Stephen Holland named official artist of the Los Angeles Dodgers

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have commissioned artist Stephen Holland to create a painting as part of the team's 2008 celebration of its 50th anniversary in the city. Holland, who has painted such famous athletes as Sandy Koufax, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Roberto Clemente and Tiger Woods, will unveil the Dodgers painting on the team's opening day in 2008.

"I'm truly honored to be commissioned by the Dodgers to commemorate their 50th anniversary in Los Angeles," Holland says. "Living half of my life in southern California, I have always been a Dodgers fan. The Dodgers' standard of excellence, from their breaking of the color barrier with Jackie Robinson to their continued support of the Los Angeles community and their diverse fans, resonates deep within me. The work I will create will embody that standard--celebrating the history of their 50 years in Los Angeles, the embracing of the team by the city and the Dodgers' commitment to the Los Angeles community in return."

Holland says the painting will also be inspired by the Dodgers' best players and managers, such as Tommy LaSorda, Fernando Valenzuela, Mike Piazza, Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Russell Martin, Brad Penny and Vin Scully. For more information, e-mail info@limelightagency.com; visit www.limelightagency.com.