, I want to thank Randal Martin for this one of a kind sculpture of the state bird of Tennessee. It is a stunning piece of art to add to the Capitol’s collection, and I will proudly display it in my office for all to see!” He went on to say, “I understand the White House also has one of your sculptures as part of its permanent archival collection, and we want you to know it is with great honor that we join their ranks.”
Martin’s art was recognized nationally when First Lady Laura Bush invited him to create an ornament exclusively for the White House Christmas Tree in 2004. In a tradition begun by Jacqueline Kennedy in the 1960’s, Christmas themes have been selected annually, and Mrs. Bush chose “All Creatures Great and Small,” for which Martin chose to carve a Bluebird. Randal and his wife, Zan Martin, were among the special guests invited to Washington for a reception and private viewing of the Tree hosted by the First Lady. The ornament is now part of the permanent White House archival collection.
This Tennessee native’s talents have been recognized nationally, as well as internationally. Martin accepts commissions from around the globe; his work has been displayed in a plethora of galleries from coast to coast; and he has never failed to win an award in any carving competition in which he has entered.
For more information on the presentation, you may contact their studio at 615-330-5622 or by email at zan.martin@martincoadvertising.com. For gallery exhibitions, personal appearances, media requests, and commissions, contact Gina Hollingsworth (405-657-7765).
Photography by Sarah Lee: www.SarahLeePhotos.com
Official Website www.wood-feathers.com
Facebook Randy Martin http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1518641256
Representation www.keyartist.com
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