Memphis, Tenn., February 5, 2015 – Memphis in May International Festival unveiled the commemorative fine arts poster commissioned from Memphis artist Lester Merriweather to honor the country of Poland today at the local headquarters of United Capital Financial Advisors. United Capital is a long-time sponsor and supporter of the Memphis in May International Festival Fine Arts Program.

Merriweather’s 2015 mixed media work entitled “Poland” illustrates the vibrant and colorful culture of Poland while honoring its rich history. “Poland” showcases the natural beauty of the honored country and pays tribute to the artistry found in Poland’s deep cultural heritage.

The honored country has many stories to tell with a history tracing back to medieval times and a focus on building a reputation not only on its history, but on its standing as a modern, contemporary, and financially stable country. Merriweather’s “Poland” is meant to serve as an inviting introduction to these great stories.

Merriweather attended Jackson State University before earning his MFA from Memphis College of Art and later participated in the prestigious Skowhegan School. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions locally, nationally, and abroad over the past 15 years including the Zacheta National Gallery of Art in Warsaw, Poland; Studio Museum in Harlem, New York; and the Dixon Gallery in Memphis. His public art project produced for the Whitehaven Library with the Urban Art Commission is a beloved landmark of the neighborhood. Through his role as a curatorial director at the Fogelman Galleries of Contemporary Art at the University of Memphis and prominent projects, Merriweather continues to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the city.

Often utilizing a variety of media within the same piece, Merriweather’s work comments on the relationships between history and pop culture, traditional art forms and digital media, and the tension between Southern pastoral mythology and contemporary social conditions here in the delta.

The Memphis in May International Fine Arts Poster is sponsored by United Capital Financial Advisors. Contributors to the project include J.W. Moore Printing, Athens Paper Company, and IMEC.

The Fine Arts Poster is available for purchase at area galleries and at 1910 Frameworks, the “Official Framer of Memphis in May.” Posters are also available for purchase at a cost of $30 each or a limited edition signed and numbered collector’s poster is available for $60 each online at http://memphisinmay.org/category/buyposters.

About Memphis in May International Festival

In 2015 the Memphis in May International Festival is saluting Poland as the honored country in its 39th annual month-long celebration. In addition to hosting the city’s largest events like the Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and the AutoZone Sunset Symphony, Memphis in May also produces extensive educational, international, and economic programs for the city. Memphis in May International Festival is the official festival of the City of Memphis.

Memphis in May International Festival is a not for profit, community-based organization that contributes over $70 million in economic impact to the community, fosters civic pride, promotes awareness of Memphis heritage, and builds international relationships and understanding through education.

For additional information about the Memphis in May International Festival, please visit the official Memphis in May web site at www.memphisinmay.org.

Left to Right – Jim Holt, President & CEO Memphis in May; Lester Merriweather, Memphis Artist; Michael Deutsch, Managing Director, United Capital Financial Advisors; Glynn Weaks, Owner 1912 Frame Shop, Official Framer of Memphis in May

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