FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Information Contacts: Amber Langston Director of Marketing I.O. Metro 501.920.2636 amber@iometro.com Natalie Ghidotti Director of Public Relations Eric Rob & Isaac 501.837.0206 natalie@ericrobisaac.com
I.O. Metro Opens Submission Period to Local Art Partnership Home furnishings retailer offers opportunity for large-scale exposure to artists around country. LOWELL, ARK. (May 18, 2014) – I.O. Metro has announced its upcoming call for submissions from local artists around the country. Through its Local Art Partnership, I.O. Metro encourages artists to submit examples of their original hand-painted canvas art. Selected works may ultimately be available for sale online and in stores, providing a potential opportunity for talented artists to reach a wide audience. I.O. Metro will be accepting entries for its Local Art Partnership through its newly designed website from June 2-8. The home furnishings store works with a limited number of local artists who enhance its own aesthetic through unique techniques, blending of colors and themes, and by creating abstract/realism through their works. In addition, artists will receive a 10 percent commission from the sale of their piece(s). “The Local Art Partnerships are a great way for us to differentiate our art offering, while supporting up-and-coming artists,” said Bernie Gacka, president and chief merchandising officer. Duane Gardner of Dallas is one such artist who has benefitted from this program. “It offers a great opportunity to reach a new audience that I otherwise would not have been able to tap into,” he says. “I am also very impressed with the quality of product I.O. Metro has produced. But more than anything for me, as an artist, it has opened up a new avenue for my work, which has really inspired and challenged me.” Artist Buddy Whitlock of Des Arc, Ark., has been involved in the program for the past
few years. “The amount of publicity is astounding,” he says. “The program has boosted my exposure and facilitated my art career. I’m so grateful for the I.O. Metro customers who have chosen a piece for their space and have supported my art. When someone recognizes you as an artist simply by your signature, the feeling is amazing.” Artists may submit up to three pieces. Only original hand-painted canvas art will be accepted. Art must be painted on a rectangle or square canvas no larger than 18"x24". Original art will be turned into multiple hand-painted or printed reproductions by various I.O. Metro art suppliers. The artist’s signature will be on the front of the piece, and the artist’s biography and photograph will be featured on the back of the piece. The artist’s biography also will be included on iometro.com. In addition, I.O. Metro will provide any interested artist a trend document that outlines some colors and ideas for Spring 2015, which is when selected pieces will most likely be available. Visit www.iometro.com/localart for full details. About I.O. Metro Headquartered in Lowell, Ark., I.O. Metro is a specialty lifestyle home furnishing retailer that sells modern eclectic furniture, art and accessories online and in retail stores. Through its innovative in-house development team and network of sourcing options, I.O. Metro is able to differentiate itself from monotonous furniture choices so common in the furniture industry. I.O. Metro’s unique style, great selection and moderate prices appeal to both residential and commercial customers. What started as a single store and warehouse in Bentonville in 2005 has expanded to 17 locations in eight states across the South and Midwest. – ### –