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LOCAL ARTISTS PUT NEW TWIST ON ORGAN DONATION

ATLANTA (March 10, 2005) - Local Atlanta artist Joel Barr didn't know much about the National Kidney Foundation of Georgia, that is, until last year when his daughter nearly required a kidney transplant. Now he's one of the organization's biggest supporters. To show his appreciation, he spearheaded the first annual Ultimate Organ Transplant project, which features art from more than 30 local artisans. Barr's idea, however, involved a different kind of organ: the musical kind.

After approaching the National Kidney Foundation of Georgia to see if they could use his antique organ, his creative juices started flowing.

Joel Barr with organ part

"What if we took individual pieces of this old organ and gave it new life by turning them into art, just as individuals give life to others by donating their internal organs?," said Barr.  

The original works will be on display for the first time at a private reception honoring the artists on Friday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Buckhead. The creations will then be displayed again and offered for sale at the18 th annual "Gift of Life" Gala, a black-tie fundraiser event for the National Kidney Foundation of Georgia. The evening of dinner and dancing takes place April 2 at the Ritz-Carlton.

Thirty artists were given individual pieces of Barr's antique musical organ and were encouraged to paint, sculpt or decorate the pieces according to their own creative inspiration. The April 1 reception will feature the artists and their creations and offer the pieces for sale - all to benefit the Kidney Foundation.

Artist's creation with one part

"One in nine people in Georgia have some form of kidney disease, and most are unaware that they have it," said Barr. "This event helps raise awareness about kidney disease and generates much needed funds for the life-saving work of the National Kidney Foundation of Georgia."

Started in 1988, this year's Gift of Life Gala will honor Judge Griffin Bell, former U.S. Attorney General, in celebration of his lifetime of service.

Judge Bell was recently diagnosed with kidney disease, joining some 1 million other Georgians (1 out of 9) who have some form of kidney disease.

For more information please contact Chris Schroder at 404.872.7289, email chris@schroderpr.com or visit the National Kidney Foundation of Georgia Web site at www.kidneyga.org

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