Erik R. Sosa to be honored by Vox Vodka and Out Magazine

Tue. July 5, 2005 12:00 AM

Erik R. Sosa Named Best Emerging Designer in Chicago

Chicago, IL - VOX® Vodka and Out magazine are proud to honor up-and-coming artist Erik R. Sosa with the VOX/Out Emerging Voices of Style + Design Award. The highly respected industry award was created in 2001 by VOX Vodka and Out magazine to honor openly gay and lesbian individuals whose works have come to signify style, vision and design. To commemorate its fifth year, VOX and Out will be honoring artists and designers who are just beginning to establish a name for themselves - a new focus for the coveted award.

The first of five honorees nationwide, Sosa was nominated by his peers and selected by the editors of Out magazine and a prestigious panel of past VOX/Out recipients. He will receive the VOX/Out Emerging Voices of Style + Design Award at Sidetrack Chicago on July 27.

Born in Mexico City in 1975, Sosa's work showcases his appreciation for the simplicity of color and lines. He approaches each canvas as a blank page in need of color, an expression of emotion, and lines, as a means of interpretation. Inspired from all directions of life, Sosa's current body of work is a kaleidoscope of paintings ranging in size, form and style. When mounting an exhibition, Sosa sees each show as an opportunity to unite people and create a unique atmosphere with his canvases as the backdrop.

Raised in the Ravenswood/Uptown area of Chicago, Sosa is a self-taught Mexican-American artist who strives to serve as a positive influence in his Chicago community. Having worked in the not-for-profit sector for several years before pursuing art, Sosa now uses proceeds from his openings to contribute to such charitable causes as the Victor C. Neuman Association and The AIDS Foundation of Chicago. For a preview of his work, go to Sosa's "GROOVE is in the heART" exhibition on July 21 at Big City Swing Studio (1012 W. Randolph, Chicago) or visit www.erikRsosa.com. (Full Story)

"In addition to Erik's artistic talent and passion, his generosity and commitment to the community are truly admirable," said Mary Therese Kraft, associate brand manager for VOX Vodka. "VOX prides itself on quality and style, so we are pleased to recognize Erik for his visionary designs."

Recognized as the city's premier emerging artist, Sosa joins a prestigious list of VOX/Out award winners and visionaries in the field of style and design. Previous VOX/Out Voices of Style + Design Award recipients include Todd Oldham (New York), Nate Berkus (Chicago) and James Swan (Los Angeles).

"We're proud to honor Erik with the VOX/Out Emerging Voices of Style + Design Award," said Joe Landry, publisher of Out magazine. "When it comes to style and aesthetics, Out's readers are passionate and extremely involved; Erik's unique ideas and refreshing character are an inspiration."

"I am thrilled to be receiving this prestigious award," said Sosa. "I have worked hard to build a name for myself and am honored to be recognized with this award by VOX Vodka and Out magazine."

The nation's foremost gay general interest magazine, Out celebrates all aspects of gay culture, including fashion, style, and the arts. It is published by LPI Media, Inc., America's leading publisher targeting the gay and lesbian community. LPI Media also publishes The Advocate, the community's news magazine of record since 1967, among other magazines, books, and websites.

VOX® Vodka is the avant-garde leader in style and quality. Imported from the Netherlands and distilled five times, VOX prides itself on embodying quality, expressed with distinction.

VOX® Vodka is imported by Jim Beam Brands Co, an operating company of Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc., an international distilled spirits and fine wines company that manufactures and markets more than 80 brands in 160 countries. Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. has leadership positions in bourbon, with Jim Beam®, the number one selling bourbon worldwide; Knob Creek® bourbon and The Small Batch Bourbon Collection®; and cordials, with DeKuyper®, the number one cordial line in the United States. In addition to spirits, the Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. portfolio includes the Peak Wines International portfolio of Geyser Peak®, Wild Horse® and Canyon Road® wines. A joint venture between Jim Beam Brands Co. and The Absolut Spirits Company, Incorporated, called Future Brands LLC, provides sales and distribution services in the United States for the company's spirits brands. Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), the consumer products company.

Since 2001, VOX Vodka and Out magazine have celebrated fiercely talented gay and lesbian individuals whose work as made an indelible mark on American style through the VOX/Out Voices of Style+Design Awards. To commemorate its fifth year, VOX and Out announced the VOX/Out Emerging Voices of Style + Design Awards to honor artists and designers who are just beginning to establish a name for themselves. The honorees were selected by Out magazine and a prestigious panel of past VOX/Out recipients.
 

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