Shepard Fairey's Feeding America Artwork Inspires Nationwide Outdoor PSA with The Advertising Council

CHICAGO, May 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Renowned contemporary artist Shepard Fairey, widely known for his Barack Obama "HOPE" poster during the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election, has partnered with Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, and The Advertising Council to create an outdoor public service advertisement (PSA) that raises awareness of domestic hunger.

Fairey's poster depicts a young girl holding a bowl, alongside the words "HELP FIGHT HUNGER." Fairey said that the girl in the poster was inspired by his own daughter. The outdoor PSA urges viewers to visit feedingamerica.org or their local food bank to learn how they can help fight hunger.

"The issue of hunger in America is an important one to me. As the parent of two young daughters, I want to help raise awareness that every night millions of children and their parents go hungry," Fairey said. "I hope that my poster will highlight the need to combat this growing problem every day."

Fairey's poster comes at a critical time. In November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that 49 million Americans, including nearly 17 million children, are food insecure. And in February, Feeding America released Hunger in America 2010, which reported that the organization serves more than 37 million people every year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. These findings are up a staggering 46 percent since Feeding America's last study in 2006.

Fairey created this poster after he was approached by his friend and Feeding America Entertainment Council Chairman, David Arquette, about generating art to raise awareness of the growing issue of hunger in America.

Fairey serves as a member of the Feeding America Entertainment Council, which includes more than 40 actors, singers, athletes and artists who support the organization by using their voices to raise awareness of domestic hunger.

"Shepard Fairey has given Feeding America a tremendous gift," said Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America. "We are moved, honored and thrilled that through his brilliant talent, we are able to further engage communities across the nation in the fight against domestic hunger."

Fairey is one of today's best-known and most influential street artists whose work often focuses on advancing social movements and issues. He first became known for his "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign. His work can be seen at The Smithsonian, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The PSA campaign has generated extraordinary support from the outdoor advertising community nationwide which has donated advertisement space to support the campaign, including 1500 billboards, bus stops and other outdoor properties in more than 100 media markets across the country. These markets include New York City, Atlanta, Chicago and Denver.

A recent recipient of The Ad Council's coveted Silver Bell Award for Great Outdoor Creative, the PSA was recognized for creative excellence in 2009/2010. First awarded in 1977, The Ad Council's Silver Bell Awards are bestowed upon those who exemplify extraordinary generosity and leadership in disseminating the Ad Council's public service advertising messages.

"Feeding America's Shepard Fairey Hunger PSA is an iconic campaign that uses a truly poignant image to generate awareness of the growing hunger crisis in America," said Lisa Dollinger, Chief Communications Officer, Clear Channel Communications.  "We are proud to be a part of this effort and to support all of Feeding America's campaigns across our Outdoor, Radio and Digital properties."

The Ad Council and Feeding America first launched their "1 in 8" national Hunger Prevention campaign in November 2008. The campaign aims to change the way Americans look at the critical issue, by illustrating that many people they interact with on a daily basis may not know where they will find their next meal.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. Learn more at feedingamerica.org, Facebook.com/FeedingAmerica and Twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

About the Advertising Council

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

About Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey is the man behind OBEY GIANT, the graphics that have changed the way people see art and the urban landscape. What started with an absurd sticker he created in 1989 while a student at the Rhode Island School of Design has since evolved into a worldwide street art campaign, as well as an acclaimed body of fine art. In 2003, Shepard founded Studio Number One, a creative design firm dedicated to applying his ethos at the intersection of art and enterprise. Shepard's art reached a new height of prominence in 2008, when his "HOPE" portrait of Barack Obama became the iconic image of the presidential campaign and helped inspire an unprecedented political movement. Shepard debuted a new body of work, entitled, "May Day," on May 1st at Deitch Projects in New York City.

For more information, visit www.obeygiant.com

Media Contacts:

Julia Morse

312.641.5610

[email protected]

Ad Council Press Office

[email protected]

SOURCE Feeding America