EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Richmond Artist Greig Leach to Unveil Opening Day Painting

Published on June 30, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels, a Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, announce the exclusive world-wide unveiling of an opening day painting, "Go Nuts" by internationally recognized Richmond artist Greig Leach. The pre-game unveiling ceremony will take place in centerfield on Saturday, June 3 at 6 pm ET before the game between the Flying Squirrels and the Erie Seawolves. Along with the artist, on hand for the event will be Louis John "Lou" DiBella, who owns the San Francisco Giants AA Eastern League affiliate, the Richmond Flying Squirrels; Richmond Flying Squirrels Vice President and Chief Operating Office, Todd "Parney" Parnell; Robin Nicholson, Deputy Director of Exhibitions, VMFA, who house one of Leach's works in the Museum's permanent collection; and representatives from Virginia Commonwealth University, where Leach developed his early art education.

The idea for the painting was the brain child of Flying Squirrels executive team Chuck Domino and Parnell, who realize the significance of the art community in Richmond. "There were many memories made on Opening Day and we are very excited that Greig was willing to use his talents to help capture that incredible experience, said Parnell. "We really feel like this fantastic work of art will help commemorate that special night and enable our fans to relive those memories over and over."

In commenting on the unique pairing of fine art and baseball, VMFA Director Alex Nyerges said, "I love baseball almost as much as I love art. Virginia artist Greig Leach is a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship recipient and has work in the museum's collection. It's great to remember that the Flying Squirrels are only a few blocks from the museum - and vice versa!"

The original 52" x 72" painting, "Go Nuts" was painted by Leach with Shiva Paintsticks on D'Arches 180 lb. 100 percent rag watercolor paper, the artist's medium of choice.

"I am thrilled with my partnership with the Flying Squirrels and I am eager to unveil my painting, which captures the anticipation and excitement of the Team's inaugural opening day," said Leach. "My work has always been involved with movement, high energy, visual energy and swirling, almost baroque like composition. My sports related imaginary has included paintings of bicycle racing, including a painting of Lance Armstrong in his post race interview in Richmond, a series of works capturing the history of NASCAR and Formula One racing, and works based on gymnasiums, tennis and golf created for the Country Club of Virginia. This new painting of the Flying Squirrels opening day is a continuation of that love of color, movement and energy that is so much a signature of all my artwork."

"Go Nuts" prints measuring 16" x 20" will be on sale for $25 each at the Flying Squirrels merchandizing store, the Squirrels' Nest, and on-line. Mr. Leach will meet with fans and inscribe a priceless dedication on prints purchased during the game.

Richmond native Greig Leach is internationally known and widely collected. His work graces many private homes and has been widely collected throughout the United States to include the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), Ethyl Corporation, Bon Secours, and Philip Morris, to name a few. Mr. Leach is a past Fellow of VMFA, has served as a visiting artist to the American Academy in Rome, Italy, in 2009 and artist-in-residence to Columbus State University, Corn Center for the Visual Arts. He has exhibited at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 1708 Gallery both in Richmond, VA, Jasper Center for the Arts in Jasper, IN and the Chattahoochee Valley Art Museum in LaGrange, GA to site just a few venues. Mr. Leach's art education has been continually developed in the studio with formal studies at the Corcoran Museum's School of Art in Washington, DC, Montgomery College in Rockville, MD and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

In addition to his fine art, Leach has done set designs and art direction for movie, television and high end events, including the Children's Hospital Ball in Richmond. His work includes contemporary figurative art created with paint sticks on paper, color based images of people, food and faith-based iconography Richmond Virginia. For more information, go to www.greigleach.com .

The Richmond Flying Squirrels are a minor league baseball team in Richmond, Virginia. The team, which is a part of the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club, and plays at The Diamond. The Squirrels were previously known as the Connecticut Defenders. The Saturday night game against the Erie Seawolves is scheduled for 6:35 pm. Gates will open at 4:30 with an after game fireworks display. For tickets visit the Team's box office at The Diamond 3001 N. Boulevard or call 804.359.FUNN (3866).

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Eastern League Stories from June 30, 2010


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