(official flyer is posted on my myspace profile)
Please God Save Us debuts at Good Life Tattoo & Piercing in Akron....
Derek Hess and Kent Smith mark the release of book with free party and signing
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........ Cleveland native and noted artist Derek Hess along with Euclid-based politician Kent Smith will celebrate the release of their politically-based new book, Please God Save Us, with a release party and book signing at Good Life ~ Tattoo & Piercing in Akron, OH on August 8th from 6pm-9pm.
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The party will run from 6 pm to 9 pm and offer free admission and parking for attendees as well as give people an opportunity to not only purchase Please God Save Us, but also to ask questions and share thoughts with both Hess and Smith.
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The book, which will be officially released on July 4th, is a collection of politically charged art pieces by Hess and complimenting text by Smith created to challenge the ideals of society and create awareness of both political and religious issues inundating government today. The pieces were first introduced to the public at a local art show in December of 2006 and have since taken on a life of their own, drawing both praise and criticism. Addressing a variety of topics including Stem Cell research, the war in Iraq, the Christian right and the environment among others, the book, according to it's authors, is intended to "educate and inspire its readers whether or not they agree with either the art or the words".
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For more information about the Please God Save Us release party or the book itself please contact Marty Geramita at marty@strhess.com or visit www.strhesspress.com.
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About Derek Hess: Internationally-known artist Derek Hess has spent the past fifteen years creating rock poster art that has not only made him a household name, but has also caught the attention of both the Louvre and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where his work is featured in both institutions permanent collections. After years of creating posters and flyers for well-known bands such as Deftones, Thursday, Every Time I Die and Taking Back Sunday, as well as popular fine art. Hess has recently diverged into creating witty and thought-provoking art that pushes the envelope of societal ideals.
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About Kent Smith: Kent Smith is an award-winning Cleveland-area elected official who has been friends with Derek Hess for years. Smith has written for the Cleveland Free Times and is currently a PhD candidate in the Economic Development program at Cleveland State University. Before running for office, Smith worked as a community organizer for Democratic campaigns in seven states.....
PLEASE GOD, SAVE US ....
New book by Derek Hess and Kent Smith releasing 7/4/08
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(CLEVELAND) - On July 4, 2008, when people across the country are grilling hot dogs and watching fireworks, internationally-known artist Derek Hess and writer Kent Smith will celebrate the true meaning of the holiday by exercising their right to free speech with the release of their collaborative effort, Please God Save Us.
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Fusing Hess' art and Smith's words, Please God Save Us takes a variety of hot topics ranging from religion to government and everything in between, and displays them in a thought-provoking and witty book.
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"The art itself was created as an outlet for my frustration with the current administration," Hess said. "And I was obviously very frustrated as I produced enough pieces for an entire book."
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In addition to releasing the book on July 4, Hess and Smith will make their way across the ....United States.... debuting Please God Save Us and signing copies at a variety of locations.
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"The country is in flux right now, with Barack Obama setting the pace for change," Hess said. "Kent and I are excited to be voicing our opinions and beliefs and, in a small way, contributing to these changes."
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For more information on or to pre-order Please God Save Us, please visit www.strhesspress.com. For more information on Derek Hess please visit www.derekhess.com.