Georgia-Pacific Professional, CDC Foundation Select Artists for Upcoming Handwashing Exhibition

ATLANTA, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia-Pacific Professional, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's David J. Sencer Museum and the CDC Foundation, has selected six diversely talented artists to be featured in the upcoming exhibition, Watching Hands: Artists Respond to Keeping Well. Opening Sept. 24, 2011, at the David J. Sencer CDC Museum (formerly the Global Health Odyssey Museum) at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, the exhibition will explore the importance of proper handwashing through a variety of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, video projection and vinyl installation.

"Handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of disease," said Bill Sleeper, president - Georgia-Pacific Professional. "We want to bolster awareness of the health benefits of hand hygiene. With the help of these artists, we believe this nontraditional and innovative approach to handwashing education will generate greater awareness, reach new audiences and help prevent the spread of infection."

The exhibition will feature all new works, ranging from humorous to spiritual themes, by the following six renowned artists:

• John Bankston – The San Francisco-based artist uses drawing and painting to create imaginary narratives that link subjective memories of childhood to a broader American popular culture.
• Didi Dunphy – Inspired by the intersection of art, performance and design, the Athens, Ga.-based artist engages audiences through fabricating objects and installations to facilitate playful, interactive experiences.
• Joe Peragine – The Atlanta-based artist works in a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, animation and filmmaking. In addition to the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, where his award-winning public art installation of ants hangs over the baggage claim areas, Peragine's work has been featured through solo exhibitions around the country.
• Katherine Ross – Currently serving as chair of the Ceramics Department at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Ross' expertise is in porcelain production for large installations that addresses biological technology, disease and prophylaxis, genetic engineering, hybridization and cloning.
• Laura Splan – A New York-based mixed-media artist, Splan uses microbiological, anatomical and medical images to emphasize the connections between art and science. Splan recently taught two courses addressing the links between art and biology at Stanford University in California.
• James Victore – Considered a cultural and political activist, Victore is one of the leading graphic designers in the United States. Utilizing deceptively simple and witty designs, Victore works in the realms of business, culture, education, editorial and politics, with clients ranging from TIME Magazine to Aveda to Moët & Chandon.

"The CDC Foundation often builds partnerships that bring CDC's health messages to new communities through innovative channels. This partnership with Georgia-Pacific Professional, and the contributions of these six talented artists, present a unique and exciting opportunity to help CDC educate new audiences about the importance of handwashing through art," said Charles Stokes, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation.  

Watching Hands: Artists Respond to Keeping Well will be on display through January 13, 2012. The exhibition is curated by Louise E. Shaw, David J. Sencer CDC Museum.

ABOUT THE DAVID J. SENCER CDC MUSEUM

Formerly named the Global Heath Odyssey Museum, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, features an award-winning lineup of permanent and changing exhibitions designed to educate visitors about CDC, public health, and the benefits of disease prevention. The museum also offers high-impact educational programs for students and teachers, collects and preserves CDC's history, and provides access to CDC's history collection for scholars and researchers. The museum is free and open to the public. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/museum.

ABOUT THE CDC FOUNDATION

Established by Congress as an independent, nonprofit organization, the CDC Foundation connects CDC with outside organizations and individuals to build public health programs that make our world healthier and safer. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has provided $300 million to support CDC's work, launched more than 500 programs around the world and built a network of individuals and organizations committed to supporting CDC and public health. Learn more at www.cdcfoundation.org.

ABOUT GEORGIA-PACIFIC PROFESSIONAL

Georgia-Pacific Professional is a provider of hygienic dispensing systems, towels, tissues, soaps, air fresheners, wipers, cups, cutlery and napkins. Two business groups operate under the Georgia-Pacific Professional business. The Washroom and Wiper Solutions group provides a wide range of products to market segments including office buildings, education, healthcare and manufacturing facilities. The Food Services Solutions group focuses on such segments as restaurants, coffee shops, convenience stores and lodging facilities. Georgia-Pacific Professional's business features well-known product brands including enMotion®, Compact®, Dixie®, EasyNap®, SmartStock®, Brawny Industrial™ and SofPull™. For more information about Georgia-Pacific Professional, please call 1-866-HELLO GP (435-5647) or visit us at www.gppro.com.

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SOURCE Georgia-Pacific Professional