Internationally Recognized Graffiti Artist Erik Wahl Live Auctions "Lady Liberty" Painting to Benefit One Fund Boston and Victims of Boston Marathon Tragedy.

LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today it was announced that graffiti artist, author and entrepreneur Erik Wahl has donated his latest painting Lady Liberty in a live auction to benefit One Fund Boston, an organization founded by Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Tom Menino for the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy. The auction took place in Boston, just four blocks from the bombing site and sold for $10,500.00. All proceeds from the sale will go towards aid and relief of the bombing victims.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130501/LA05330)

Although Erik never sells any of his art, he occasionally paints for charity. In the past decade, his artwork has raised over $1.5 million for charitable causes around the world. Despite the horrific devastation caused by the bombing, Erik was personally moved by the overwhelming show of support and camaraderie displayed by people around the world. The notion of unity, support, pride and freedom were the impetus and inspiration behind Lady Liberty which was created in just 3 minutes on a (32 x 48) canvas using acrylic, latex and spray paint in front of a live audience. Drawing from the iconic image of the Statue of Liberty, the work is one that's meant to inspire hope, promise and innovation.

"For me art is freedom. I love that my art is used to raise good money for great causes. I walked through the grounds of the tragedy on Boylston Street to pay my respects just moments before taking the stage to perform which served as a powerful source of unity and inspiration for the city of Boston," said Erik Wahl.

Erik is by no means a "traditional" artist. Pulling from his background as both a businessman in the corporate world and that of an artist, he's become one of the most sought-after speakers incorporating live performance art into every presentation. Erik's on-stage painting seamlessly becomes a visual metaphor to the core of his message, encouraging individuals and organizations toward profitability through innovation, creativity and superior levels of performance. His ongoing message of growth, inspiration and positivity is one that resonates well with the Boston community and compliments the current efforts being made to rebuild and support those hurt most in the wake of the tragedy.

Since launching just one week ago, One Fund Boston has raised over $31 million. Five million was raised from over 50,000 individual donors contributing online. The rest came from more than 60 corporate donors. So far, John Hancock, AT&T, Bain Capital, Partners Healthcare, New Balance and Liberty Mutual have all pledged $1 million each. Many companies have also invited employees and customers to give as well. Erik is delighted to have been a part of this tremendous effort.

"Boston is strong and made stronger by the outpouring of support," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino last week after visiting with the injured and their families.

ABOUT ERIK WAHL: Erik Wahl is an artist, author, and entrepreneur. Internationally recognized as a graffiti artist and one of the most sought after speakers on the corporate lecture circuit, Wahl's clients include AT&T, Disney, XPrize, Microsoft, Ernst & Young, Exxon Mobile, and FedEx. His latest book UNTHINK: Rediscover Your Creative Genius (Crown Business) goes on-sale 6/4/13. Visit: www.theartofvision.com.

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SOURCE Erik Wahl