Philadelphia native paints sixth U.S. Open commemorative
Philadelphia, Penn. (June 4, 2013) – The official commemorative poster for the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club was a “home game” for artist Lee Wybranski. The native of suburban Philadelphia-who has created posters for the last six U.S. Opens-was thrilled to paint the local course that has witnessed some of the greatest moments in golf history, including the culmination of Bobby Jones’ immortal “Grand Slam” in 1930.
Wybranski crafted a “slam” of his own in 2013. Along with the Merion poster, he is producing the official artwork for this year’s Open Championship at Muirfield in Scotland, as well as for the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. It will be Wybranski’s second official poster for the Open Championship, and his first for the PGA Championship. Plus, he has already has commissions for next year’s U.S. Open (at Pinehurst) and Open Championship (at Royal Liverpool).
Wybranski also recently completed a painting of the famous “Road Hole,” the 17th at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, that was commissioned by the St. Andrews Links Trust, which oversees the town’s courses.
While the world’s greatest golfers try to manage Merion’s twists and turns, Wybranski will be in the U.S. Open merchandise tent signing copies of his poster. Also next week, his art will be featured in an exhibition called “Nine Holes”-comprised of the original poster art done for four major posters, including this year’s U.S. Open at Merion-in Center City Philadelphia at WP Gallery, 1611 Walnut Street, Mezzanine Level, just off Rittenhouse Square. All nine original pieces will be on sale at WP Gallery during its exclusive run, June 8-16.
A native of Havertown, the 44-year-old Wybranski first left his hometown to attend Syracuse University, where he received a BFA in Art History. After college, he returned to Philadelphia. He relocated to Flagstaff, Arizona, four years ago.
Wybranski says his first interest in art came while reading comic books as a kid, and he remains influenced by their bold, graphic style, as well as classic poster design from the first half of the 20th century.
For additional information and to see other examples of Wybranski’s work for other golf clubs around the world, contact www.leewybranski.com or 928-310-2152.
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Lee Wybranski has been a professional artist since 1992. Group W Art Works was formed in Philadelphia in 1995 as a fine art and graphic design studio and the exclusive publisher and agent for his work. On January 2, 2012 the business opened doors at its new location in Flagstaff, Arizona and in 2013 the business changed names from Group W Art Works to Lee Wybranski Art & Design (LWAD).
Since establishing the studio, Wybranski has completed numerous commissioned artworks and published editions related to the game of golf, including landscapes, portraits and event posters. His portfolio includes commissioned artwork for clients ranging from the National Golf Links of America to Polo Ralph Lauren to the NCAA Championships. In 2008, Lee created the posters for all three U.S. Open Championships.
Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
908/876-5100
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
