Pirates Release Hockey Series by Greg Sturniolo

Published on February 8, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND- The Portland Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek announced today that the Pirates have joined with local artist and avid hockey fan Greg Sturniolo to introduce a unique series of five original works of art with a closed edition of prints depicting the sport of hockey.

The original art and prints will be unveiled to the public for the first time at a public opening at the Jameson Gallery on 305 Commercial Street on March 10th from 5:00 p.m.-7:00p.m. A percentage of the proceeds from the opening will be donated to the Portland Pirates Foundation. The event is free and open to the public.

The artwork will also be available for purchase as an additional fundraising element at this year's 8th Annual Evening with the Pirates presented by Key Bank to be held on March 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The Stadium Restaurant and Sports Bar. This year's Evening with the Pirates will benefit the Pirates new ship exhibit at the Children's Museum of Maine. Tickets to the event are $25 and are available by calling the Pirates at (207) 828-4665 ext. 301 or at http://www.portlandpirates.com/piratesevening.asp. A $25 ticket purchase will give attendees a $10 discount off of their total auction purchases.

"This is a tremendous way for our organization to raise funds for one of our biggest events of the year in partnership with one of Maine's finest artists. Greg's work is well known, respected and in demand and we expect this hockey series of originals and limited, signed prints to generate regional and national attention," said the Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek.

A series of five original works of art will be created by Greg Sturniolo for the Portland Pirates Foundation. Last year, Sturniolo had the original pencil sketch of his first piece in the series auctioned off at the 2004 "Evening with the Pirates" for $500. The five paintings are being completed at this time. You may contact the Portland Pirates for original art and limited edition print information. Starting on February 10th, fans can view the artwork by logging on the Portland Pirates web site at http://shop.portlandpirates.com.

"I have just completed the first two paintings in a series of five original works of art depicting the sport of hockey. The opportunity to work with such a great organization as the Portland Pirates is a real honor. Although I am best known for my landscape paintings, this commission is a special one for me as it has brought me close to the game I love and once played as a child. Each painting in this series is unique. I have tried to put a realistic flair into each painting while at the same time, adding the old style of hockey feel to them as well. One person commented that the paintings have the coldness associated with the ice yet a warmth that makes you feel like you are part of the game. The original paintings and limited edition prints will be available for purchase by contacting the Portland Pirates or logging onto their web site. I am very excited to offer these unique works of art to the fans and the public," said Sturniolo.

A collection of the work that Greg Sturniolo has created, including two of the prints in the hockey series as well as other artwork featuring landscapes, and landmarks from the state of Maine, can be viewed on his web site at http://www.gregsturniolo.net. His love for the sport of hockey stems from being a goaltender in his youth for the midget and bantam hockey leagues in Brunswick, ME. The early morning practices and the thrill of playing in front of family and friends were all amazing experiences for the painter. Sturniolo can still remember watching the Bowdoin College Mens Hockey "Polar Bears" play at Dayton Arena on campus. Although he never played in high school, he would play pond hockey and watched almost every Boston Bruins game on television.

Since 2001, Sturniolo has been painting full time. His work has focused on landscapes and farms as well as studies of Maine's light and shadows. In 2002, the Libra Foundation commissioned Sturniolo to create paintings of Pineland in New Gloucester, Maine. His work has been exhibited at the Hay Gallery in Portland and at Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers in Freeport. Sturniolo recently launched his own web site that gives people the opportunity to see his past and present work. Today, Sturniolo is still very fond of the sport.

"With this exciting new project to create paintings for the Portland Pirates, I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to express my passion for the game artistically. I look forward to celebrating the unveiling of this unique series of paintings with the fans, public and the entire Portland Pirates Hockey organization next month."

The Portland Pirates Foundation was formed in July, 2003 as a Maine public charitable corporation and represents the philanthropic arm of Portland Pirates, LLC. The mission of the Portland Pirates Foundation is to enrich and impact the region, through educational, sports-based, community-building and fundraising, programs. The Foundation leverages the unique talents of Portland Pirates players and staff and collaborates with local corporate and community partners to make a difference in our local communities.

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