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-- WITH PHOTO -- TO ARTS, ENVIRONMENTAL AND EDUCATIONAL EDITORS: |
Introducing 'The Wildlife Experience' |
A Unique Civic, Social and Educational Venue Celebrating Wildlife Art and Conservation |
DENVER, COLORADO, Jun. 13 -/E-Wire/-- An entirely new concept for appreciation and understanding of wildlife, its conservation, the many forms of art which celebrate it and a variety of educational tools to learn more about it will all be found in The Wildlife Experience, scheduled to begin construction this week with completion and opening planned for August 2002.
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(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010613/LAW028 )
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Site preparation has begun on 14 acres where the initial 101,000 square foot facility will be built one mile East of I-25 at the Southeast corner of Lincoln Avenue and Peoria Street in the Meridian International Business Center. An additional 70,000 square feet is planned for future expansion.
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A public foundation has been formed by 10 RE/MAX affiliates who share a love of the outdoors and wildlife. They also make up the Board of Trustees that will operate the facility, and include: Dave and Gail Liniger, Don Hachenberger, Bob Bown, Keith Counts, Margaret Kelly, Mike Reagan, Craig Shelley, Les Wood and Steve Woolley. Their stated mission: "The Wildlife Experience is dedicated to promoting the realistic understanding of the natural world and its conservation through art, education and community."
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"For years it has been a dream of ours to create a facility where people can gather to enjoy some of the world's finest wildlife artwork and to appreciate the vital importance that nature plays in our lives," said Gail Liniger, co-founder and chief executive officer of RE/MAX International. "With The Wildlife Experience, the dream is about to become a reality."
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It is much more than a museum. It is much more than another Colorado tourist stop. The Wildlife Experience is designed as a quality venue for exceptional cultural exhibits, an educational center for all ages and an ideal gathering place for social, civic and business activities. In large measure, it is being created to impart a lasting legacy to the community that has nurtured the growth of RE/MAX International from its 1973 founding in Denver Technological Center, to a network of 67,000 members in more than 4,000 franchised offices in 38 countries.
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Even though the Liniger's are the first major sponsors and contributors to The Wildlife Experience, the entire RE/MAX International staff has taken on the project with enthusiasm and affection and will provide critical talents to the daily operations.
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"We are pleased that each member of the RE/MAX International headquarters staff has shown a passion for this project," said Dave Linger, RE/MAX co-founder and chairman of the board. "Personnel from virtually every department -- management, accounting, RE/MAX Satellite Network, public relations, advertising, technology and web services have been involved and will continue to provide their specialized services to the foundation. It not only gives each of them an opportunity to touch and be a part of something new, it is an indication of their individual commitment to the community and a better world for all living creatures. We are proud of each of their contributions."
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The facility will be home to an extensive permanent display of wildlife art, including original oils, watercolors, sculpture and photography by such renowned artists as Robert Bateman, Ted Blaylock, Guy Coheleach, Larry Fanning, Nancy Glazier, Veryl Goodnight, Dennis Jones, Fred Machetanz, Dino Paravano, John Seery-Lester and Daniel Smith. Displays of taxidermy, works in bronze, marble and on film will also be shown and several traveling art exhibits are already scheduled.
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One of the primary goals of The Wildlife Experience is to instill a love and respect of all things wild through education and example, and inspire those who visit the facility to become involved in conservation efforts. To that end, the "Conservation Gallery" will feature rotating exhibits devoted to specific environmental and conservation efforts for the protection of wildlife.
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In addition to the many planned galleries, amenities include a 315-person lecture-style theater with massive 40 by 60 foot iWERKS(R) screen and DTS digital sound, restaurant, gift shop, Great Room for hosting large indoor events and a spacious outdoor entertainment space.
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Designed by Klipp Colussy Jenks DuBois Architects to reflect and maintain the integrity of its surroundings, The Wildlife Experience will be constructed with the finest of natural materials by Saunders Construction with financing provided by Guaranty National Bank and Trust. The site was donated in part by the Denver Technological Center and the Meridian International Business Center. All firms are based in Colorado.
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First among many projects to create funding for special programs at The Wildlife Experience is the Wildlife Cup, an annual tournament to be held at the Sanctuary Golf Course, rated twice among the Top 100 courses in the country by Golf Digest. Appropriately, Sanctuary has often received high praise for its environmentally sensitive design as well as its reputation for charitable fund raising.
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Special membership and sponsorship programs will be available at The Wildlife Experience for individuals and corporations. Gift and donor benefits can be customized to meet the needs of donors. More information is available by contacting The Wildlife Experience or online at www.thewildlifeexperience.com.
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/Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010613/LAW028 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 212-782-2840/
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