Artist sells 'Wizard of Oz' posters

Rick Ewigleben grew up watching a 13-inch black and white television set, but he'll always remember going to his neighbor's house to watch "The Wizard of Oz" for the first time on a giant, color console TV.\nNow, the artist is planning to autograph and sell his latest poster, a graphic illustration of the four principle characters of "The Wizard of Oz" and Toto. The proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis club's "Get Ready for Mothers Day" event from noon to 3 p.m. today and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 1 at the Downtown Arts and Antiques.\nEwigleben began his career as a cartoonist and now focuses on designing greeting cards and illustrating children's books. This is the first time Ewigleben has made a public appearance with his artwork, and he said he is anxious to show his 11-by-17 inch full-color poster to the Bloomington community.\n"There's something in each character that everyone can relate to," Ewigleben said. \nTo celebrate the 65th anniversary of the film, the poster was created in a graphic style similar to the late 1930s .\n"Ewigleben is a very open and gracious artist," Kiwanis Chairman Allen Pease said. "The poster is a cool Mother's Day gift -- very unique and personalized."\nThe signed and individually numbered posters cost $20, and 20 percent of the purchase is donated to the Kiwanis club and its youth programs.\n"I hope to show the noble causes of the Kiwanis club and give something back to the community," Ewigleben said.\nKiwanis Club assists the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington, Circle K at IU and Riley Hospital for Children. The organization also provides an annual scholarship to a graduate of each Monroe County public high school.\n"Last year, I was able to give a scholarship to two high school graduates," Kiwanis club member Judy Iverson said. "We are trying to make Kiwanis known to the community, because we help sponsor so many things." \nIf a potential buyer isn't a fan of ruby red slippers and the yellow brick road, Kiwanis club is also selling signed, matted prints by the Pittsburgh artist Raymond Popp. The paintings illustrate the Ozark and Boston Mountains and cost $25.\n"There's probably only a limited audience," said Ewigleben. "but people of all ages grew up with 'The Wizard of Oz.' It's a unique tribute to our childhood."\n-- Contact staff writer Jessica Levco at jlevco@indiana.edu.