Press release: To coincide with tenth anniversary ceremonies marking Hurricane Katrina’s devastating assault on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, the United States Coast Guard dedicated “Rescue Me,” a painting by Dale Fairbanks, artist and former Louisiana resident.
The 10’x14′ painting features a USCG HH-65 Dolphin helicopter which served as an icon of hope and aided in the Coast Guard rescue of 33,500 Katrina survivors.
The ceremony was held Tuesday at the Hale Boggs Federal Building and was attended by representatives of the Coast Guard, the General Services Administration, and local dignitaries.
Rear Admiral David Callahan, Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, accepted the painting on behalf of the Coast Guard, “When I view this painting, I think of the sacrifice that all first responders must be prepared to make – to put themselves second in order to serve that others may live. In this room, I see those who gave so much in the face of great personal loss including active duty, reserve, civilian, and retired; this painting is for you. It will hang in the Hale Boggs Building in our headquarters, but truly it means so much more and belongs to so many more.”
The painting will be transferred to the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Conn., for permanent display upon the museum’s completion in 2018.
“Rescue Me” is artist Dale Fairbanks’ expression of gratitude to U. S. Coast Guard members who never gave up and left no one behind. “I worked for two years on the big orange bird flying over the Ninth Ward and Industrial Canal. It’s the most emotional painting I have ever done. I am deeply honored that the Coast Guard has accepted ‘Rescue Me’ to commemorate the brave, determined men and women who saved so many lives.”
Limited edition giclee reproductions of “Rescue Me” are available at www.dalefairbanks.com.
Dale Fairbanks is a narrative abstract artist, painting large scale, expansive canvases featured in galleries and cultural centers throughout the United States including New York, Atlanta, Alaska, Florida, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. She now lives and works on the Florida Gulf Coast. Her work can be viewed online at www.dalefairbanks.com.
