"California Imagination" Flag Released on Capitol Steps on Flag Day, June 14

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - June 12, 2008) - The California Arts Council and artist Jillian Kogan will join with the U.S. Postal Service and dozens of other organizations on the West Steps of the state capitol at 10:00 am on Flag Day, June 14, 2008, and unveil the California Imagination banner, a rendition of the state Bear Flag representing the arts of California. A sample of the image is available on the California Arts Council website.

"Flag Day and the Bear Flag stamp commemorate the creation of our great state of California, just as the California Imagination image represents the state's arts and creativity," said Muriel Johnson, Director of the California Arts Council. "The arts and creative industries represent a multi-billion dollar industry and employ hundreds of thousands of people in California; the visual and performing arts are part of a well-rounded education that encourages imagination, creativity and increased self esteem; and the arts are an integral part of a healthy community. These are the important concepts embodied in the California Imagination flag."

Hundreds of California artists and arts organizations loaned objects and images in 2008 as part the temporary art installation created by assemblage artist Kogan featured in a video public-service announcement (PSA) that utilizes stop-motion photography. Each object or image used in the project has an important arts story behind it -- the ballet shoes from a San Diego professional dance company, the whistle used by theater educators in Santa Cruz as part of an acting exercise, or the abalone necklace created by a north coast jewelry artist. June 14 will be the first time the California Imagination banner will be shown in a public setting. Kogan will explain how she utilized these items and materials for the temporary installation, and Arts Council staff will explain the stories behind the images and objects.

"Working with the California Arts Council on the California Imagination installation was a wonderful experience," said Kogan. "Culling from so many cultural organizations was the most productive way to creatively unite the statewide artistic diversity that makes California so rich and unique."

The California Imagination image and the PSA may be previewed on the California Arts Council website (www.cac.ca.gov). Members of the media interested in finding out more about the project, contacting artist Kogan and other creative professionals, and/or an embargoed, high-resolution image of the California Imagination flag image may contact Mary Beth Barber, communications director, at 916-322-6588 or mbarber@caartscouncil.com. For more information about the Flag Day event in Sacramento, contact Augustine Ruiz with the USPS at 408-437-6841. Detailed information about the California Imagination project follows this release.

Contact Information: Contact: Mary Beth Barber (916) 322-6588 Website: www.cac.ca.gov