"2001: A Year of Heroes"

Signed and Numbered *Limited Edition Original Serigraph

Painted Image: 23" x 31 1/2"

Cotton Paper Size: 29 1/2" x 38 1/2"

Numerical Edition Size: 300

"Limited Edition" refers to the fact that there is only a certain amount, or "limited" number of serigraphs printed of a specific piece of artwork. After the edition is printed, all of the original artwork and screens used to make the print are destroyed or effaced. This ensures that no additional prints of this image will be made in the future. This is the opposite of an "Open Edition," where public demand determines the number of pieces included in an edition.

The limited life of the stencil prevents unlimited editions. Additionally, variables in the process of hand-pulling serigraphs mean that each individual serigraph is slightly different from each other serigraph in the edition. Minor deviations in color registration, paint distribution, and variations yield individual pieces that are truly "one-of-a-kind" or "original."

TONY GWYNN, CAL RIPKEN, JR., AND MARK MCGUIRE
In "2001: A Year of Heroes," Rick Rush, America's sports artist, utilized his considerable talent in merging realism with abstraction to display images of strength, not only on the playing field but also in the fabric of the American people. The power of sport and the strength of the nation are depicted in a manner that may be Rush's most important work to date. Rush captures this strength through his use of color, sense of motion and powerful images compelling the viewer to witness the joys and tragedies of the year of 2001. Looking closely at the painting one will see the expressions of the people in the crowd changing from somber to joyous as they realize that America is strong and can withstand attacks on our way of life. Never before have we in America been so tested as in the year of 2001, and Rush counterpointed it with the simple joy of the American pastime.

The stars on the baseball field are shown reflecting their extraordinary accomplishments: Tony Gwynn of the San Diego Padres, with over 3,000 hits; Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles, with record setting fielding skills and longevity; and Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals, a powerful home run king. As these baseball heroes retired in late 2001, the everyday American heroes emerged amid the chaos. In this painting the heroes of American life and the heroes of the baseball field represent real-life Americans - the soldier is a relative, and the fireman and policeman are friends of the artist who live their important roles daily.

Rush combines the symbols of individual strength (the sports stars and heroes) and collective patriotism (the images of the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon flag) to create a tapestry of unyielding power, untarnished pride and revitalized patriotism. The American way of life - often imitated, often criticized, many times challenged, but always rising from the ashes and reborn in the "Year of Heroes: 2001."