Virginia Artist Bill Firestone Donates Art to National GOTV Effort

Renowned local artist Bill Firestone, celebrated for his award-winning paintings, has generously donated images of his artwork to a national initiative aimed at encouraging people to vote in November - Get out The Vote (GOTV).

With renewed interest and excitement now swirling around election outcomes up and down ballots across the U.S., the busiest individuals, who want to do their part to encourage participation in the 2024 election, have been able to individually or as part of a group, write and send postcards to voters across the country. "I am not pushing any particular candidate. My art is not political, but it allows people to feel and exhale, especially in these highly stressful times", says Firestone. He went on to say, his work is "expressive and represents all aspects of American life, from the rural landscapes that I've been able to capture to the congested, rainy, bustling streets of the big city, and everywhere in between". Just this past Saturday afternoon a group of neighbors that know each other from swimming at the local YMCA met up at the Petersburg, Virginia public library to address postcards. Some of the postcards they addressed displayed some of Firestone’s work.

Firestone, whose work is featured in numerous public and private collections, is known for his rich, loose technique and bold compositions that capture everything from serene rural landscapes to bustling street scenes and expressive abstracts. His contributions to the art world are extensive, with notable commissions including The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the American Red Cross National Headquarters.

Whether you are the one sending GOTV postcards or on the receiving end, Firestone said, "I hope you get lost in the beauty of art before you flip the card to read the message. Let the bold colors and unrestricted brush strokes in an abstract lift your spirit for even a little while". Firestone's exceptional talent has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations such as the Washington DC Illustrators Club, the New York Society of Illustrators, and the Society of Illustrators in Los Angeles.

A native of Roanoke, Virginia, he is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. He currently operates his studio in Lorton, Virginia. His decision to donate his art underscores his commitment to making art more accessible and inspiring a broader audience.

For more information about Bill Firestone and his work, visit his studio at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Building 10, or explore his collections online www.contrastpainter.com.