FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Information Contact: Amber Langston I.O. Metro (501) 920 2636 amber@io-metro.com
I.O. Metro Selects Local Artists’ Work For New Introductions More than 2,000 local art entries, HGTV Design Star contestant among winners LOWELL, Ark. (Aug. 26, 2011) – I.O. Metro, LLC recently concluded a local art contest where more than 2,000 photography and original art pieces were entered. Twentyfive pieces were selected and will be reproduced and sold at all 20 I.O. Metro locations. Artists will receive 10% of the net revenue generated from the sale of their piece. The local art contest began July 13, 2011 and entries were accepted through Aug. 10, 2011. Artists were encouraged to enter their original work of art or photography by posting a photograph of the piece on I.O. Metro’s Facebook page: facebook.com/iometrofurniture. Local artists could enter as many pieces as they wished. The contest was promoted through I.O. Metro’s current customer base, Facebook and Twitter. “It’s our way of supporting local artists while diversifying our art offerings. We were looking for something different and fresh” Jay Howard, chief executive officer of I.O. Metro, says. “We were thrilled with the huge response we received and the selection process was not easy!” The I.O. Metro product development team sorted through more than 2,000 entries and selected the 25 pieces that they felt were a representation of what customers have come to expect from I.O. Metro – pieces that are different and complement any style. Artists were notified via I.O. Metro’s Facebook page and represent the following states: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and Missouri and Oklahoma. Kellie Clements, current HGTV Design Star contestant, was among the winners. “There are so many artists that spend their entire career trying to break into the marketplace.” Clements says. “This art contest is a huge deal for artists, like myself, who don't have the time or resources to push their work main stream. I am so grateful for this opportunity. Thank you, I.O. Metro, for opening your doors to the local artist community.” -more-
Each reproduction will feature the artist signature, bio and photo and will be available at all 20 I.O. Metro locations in 60-90 days. About I.O. Metro Headquartered in Northwest Arkansas, I.O. Metro is a specialty lifestyle furniture retailer that sells modern, one-of-a-kind and eclectic furniture, art and accessories in 20 locations across the South and Midwest. Through its innovative in-house development team and network of sourcing options in 14 countries, I.O. Metro is able to differentiate itself from monotonous furniture choices so common in the furniture industry. Each I.O. Metro store offers a wide range of custom options with free design service. For more information, visit www.iometro.com. - 30 Â