(1888PressRelease)
February 12, 2007 - For the next two months Studio 28 at the Arizona Fine Art Expo is home to the Teresa Hansen Art Collection. Hansen, a Colorado based artist has been awarded for her fine detail in portraits of stylized realism and figurative sculpture. Much of Hansen’s work focuses on children and animals. Particularly well known is "Star Struck," a limited edition life size bronze sculpture of child with starfish, "Healing Touch," a bronze sculpture depicting mother and child and "Gifts of Nature," a limited edition life-size bronze sculpture of three girls.
Jason Drewek, Hansen’s representative says that they have participated in many art shows over the past twenty years; but this year’s art show in Scottsdale will undoubtedly be the most memorable. Hansen is the first artist to design the Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Award for Courage and Commitment. Hanson is donating the relief that she has created while working at the Art Show.
The Award is given annually by the Basilone Award Committee on 19 February-Iwo Jima Day. However, the recipient is picked by the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps; currently Sergeant Major John L.Estrada. The Award is in memory of GySgt. Basilone, who was a nationally known and widely loved World War II Marine hero. Basilone received the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. The purpose behind the Basilone Award is to honor an enlisted Marine who resonates the same courage, commitment and excellence that Basilone exhibited.
The Basilone Award Committee, located in Manassas, Virginia was unaware of Hansen’s talents and had struggled to have previous awards made at local award shops. Drewek and Hansen spend time in San Diego, California and were intrigued as to why a stretch of Highway 5 in the San Diego area was named after Basilone. Researching Basilone’s life moved them to contact the Committee and offer to contribute. Originally the plan for the 2007 Award was a drawing. But Hansen felt that a relief would be more appropriate in honoring Basilone and the 2007 Marine recipient.
Chuck Tatum, Honorary Chair of the Award Committee and Iwo Jima Survivor who served with Basilone feels that his Gunny would be proud of the Award. Tatum says “that Basilone was from a large family and wanted to have lots of children with his wife Lena; so he is sure that Basilone would have liked Hansen’s work.”
Those wishing to see Hansen’s work and maybe take a sneak peak at the Basilone Award can do so seven days a week from 10-6 until March 25, 2007 at 23023 North Scottsdale Road and Pinnacle Peak; Scottsdale, Arizona- Studio 28
For more information on Basilone’s life go to www.johnbasilonestampcampaign.com
