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Sept. 9, 2008

AUSTIN, Texas -- Highly-regarded sports artist Mike Sullivan, known for his unique chiseled style featuring bright, contrasting colors on a black background, will dedicate a 13' x 12' mural honoring the history and achievements of The University of Texas football program on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the legendary Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

A short presentation will begin at 2 p.m. Central. Hosted by Bill Little, the event will include a short speech by Sullivan before Texas head coach Mack Brown dedicates the mural in front of fans, alumni, university officials and former Longhorns players.

The painting pays tribute to the winning-tradition and success of The University of Texas football program, a program which, in its storied past has:

• Won four National Championships;
• Been led by two Heisman Trophy winners;
• Had three players selected No. 1 overall in the NFL draft; and,
• Had 16 Longhorns players and coaches inducted into the Collegiate Football Hall of Fame.

Featuring the National Championship trophy, the Longhorns' mascot Bevo, a hard-charging Texas running back, and members of the UT Spirit Squads running with flags, all against the backdrop of the orange-lit UT Tower, the mural captures these achievements and the passionate support Longhorns fans have given the program for more than a century.

"Texas football has such a rich history of on- and off-field success, outstanding student-athletes, legendary coaches and a winning strength that inspired me to pay tribute to the program," said Sullivan. "It is truly an honor for me to have this mural at The University of Texas. I hope the mural will serve as a tribute to Longhorns past, present and future."

This is the third in a large-scale series of permanent murals Sullivan is installing in professional stadiums and on college campuses across the country. His first, a tribute to Arizona State legend and American war hero Pat Tillman, is showcased at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. Earlier this year, Sullivan garnered attention for his mural "Tradition," installed at the Los Angeles Coliseum, home of the University of Southern California Trojans.

Mike Sullivan Art, Inc., aims to install 25 large-scale murals at sports venues across the world by the end of 2010.

The Mural Process
Sullivan sketches all of his murals in pencil before painting the final version on his signature black background. Using bright acrylic colors, sharp lines and specific angles, Sullivan brings his sports subjects alive.

The paintings are then digitally transferred to high-gloss, reinforced 12" x 12" tiles used to create the mural. The tiles are reinforced, making them extra durable, guaranteeing the mural stays pristine for decades. They are easy to clean, simple to maintain and captivating to look at. The tiles glisten under the lights and the colors pop brilliantly in photos and on television.

About Mike Sullivan
Orange County, Calif., artist Mike Sullivan has long been acclaimed within both the sports and art community for his ability to capture human movement in his signature chiseled style, utilizing bright, vibrant colors and dramatic lines. His unique paintings have quickly caught on with professional athletes, sports executives and art collectors. Sullivan's original paintings and limited edition serigraphs are featured in many venues and private collections around the world.

The official artist of FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period, Sullivan's art has also been displayed on KABC's SportsZone, ESPN College GameDay and numerous other television shows. He has been profiled in the Los Angeles Times and the Arizona Republic. Sullivan was honored to be selected to design the covers of the 2007 and 2008 Arena Bowl Championship programs. More information and other paintings can be found at mikesullivanart.com.