Local artist wins big

GAINESVILLE - A painting by a local artist is one of ten selected to be featured on bottles of a limited edition series of 1800 Tequila for a year.

A reception at the Quinlan Center for Visual Arts in Gainesville Friday night honored Chad Shore for his accomplishment.

Shore was selected out of 60,000 people as one of ten 2009 Essential Artists by 1800 Tequila.

Shore said winning the contest is unreal.

“Seeing the artwork on the bottle is weird. I really like it and it doesn’t even look like its mine. I say 'hey look at that - that’s pretty cool.'”

He added that he is enjoying moving forward with his artwork and if this is where his journey takes him then that’s fine by him.

Shore submitted five paintings for the contest, and two months later he got the call that he was a winner. Since that phone call eight months ago, the bottle was designed and Shore received his prize money as well as the money for the purchase of his painting by 1800.

Since the win Shore has been on a marketing tour for the company.

“They have spent about $5 million in marketing, and I get to tag along with the marketing tour, and I’m going to ride this wave for as long as possible and continue with making art,” said Shore.

Philip Cox came to the viewing and believes Shore’s artwork is really good.

“Chance to get his art out there and get some publicity because he is really good at what he does,” said Cox.

Shore can no longer sell the winning painting, but it can still be viewed at the Proximo Private Collection in New York and you can buy the featured bottle where 1800 Tequila is sold.

Link: 1800 Tequila