Subject: GiftwareNews.com pickup
From: "Merilee:::Kern Communications" <[email-masked]>
To: "Ketra Oberlander" <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:42:12 -0800

http://www.giftwarenews.com/news-trends/headline-news/article/art-of-possibility-studios-supports-disabled-artists.html
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Headline News
02/18/09
Art of Possibility Studios Supports Disabled Artists 
Artwork licensing agency Art of Possibility Studios (www.aopstudios.com), the only for-profit art brand exclusively representing physically disabled artists, announced this week the launch of its first licensed product-a collection of four bookmarks that fine art by disabled artists. 

The bookmarks were developed and brought to market by Trends International (www.trendsinternational.com), publisher and manufacturer of posters, calendars, coloring activity kits, and social stationery. 

"These bookmarks showcase beautiful imagery and inspirational messages of hope and possibility that disabled artists wish to share with a broad audience in a professional career capacity," says Ketra Oberlander, who is not only the founder of Art of Possibility Studios, but also is an award-winning blind artist. "I applaud Trends International for their eagerness to develop a product line that, in addition to having mass consumer appeal, also helps disabled artists earn an autonomous living as societal equals rather than dependents."

The bookmarks, which will retail at $3.99 each, feature vibrantly colored images with uplifting messages on the front and an artist biography on the back. They are adorned with decorative beaded tassels. 
 
"These bookmarks, and other licensed products to follow, demonstrate our steadfast belief that good deeds are good business," says Ketra. "While the bookmarks have been lauded for their physical beauty, we hope consumers also take a moment to realize the magnitude of this simple purchase-direct support, liberation, and empowerment of a physically disabled artist no longer dependent on charity and disability benefits, or oppressed by logistical limitations, in their quest for self-sufficiency."

The bookmarks will soon be available through brick-and-mortar retail stores with locations to be announced. They are currently available for online purchase at www.aopstudios.com.