Sculpture on a Miion: National Geographic Introduces New Fine Art Collection with Pure Sculpture and Artist Brad Oldham

WASHINGTON (Sept. 18, 2013)-National Geographic has partnered with Pure Sculpture and artist Brad Oldham to introduce a line of sculpture for the fine art and design market. The first collection supports National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative and was inspired by the photography and work of filmmakers, conservationists and National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Beverly and Dereck Joubert, who have documented big cats in the wild for more than 30 years.

The first sculpture in the Big Cats Series is titled Together and depicts a powerful male lion in a rare moment with his playful cub. Hand sculpted and cast in bronze, Together is available through Pure Sculpture at ngs.puresculpture.com and by calling (214) 420-3995. The piece was created using the time-honored lost wax process and is produced entirely in the United States, originating from Oldham's studio in Dallas. National Geographic's net proceeds from these bronze lion sculptures will help support expeditions, conservation, research and education programs.

Together is available in four sizes, in limited quantities: life size, half life size, tabletop and desktop. Prices begin at $850 ($680 for National Geographic members) for the desktop version. Each sculpture is signed by the artist, is numbered and includes a certificate of authenticity. Owners also receive a custom hardbound book illustrated with Beverly Joubert's photography as well as a piece of the original cast mold.

The National Geographic Pure Sculpture partnership was created to raise awareness of National Geographic programs through the medium of sculpture by Oldham. The Big Cats Pure Sculpture line creates a new avenue for the public to become better educated about the plight of big cats in particular and to contribute to their well-being. The collection is designed for both the first-time art collector and the art enthusiast. Each sculpture is crafted to provide families with the opportunity to share their values of wildlife conservation now and for generations to come.

Big cats in the wild are disappearing at a rapid rate - victims of habitat loss and degradation as well as conflicts with humans. In the 1940s, lions numbers were estimated to be around 400,000; now there may be as few as 20,000. The Big Cats Initiative, founded by the Jouberts and the National Geographic Society, aims to halt lion population declines by the year 2015 and to restore populations to sustainable levels. To donate or learn more, visit www.causeanuproar.org.

Oldham, a nationally renowned sculptor, creates site-specific sculpture that has been commissioned by numerous public entities, cultural venues, corporations and private collectors. From large-scale sculptures that enhance the community in which they reside to the series created exclusively for Pure Sculpture, Oldham's meticulous craftsmanship, passion and creativity are alive in every sculpture he creates. For more information, visit ngs.puresculpture.com.

About National Geographic

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Its mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. Founded in 1888, the member-supported Society offers a community for members to get closer to explorers, connect with other members and help make a difference. The Society reaches more than 450 million people worldwide each month through National Geographic and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

About Pure Sculpture

Pure Sculpture is transforming the way sculpture is sought, sold and appreciated. The company's mission is to introduce fine art sculpture to a wider public audience, increase awareness and appreciation of this art form, support artists in their desire to create three-dimensional works and make sculpture more obtainable with engaging and straightforward purchasing opportunities. Pure Sculpture celebrates the connection between artists and audiences and the unique experience of enjoying and living with sculpture every day. To learn more, visit www.puresculpture.com.

NOTE: For sculpture dimensions and prices and to download images, go to http://press2.nationalgeographic.com/downloads/temp2/file/pure_sculpture/.

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LINK:	http://press.nationalgeographic.com/2013/09/19/sculpture-on-a-mission-...
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