New Internet Company — TotalArt — Launches World's Largest Online Art Store and Resource; TotalArt Becomes Tenant in America Online's Shopping Channel

Business Wire, Oct 5, 1998

MILL VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 1998--TotalArt(tm), a new online art store and resource offering the world's largest selection of art supplies, officially launched today with an announcement that in addition to an extensive new site on the Web, it will become a tenant in America Online's Shopping Channel (Keyword: TotalArt).

TotalArt, which will also be accessible from AOL.com and CompuServe's Shopping Channel, offers more art supplies and art-related information than any other site on the Internet (www.totalart.com).

"We are thrilled to be selected as a tenant in AOL's Shopping Channel," says Leslie Kushner, TotalArt's co-founder. "TotalArt is the first online art store that offers the unique combination of selection, low prices and secure transactions, and this partnership gives us instant visibility."

At TotalArt's web site visitors will find: -0-

--   In-depth information of every item
--   A hi-resolution photo of selected items
--   Tips and techniques on how to use products
--   Chats with professionals from the art world
--   Bulletin boards posting employment opportunities and classified
     ads
--   Links to museums, galleries, publications, organizations and
     other art resources
--   An exclusive kids area where children can learn more about art,
     share their latest "masterpiece" or just have fun

-0-

Sites on AOL.com and CompuServe will be launched later this fall.

"TotalArt was designed with the artist in mind," says Kushner, who's also a graduate of the internationally recognized Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and former senior graphic designer at Esprit International.

"As a former art student and graphic designer, I know how difficult it was to find art supplies and information when I needed it. Now art professionals, students and casual hobbyists of all ages have a single destination to learn more about their passion and buy art supplies -- and this store never closes."

"Finally, a company has made it easy to buy art supplies online," says Emil Wilson, former senior art director at Saatchi and Saatchi. "TotalArt has effectively used the Internet to change the way people traditionally shop for art supplies."

About TotalArt(tm)

TotalArt is a Web site designed by artists for art enthusiasts. Open 24 hours a day, TotalArt provides the largest selection of art supplies and materials to professional artists, students, agencies and hobbyists of all ages. TotalArt simulates the consumer's traditional shopping experience while adding the convenience of e-commerce and Internet technology.

The service is offered in an environment where visitors can share resources, experience collaborative learning and have a unique opportunity to display and discuss their artwork. For more information about TotalArt visit the company's web site at www.totalart.com.