Ken Eberts Named 2003 Featured Artist for Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance

World's Premier Classic Car Exposition Celebrates 25 Years

DETROIT, May 30 -- An original painting by renowned automotive artist Ken Eberts recently was unveiled at a private reception to celebrate the upcoming 2003 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance (Concours). The painting, which will be reproduced as the official Concours poster, was previewed by the event's sponsors and the board of directors of Concours d'Elegance of America, the non-profit organization that manages and hosts the Meadow Brook event. The unveiling underscores the excitement of the final months of preparing for the August 3rd event that draws automotive enthusiasts from around the globe to one of the world's premier classic car expositions.

Eberts, who makes his third appearance as the Concours featured artist, created a 30" X 40" watercolor and gouache painting depicting a 1929 Duesenberg J188 Sweep-Panel La Grande and a 1930 Packard 745 Roadster at the main entrance of Meadow Brook Hall.

"Ken Eberts' painting is indicative of how the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance will bring together the rare and beautiful in this celebration of our 25th anniversary," said Richard Kughn, Chairman of Concours d'Elegance of America, "From exquisite cars to elegant fashions and distinguished automotive art, this will be an extraordinary celebration befitting our quarter-century legacy."

Eberts and six other painters and five sculptors have been invited to display their work during the Concours activities. The Invitational Art Exhibit will begin Friday, August 1 with a juried art preview and awards ceremony; followed by the art auction on Saturday evening, August 2 during the Concours 25th Anniversary Gala. On Sunday, August 3, artists will exhibit and sell their work during the Concours celebration.

President of the Automotive Fine Arts Society, Eberts twice received the prestigious Peter Helck Award for "Best of Show" at the AFAS Exhibition at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Eberts also was named Ford Motor Company's Centennial Artist. Thirteen paintings by Eberts were commissioned by Ford to commemorate its 100 anniversary this year and are on display at Ford World Headquarters. For Ford's 50th anniversary, Norman Rockwell was named commemorative artist.

The 2003 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance will once again feature a remarkable display of more than 250 world-class vehicles, including a rare 25- car display of vintage Duesenbergs to commemorate the Concours' 25th anniversary. RM Auctions will hold its eighth annual auction of vintage automobiles on Saturday, August 2 in conjunction with the Concours.

All events will be held at historic Meadow Brook Hall, former home to Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto baron John Dodge, and at the Shotwell- Gustafson Pavilion, on the grounds of Oakland University in Rochester, MI. For more information, visit www.mbhconcours.org