Launching USAlive - Inauguration Relived in Miami

***PRESS RELEASE AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITY*** For Immediate Release .May 1st.2009. WWW.PEACEMURAL.ORG
What: USAlive exhibit by the artist Huong.huong@huong.org
Where: Miami Art Palace; 7900 S.W. 77th Ave., Miami (305)275-8547
When: Exhibit opens with reception from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 30th ; will move to Washington, D.C. on June 14th.
New exhibit celebrates renewed American patriotism and hope
Studyof first 100 days of President Obama’s time in office
MIAMI – Inspired by attending the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States along with millions of other Americans, the artist Huong on May 30th will unveil a 100-painting opus of hope designed to honor and inspire the renewed patriotism of our nation.Entitled “USAlive,” this mural – her latest work after a successful peace advocacy exhibit in Washington, D.C. – captures the transformative swell of joy and pride felt by the nation as President Barack Obama was sworn into office nearly 100 days ago. The work, which range in size from 20 by 20” to 84 by 240,” is a celebration of a history maker and a reminder of what it means to be an American.
The exhibit will open with an exclusive, formal reception at the Miami Art Palace, 7900 S.W. 77th Ave., with a reception from 7-10 p.m. on May 30th . launching of a national tour, starting with exhibits, planned this summer in Washington, D.C. and Chicago.
Huong, who emigrated from her native Vietnam following the fall of Saigon, remains dedicated to world peace and said she was heartened by brotherly love felt during the Iaugural festivities “I was a part of a new era in the history of America, the country that had gently but securely adopted me,” she said. “I was arm and arm with daughters and sons of other immigrants, some refugees like me, and others who took a different road to freedom. I smiled and knew, yes, this is my country – the land of promise, a promise of hope, a hope for a new life. “Our faces read ‘We are citizens of America and of the World. We are accountable to both,’” she added. “I think this is what we mean by feeling patriotic.”
The artist, along with the Peace Mural Foundation with which she is closely aligned, was inspired by Obama’s announcement to close the Guantanamo Bay facility as well as plans to find an end to the war in Iraq. Huong has been working for years in South Florida to call attention to the horrors of war and the beauty of peace.Now, with the “USAlive” project, she honors the new world leader and his fellow Americans who understand that this country was built on peace, freedom and joy.