Pop Artist, Michael Godard to unveil new original commissioned art piece for charity this Saturday, September 30 in Plano

DALLAS MARGARITA SOCIETY
Press Release
Date: September 28, 2006

Contact: Jo Trizila, Dallas Margarita Society, Publicist
Non-Published Cell: 214-232-0078, jotrizila@aol.com

Pop Artist, Michael Godard to unveil new original commissioned art piece for charity this Saturday, September 30 in Plano

DALLAS, TEXAS (9/28/2006)… Michael Godard, also known as the Naughty Artist for his highly sought after paintings of life's vices, exploded into the art world. Godard, who is widely recognized as one of the most versatile albeit controversial artists of our time, has created a special commissioned piece in honor of the 30th Anniversary of the Dallas Margarita Ball. The Dallas Margarita Ball will be held on October 28, 2006 at the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown Dallas. The new piece was commissioned to celebrate 30 years of charitable service by the Dallas Margarita Society (DMS) and is Godard's first ever work themed around the margarita. Godard will personally unveil the 30th Anniversary piece this Saturday at 1 PM at the Oh My Godard Gallery DFW (located in The Shops at Willow Bend at West Park and the Tollway in Plano, Texas). The unveiling event is free of charge and is open to the public.

The commissioned piece (28"x35") is a tribute to the Dallas Margarita Society's history and is expected to include Godard's unique style of touching vignettes that humorously capture "the sense" of the people and the parties that have enabled DMS to make their contributions to area children's charities for three decades.

Oh My God…ard! Are usually the first words out of peoples' mouths when they view Michael Godard's work. From the mind of an artist who does not drink, comes his vision of fun that fits most people's lifestyle.

"I am not a drinker, (some people call me a cheap date) as after one drink I'm under the table looking up at the gum stuck there! But I love the fun of drinking, and all of the little things that go in and around the drinks. Martini's are a special favorite of mine to paint, as there are thousands of different ways that people take a drink that is basically pure alcohol!"

Michael grew up in Las Vegas & southern California. He is widely recognized as one of the most creative, best selling and versatile artists of our time. Michael was the first California artist to do "Cows on Parade" that was featured on Oprah. He has also appeared on ABC, NBC, OCN, KOCE, KCET, Evening Magazine, the Christopher Lowell Show on the Discovery Channel and in the NY Film Festival's award winning documentary "Behind the Artist: Michael Godard."
Godard was commissioned by the double platinum rock band Dishwalla to do the cover of their third album "Opaline" and their most recent self-titled album "Dishwalla." His work can be found in numerous art galleries (including Plano's Oh My Godard Gallery DFW), homes and businesses throughout the US and Japan. Many celebrities including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vince Neil, Traa of the band P.O.D. and Carey Hart are collectors.

Although the themes vary, Michael Godard's art changes the face of even the most traditional subjects, creating mood and mystery on canvas, that at times are painted so realistic you feel as though the subjects will reach out and touch you. Godard finds a unique way of unfolding this delicate balance of texture, color, humor and imagination to evoke drama and emotion of all kinds.

Godard has agreed that, for the balance of 2006, proceeds from the sales of the limited edition of signed, numbered prints of this specially-commissioned piece will go to Dallas Margarita Society/Dallas Children's Charities. In honor of Godard's young daughter, Paige, who is now fighting bravely for her life against cancer, DMS will in turn donate 25% of those proceeds to the Paige Godard Foundation, established by Godard and wife, Elly to fund research seeking cures for children's cancer.

Godard will return to Dallas for a special, personal appearance on the night of the Dallas Margarita Ball to give two more gifts of his time and talent to DMS. First, patrons who purchase one of the prints will have the opportunity for the artist to inscribe a personal note on the back of their print. Second, Godard will paint a second, one-of-a-kind original piece on stage and in front of the Ball guests, which will then be auctioned that evening. For more information on Godard and prints of the new 30th Anniversary piece, contact Bart Massey at Oh My Godard Gallery (469-366-0286).

The Dallas Margarita Ball is believed to be the largest invitation only gala in the world. The Ball will begin at 7 PM and take place at the Adam's Mark Hotel, (400 North Olive St, Dallas). Guests must have an invitation to enter and are requested to donate one toy (valued at $25 or more) or a $25 cash contribution per person.

Sponsors include: Diamond Sponsor - Sauza Tequila; Ruby Sponsors - Bacardi Rum, and Adam's Mark Hotel; Emerald Sponsors - Choice Exploration, and Andrews Distributing; Sapphire Sponsor - Love For Kids; and Platinum Sponsors - John M. Brandon, Gabriel Medrano, Christopher Clarke, MD, National Physicians Services, Freeman Decorating, Lance Thomas/MBNA, Michael Murray/Kent Montee and Steve Crane. For more information on the Margarita Ball contact Tom Hall at 214-695-3483 or log onto www.dallasmargaritasociety.org. For press opportunities contact Jo Trizila, 214-232-0078 or jotrizila@aol.com

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