Ft. Myers Toyota Sponsors Art of the Olympians Founders’ Exhibit

April 7, 2010 - PRLog -- Pamela Templeton, V.P. Partner of Ft. Myers Toyota has announced her participation as a Presenting Patron of the Art of the Olympians Founder’s Exhibit.

“The Art of the Olympians Museum and the Al Oerter Center of Excellence is a wonderful addition to our downtown Fort Myers River District. It embodies all of the elements necessary to inspire visitors from all over the world and our community at large,” she said. “Several years ago I had the great fortune to meet and visit with Al Oerter and see his work displayed at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center during ArtFest. Now that dream is becoming a reality and I am honored to participate. I would encourage others to come share in this unique opportunity which premieres April 16, 2010 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.”

The Art of the Olympians (AOTO) Gallery’s newest exhibit features the works of the organization’s founders, Al Oerter and Liston Bochette.

A special reception for the Founder’s Exhibit will be held on Friday, April 16 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Art of the Olympians Al Oerter Center of Excellence at 1300 Hendry St.

The Founder’s Exhibit is a celebration of creativity and marks a milestone in history for Olympians, artists and Olympic enthusiasts. The late Al Oerter, a four-time consecutive gold medalist in discus, sought to use passion for both art and sport to create and establish an arena that both celebrates and encourages individuals to strive for excellence.

Following his passing in 2007, the AOTO board members, Dr. Markus Sherry, Dr. Liston Bochette, and Mr. Oerter’s wife Cathy, teamed-up with a strong core of volunteers and community leaders to see Mr. Oerter’s vision through to completion.

The Founder’s Exhibit features the art of Mr. Oerter, including several of his impact artwork pieces for which he bridged his passion for sport with his creative vision and utilized a discus and acrylic paint to capture the impact of each throw. Locally-based Olympian, artist, and AOTO Board Member Liston Bochette, is also featured in the Founder’s Exhibit. Mr. Bochette’s focus on the strength and creativity of Olympians and captures the spirit of the Olympic ideals.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m. The gallery is closed on Mondays and holidays. For entrance during regular hours, AOTO is offering a special admission rate of $2.

For general museum information, visit the web site at http://www.artoftheolympians.com or call 332-5055.

# # #

Ft. Myers Toyota (http://www.FMToyota.com) is located on the of Colonial and Fowler in Fort Myers Florida west of I-75 exit 136. “The Family Store” serving Southwest Florida, Naples, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Estero, Bonita Springs, Venice, Sarasota, & Cape Coral since 1988.