First Lady Maureen McDonnell Hosts First Ladies of Virginia Portrait Project Unveiling

RICHMOND - First Lady Maureen McDonnell will host the First Ladies of Virginia Portrait Project Unveiling and Press Conference on September 10, 2012 at 4:15 PM at Virginia's Executive Mansion. Mrs. McDonnell initially announced in July 2010 that portraits of all ten living First Ladies would be painted and displayed as a reminder of their immense roles in Virginia's history. The completed portraits of the ten living First Ladies will be revealed to the public at this event.

The portraits of the First Ladies were painted by five Virginia female artists and were paid for with private funds. The First Ladies of Virginia have consistently been strong supporters of their husbands, have taken on numerous projects, volunteered countless hours, and made the Executive Mansion a home during their administrations. Mrs. McDonnell's portrait project is her way of honoring each of these women's contributions to the Commonwealth. This project, which has brought together First Ladies and female artists, is part of the ongoing promotion of Mrs. McDonnell's FLITE Initiative focusing on women in business. More information about FLITE can be found at http://www.firstlady.governor.virginia.gov/Initiatives/FLITE/

Speaking about the project, First Lady Maureen McDonnell remarked, "It's truly an honor to be joined by so many of Virginia's former First Ladies. These fabulous women have left their own personal touch on the Executive Mansion, and now, their portraits will be displayed in our halls as a constant reminder of the history they helped create. I am excited to support women in the arts in this exciting project and I look forward to seeing the finished masterpieces during the 200th Anniversary of Virginia's Executive Mansion, which is a national landmark."

Loryn Brazier, Nancy Mauck, Nahid Neff, Christy Talbott, and Julia Williams are the artists that were selected to paint the portraits. This initiative was funded by generous donations from Altria and Dominion, and through support of Minds Wide Open, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

All ten portraits will be displayed in the mansion from September 11 to October 11 and on display for the public to view during scheduled public tours. Tour reservations can be made by calling Audrey Trussell at (804) 371-2642 x 2460. The Mansion will also host an open house on September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to stop by during this time to walk through the Mansion and view the portraits. After October 11, a couple portraits will remain at the Mansion and the others will be displayed at various historic locations throughout the area.

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