Orpheum Theatre Unveils ORPHEUS ASCENDING Art Installation, Hosts Art Sale Today

Memphis, TN -- Today, August 29th the Orpheum Theatre will unveil its newest and grandest art installation, "Orpheus Ascending" by world-renowned sculptor Richard MacDonald. MacDonald will be present at the event and honored for his work. The dedication will coincide with the Orpheum's 21st Annual Art Sale, taking place from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

"As soon as I saw the piece, I knew that it belonged in the Orpheum Theatre and immediately got to work to get it here," says Orpheum President and CEO Pat Halloran. "We are honored that Richard will be with us at the unveiling, and we can't wait to show this exciting sculpture for the first time at this year's Art Sale."

Richard MacDonald is considered by many to be the world's preeminent living figurative sculptor. A leading advocate of the neo-figurative movement in the arts, MacDonald's work has been featured in hundreds of solo and group exhibitions and is represented in important collections worldwide.

Committed to inspiring future generations of artists, MacDonald is involved with numerous philanthropic pursuits and the development of the arts through mentoring programs and art education in schools and universities. A member of major international social and art associations, MacDonald has received countless awards, honors, and professorships, including recognition by the United States Olympic Committee. He has the privilege of working with some of the greatest dancers and performers in the world, including those from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Ballet, and Cirque du Soleil.

At 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 29th, guests of the Annual Art Sale are invited to join the Memphis Development Foundation (MDF) Board and Orpheum Staff for the unveiling of "Orpheus Ascending." A gift in honor of Suzanne Landers, MDF Past Chairperson and current Board Member, long-time advocate, and supporter, was donated in support of bringing this important sculpture to the Orpheum's beautiful Grand Lobby.

Sponsored by Versant Supply Chain, the Orpheum's Annual Art Sale celebrates the local creative community and offers attendees a wide variety of styles and artistic genres. Artists will host on-site booths where they will showcase their work and arrange pricing directly with buyers. The event will take place on the Orpheum stage and admission includes a sampling of hors d'oeuvres and soft drinks. A cash bar will also be available.

With each sale, 75% of the proceeds go directly to the artist with the remaining 25% being donated to the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. Once opened in September, the $14.5 million Centre will supplement existing classroom space for educational programming serving individuals of all ages, add a second performance hall, feature a cutting-edge audio-video lab, and offer facility space that can be rented. The Orpheum's current education initiatives serve 70,000 students, teachers and families annually. The Halloran Centre will allow Orpheum Education programs to serve 100,000 individuals per year.

General admission to the 21st Annual Art Sale is $10 per person. Tickets are on sale now and available for purchase online at the official Orpheum Theatre website, www.orpheum-memphis.com, or through Lauren Steinkamp at steinkamp@orpheum-memphis.com or 901-529-4226. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

The Orpheum Theatre is operated by the Memphis Development Foundation, a non-profit organization that depends on the financial support of the community to carry out its mission to foster the enjoyment and understanding of the arts in Memphis, as well as the economic prosperity of Downtown and surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.orpheum-memphis.com or call 901-525-7800. The Orpheum is located at 203 South Main Street Memphis, TN 38103.