Artists Hired by Queen Elizabeth Will Soon Hold Exhibit in Roswell

Internationally renowned American artists Michael Collins and James E. Partee, Jr., who were guests of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at her residence in Sandringham, England recently, will soon exhibit some of their work in Roswell.

The pair were handpicked by Queen Elizabeth II in early 2010 to paint two of her favorite sporting animals. The request marked the first time the queen has asked two private artists to paint any of her sporting animals.

Collins, a wildlife artist and engraver from Oklahoma, painted one of the queen’s most beloved hunting dogs. And Partee, a naturalist and conservationist from Georgia, painted one of her prized race horses. The paintings will be permanently housed in the private art collection of Queen Elizabeth II for generations to come.

For two days prior to their audience with the queen, Collins and Partee were guests of Graham Browne - a long-time friend and associate of the Royal Family in special services and security - and his wife, Yvonne. During their visit the pair toured the queen's 38,000-acre estate in Sandringham and the Kings Lynn area of England where they visited numerous wildlife and historic sites. On Sunday, April 15, Collins and Partee attended services at the St. Mary Magdalene Church, located at Sandringham and built circa 1321. Highlighting the morning service were a reading from the church’s 500-year-old bible and the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. After the service, the artists were invited as guests of the queen to meet with her at Wood Farm, her private residence in Sandringham - a rare occasion for private citizens.

From August 2-30, an exhibit featuring some of the artists' works may be seen at the , 617 Atlanta Street. Additionally both artists will also exhibit their works at the 2012 Cowboy Christmas Expo, Dec. 6-15, at the Mandalay Hotel Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Visit the website for more information, or call 770-640-3253. To learn more about each artist and see their work, visit www.MichaelCollinsArt.com and www.JamesPartee.com.