For Immediate Release
February 5, 2003

CALIFORNIA ARTIST HONORED FOR CHARITABLE WORK

Wrightwood, California: Artist and author, Tera Leigh, was honored with the HIA Special Recognition Award for her Memory Box Artist project, which she founded. The program donates hand-crafted memory boxes to hospitals for infant bereavement programs. In the last four years, Leigh and program volunteers have created more than 50,000 memory boxes, providing grieving families with a place to store precious mementos. (http://www.memoryboxes.org/)

Ms. Leigh is the author of two books, including the award-winning The Complete Book of Decorative Painting, and How to be Creative if You Never Thought You Could available in March 2003, both published by North Light Books. In addition to her books, Ms. Leigh is a columnist for Country Marketplace Magazine, PaintWorks, Quick & Easy Painting, and Tole World magazines. Her design work has appeared in over a dozen home décor and painting publications from Romantic Homes to Decorative Artist's Workbook.

Howard Hoffman (Toner Plastics Inc), Hobby Industry Association (HIA) 2002 Awards Committee Chair, announced the winners of the associations coveted 2002 Awards. The award was presented to Ms. Leigh during the 62nd Annual HIA Convention Industry Gala on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 in Anaheim, CA.

Joining Hoffman on the 2002 Awards Committee are Marie Clapper (Clapper Communications), Steve Perl (Art Wire Works), William Reed (Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Publications/Meredith Corporation) and Sandra Wilmot (Books n' Things).

Based in Elmwood Park, NJ, the Hobby Industry Association (http://www.hobby.org/) is a non-profit trade organization consisting of over 4,800 member companies engaged in the manufacturing, distribution and retail of craft and hobby products.
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Contact: Don Meyer (dmeyer@hobby.org)

Ms. Leigh is available for interview. Tera Leigh,
Phone: (207) 252-8271 * tera@teraleigh.com * http://www.teraleigh.com/
Press Kit and Video Reel available upon request.