International Galleries Inc. Launches First Ever Ad Campaign In Spanish

International Galleries Inc. Launches First Ever Ad Campaign In Spanish

Names Mexican Renaissance Man Fernando Allende Official Spokesperson

ADDISON, Texas, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In a bold move that reflects the growth of the Hispanic market across the country, International Galleries Inc. (IGI) launches their first advertising campaign in history today -- in Spanish -- targeting the Hispanic consumer instead of so-called mainstream America. With Hispanic population growth reaching minority-majority proportions in various states as announced by the US Census Bureau in August, IGI is ahead of a trend, launching its first ad campaign in a language other than English. IGI, well known in the art world for the impact it has created with its direct selling method linking artists and consumers, is launching their campaign in Chicago with 60-second radio spots that promote what the company does for its Hispanic members and the quick, positive impact the opportunity has had on their lives.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050922/CGTH010 )

"We didn't target Hispanics, yet they have made a great impact on our company," said Paul J Myer, CEO and founder of IGI. "We are delighted to be selling artwork not only of famous artists but of well known and up-and-coming Hispanic artists as well. We have seen the income levels of our Hispanic members grow exponentially and that is having a dramatic impact in their lives and communities. It is the fulfillment of my dream for IGI to transform lives, the artists' lives and that of the members."

Mexican singing and acting sensation, Fernando Allende, actor, producer, director and painter, is IGI's first official celebrity spokesperson. "Fernando is one of our best selling artists and truly comprehends what IGI has done to benefit artists and promote art around the world while changing people's lives," said Paul J Myer, CEO and founder of International Galleries, Inc. "Fernando is uniquely suited to be our spokesperson and we are delighted that he has become our ambassador."

Allende, born in Mexico of a Mexican father, a Cuban mother, Spaniard grandparents and a Puerto Rican grandfather, is a true renaissance man. He started singing when he was seven with local Mariachi bands as reward for good grades. By the time he was a young man of 15, he landed his first starring role in Maria, opposite Taryn Power, Tyrone Power's daughter. A well known and popular actor who starred in hundreds of telenovelas prior to coming to Hollywood, Allende has earned 16 awards just for his acting talent alone. His career spans music, film, theater and art successfully.

"IGI helped make one of my dreams reality and opened an entire new world of possibilities for me as a painter," said Allende. "My works are now within reach of many people, from all walks of life, like I always dreamed and the reproductions are faithful to the original artwork in a way I never thought possible. My own people are enjoying my work and making an incredible living too!"

Allende's art is abstract and full of color. His paintings are peripheral; the colorful images symbolize dreams and events that shape history in our world. Inspired by events when he was a child, Allende finds inspiration in the natural surroundings of Dorado, Puerto Rico where he has his home. "To me,

art is magic that happens when the artist transforms what is intangible as a thought into something you can physically touch," said Allende.

The tagline for the ad campaign says it all "IGI, where art meets opportunity." The IGI direct selling opportunity has taken the Hispanic market by storm. Many members tell how by working hard and following the program exactly, they have achieved earning levels thought to be out of their reach. The opportunity has also brought them closer to their family. "This is a business that you can share with your entire family," said Agustin Covarrubias, IGI member. Araceli Covarrubias, Agustin's wife, adds, "It made us closer, we spend more time with the family. It is just incredible to spend the entire day at home with my husband. There's fewer arguments."

The level of interest and the impact on people from all walks of life within Hispanic communities has been tremendous. Many have been able to retire from regular jobs and now work together with friends and family as they generate earnings that were just a pipedream in their former lives. "We are reaching our dreams," said Griselda Amezcua, another IGI member. "We want others to achieve their dreams as well."

IGI members also speak of the respect that the company has shown them. "When I was shown the opportunity, I decided to investigate how the company treated our people," said Jesus Soriano, IGI member. "I wanted to make sure that we would be respected and appreciated at every level, and I have been so impressed by the respect IGI has and shows for the Latino community."

IGI uses the giclee printing method on museum quality canvas for the reproduction of fully licensed original artwork. Giclee is a state-of-the-art reproduction technique that is virtually indiscernible from an original work of art. Giclee reproductions in the art world refer to digital fine art prints made on any high quality inkjet printer.

The giclee canvas reproductions printed by IGI are sold as limited editions, one-time runs in one size and never executed again in any other size or medium. The runs are numbered and the artist's signature is digitally signed on the Certificate of Authenticity further increasing their value. The Certificates of Authenticity that accompany the reproductions accurately reflect the product authenticated as follows: "This is to certify that this authentic giclee print has been faithfully reproduced from original work. Only the highest quality materials and archival inks have been used to ensure lasting print quality. All information contained herein this certificate is true and correct."

CONTACTS: Comadres Inc. Maria Cecilia Arza 815-347-4772 cell

Alexis Copland 917-660-8650 cell

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050922/CGTH010 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN10 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: International Galleries Inc.

CONTACT: Maria Cecilia Arza, +1-815-347-4772 (cell), or Alexis Copland, +1-917-660-8650 (cell), both of Comadres Inc.

------- Profile: Ent