March 28, 2005

Officials at the USA International Ballet Competition have chosen P. Sanders McNeal as the official artist for the 2006 competition, scheduled for June 17 - July 2 in Jackson. In this role, McNeal will create a poster design for the event, as well as a second design for use on commemorative merchandise.

ìWe searched galleries throughout the state to find our 2006 USA IBC artist, and we are delighted to be working with Sandy on this project," said Sue Lobrano, executive director of the USA IBC. "She is a supremely talented artist with an impressive reputation and a unique understanding of our organization.î

McNeal was chosen for the commission based on her abilities in both figurative and still-life work, as well as her commanding use of color and light. She is already at work on designs for the event, and the official 2006 USA IBC poster will be unveiled in October 2005.

"Art crosses all borders," said McNeal. "I hope my work allows viewers to experience a sense of place by creating a feeling of inclusiveness in this wonderful competition that takes place in our city."

McNeal, who works out of her studio in downtown Jackson, has been painting professionally for more than 30 years. Her work has been accepted in juried exhibitions throughout the United States and has also been featured in group exhibitions abroad. McNeal was the recipient of the 1999 Governorís Artistís Achievement Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts, and she was also the first commissioned artist for the Jubilee JAM! series of promotional paintings. Her recent study includes work with Daniel Greene of Southwest Ireland, a figurative intensive at Studio Escalier in France and plein air study at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy.

"Artists and art seem to thrive here in Mississippi," said McNeal. "In a state with only around 2 million people, we have had such a powerful artistic impact on the world. The Southern sense of place and space has really influenced my work."

For each competition, USA IBC officials select a Mississippi artist to create a signature image for the event, a design that will appear on posters, event programs, ticket brochures and other commemorative merchandise. The organization began this tradition in 1990, and has thus far featured the work of five Mississippi artists. Both the artist and the 2006 commemorative poster are sponsored by The Chevron Companies.

McNeal's web site is at www.sandersmcneal.com