AmericanVisionaries.com

It all started with one painting

In my town of San Antonio I've been watching and listening.

There are several things I've noticed; I've noticed some new visionaries.   Visionaries who are using art as a tool of marketing.

The Summer 2006 Cactus Pear Music Festivals:  classical performances from 19 world-class musicians throughout San Antonio and the Hill Country. 

First, they admit it was inspired by a margarita named the "Cactus Pear."  (Who hasn't had some of their best inspirations over a Margarita?)

Second, they've tied a simple and elegant art project to their kick-off.  They've asked local artists to display their art on violins .... click "Curated Curves, The Art of the Violin."

The proceeds from the art auction (after it's been displayed in San Antonio and surrounding areas) will benefit their educational outreach programs. 

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The newest old hotel in San Antonio is on the verge of a grand re-opening.  It's described as iconic 60s glamour mixed with Latin style.  It's the first hotel built on the San Antonio River.  They've done the math and decided the old hotel has seen nearly 6 million suitcases ... so, BaggageClaim2fame was created.   

Artists, student groups and corporations are encouraged to decorate/re-design luggage "suitable for display."

The art travels throughout the city to 6 public and private venues on exhibition.

Art will be judged and auctioned; the proceeds benefit the community-giving program, The Bexar County Arts and Cultural Fund (theFund).

The event and releases have been well-timed by the creative firm and hotel to celebrate National Tourism Week, San Antonio's Contemporary Art Month (July) and the unveiling of El Tropicano (September 2006).

More at BaggageClaim2Fame.com

Over a century ago, the Santa Fe Railway sent Thomas Moran to the Grand Canyon.  In return for this adventure, they received the rights to one of his paintings.  They had high-quality lithographs produced and sent them everywhere ....  Today their collection of art is worth millions.  And, it all started with one painting. 

Do programs like this make a difference?  I'll answer that question over the next few weeks.

Transformation

Iron Horses has been transformed.  In a few months we'll announce the introduction of "American Visionaries."

The study of the two companies (the Santa Fe Railway and the Fred Harvey Company)  who created the gold standard in the blending of art, culture, community and commerce has made me realize this is truly a "lost art."

I've researched corporate art and civic programs over the past century.  There are outstanding examples of corporate art as a tool of marketing.  These programs will help stimulate the imaginations of today's marketing executives.  They will reach the hearts of today's consumers.  And, as my founding partner, Roy Williams, stated in his first book, Wizard of Ads, "Grab the heart.  The mind will follow." 

Advertising has changed.  Companies need new ways to reach their customers and clients.  Companies want brand resonance; and they want to explore their unrecognized strengths.  The answer is not on a computer screen.  It's in the heart.  For companies, courage is required to be who they are to today's generation of consumers. 

But we'll tell you more about that, later.      

Join us at The Dedication of the Dulcinea Chapel on the land of the New Wizard Academy, plus, new information from Wizard Partners and Academy Board Members in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, April 23, 2005

From Roy H. Williams' Monday Morning Memo of Monday, March 28, 2005:

Founding Partner, Roy H. Williams will share the "Wizard Academy's dream for the future."  I'll present "a fascinating session on Corporate Art as a Tool of Marketing.  Architect Marley Porter will explain the language of design, opening our eyes to exactly how architecture makes powerful statements to the soul.  Academy board member Dr. Nick Grant will share Dulcinea insights in that inimitable style that has made him famous. And then on Sunday morning, if you want to come back for one more session, the magnetic, best-selling author Keith Miller will talk about the softer side of God in what is certain to be a fascinating fireside chat. (Yes, we built an awesome fireplace in Tuscan Hall.)

And of course we'll leave some free time between sessions to eat, drink, and talk as we explore the 33-acre campus. Won't you come?  Click here for more info and to register: www.wizardofads.com"

More About the Corporate Art as a Tool of Marketing Session:

The role of corporations in their community, art and culture has been a topic of discussion for centuries.  The popularity of Richard Florida's "The Rise of the Creative Class" has brought the impact of forging these elements to a new level of awareness.

But, how is a corporation to blend these elements to complement their marketing plan and enhance their brand essence?  I'll show you ... from some of the masters.   

My session will also introduce you to the new one-day curriculum, Corporate Art as a Tool of Marketing beginning in May 2005.  And, I'll be teaching Roy's Art Marketing Workshop for artists very soon as well.