Consumers Are Invited to Join the Community and Inspire Original Artwork for a Chance to Win a Trip to New Zealand

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Kim Crawford Wines, a brand built by forging its own path and embracing individualism, today launched The Artists' Lounge, a virtual community designed to celebrate emerging artists, uncork creativity and let the community start something. Consumers are invited to join the conversation by sharing their thoughts, ideas and musings at ExperienceKimCrawford.com/ArtistLounge.

Participants will earn a chance to see their ideas and inspiration turned into original works of art, with one winner earning the chance to experience the spirit of Kim Crawford Wines with a trip for two to New Zealand.

"At Kim Crawford, we believe that winemaking is truly an art as we strive to capture the true aromas and flavors of New Zealand in each bottle, combining a passion for excellence with a vision for exploring new boundaries," says Matt Large, winemaker. "We're taking our individualistic spirit beyond the wine bottle and hope to inspire, engage and support the emerging art community with The Artists' Lounge."

Kim Crawford has identified emerging artists across various mediums to take ideas shared by visitors to The Artists' Lounge and turn them into original works of art that are truly reflective of the times. Every two weeks from now through January, 2010, one of the Artists in Residence will select a consumer's inspiration based on starting something new -- be it a relationship, challenge or chapter in life -- to be the starting point for an original piece of artwork. That consumer will be awarded with the original artwork and become eligible for the trip. In February, Kim Crawford Wines will select the most inspiring idea from the seven original artwork winners to win the grand prize.

The Artists in Residence include:

• Matt Messina, award-winning film, television and symphony composer
• Gary Heller, expressive photographer
• Emily Kagan Trenchard, performance poet specializing in slam poetry
• Dan Grzeca, painter and printmaker
  

The collection of art resulting from the Artists in Residence will be unveiled in the fall as Kim Crawford Wines' "Vintage 2009" through a virtual gallery opening on The Artists' Lounge. This space will host the artwork created from the winning inspirations showcased all together to capture the work of the community and inspire further creations.

To join the community or find the official rules of the original art contest, please visit ExperienceKimCrawford.com/ArtistLounge.

Supporting the Arts Online and Off

The site design allows for the community to grow in a dynamic way beyond the Artists in Residence inspiration posts, with the goal of creating a space where consumers will share ideas and where emerging artists can post their work and information. There is a Member Gallery where artists can post their work giving them a new, virtual venue to reach a wider audience, and in turn art fans can view the work being done by today's emerging artists. All members of The Artists' Lounge will have profiles to connect with others, share their work and ideas, and tag the artwork that they like.

Kim Crawford Wines will extend The Artists' Lounge off-line with a "Vintage 2009" art donation to existing partner GenArt, the leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing emerging fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists. The donation will include a piece from each of the Artists in Residence and will be auctioned off at a future GenArt event.

The Artists' Lounge builds on the long-standing support for emerging artists started by the founders Kim and Erica Crawford. Kim Crawford Wines is inspired by discovery, innovation and enjoyment of life. From discovering new music, attending gallery exhibits, sponsoring festivals and more, Kim Crawford Wines believes in celebrating the arts. Check out the newly redesigned Web site at ExperienceKimCrawford.com to learn more.

About Kim Crawford Wines

Kim Crawford Wines captures the true aromas and flavors of New Zealand in each bottle. The established leader in luxury-priced Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Kim Crawford Wines combines a passion for excellence in winemaking with a vision of exploring new boundaries.

SOURCE Kim Crawford Wines

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