Irvine MINI Channels BMW's Art Car Tradition with MINIWEEN

Irvine, CA, March 24, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Irvine MINI is proud to be stepping in line with BMW’s 35-year-old tradition of turning automobiles into works of art.

BMW recently commissioned internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Jeff Koons to create the 17th BMW Art Car, joining an illustrious group of artists that includes Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg, and Alexander Calder – each of whom has made a unique artistic statement about the appearance and meaning of cars.

While the Koons BMW Art Car will be revealed later this year (with details of the model and preliminary design yet to be announced), Irvine MINI’s own version of an art car – the MINIWEEN – will be revealed this spring. The MINIWEEN – whose mission is to be the driving force of awareness on safeguarding Orange County’s environment – was painted by local artist Mark.Paul.Deren, aka Madsteez, and will be traveling to various events in Orange County to call attention to environmental issues.

“We are enormously pleased about Madsteez’s work on the MINIWEEN,” said Irvine MINI General Sales Manager Steve Rudkin. “The BMW Art Cars are part of the DNA of BMW’s cultural engagement, and the MINIWEEN is a really novel and creative take on the BMW Art Car idea and a good way for us to raise awareness on issues we feel are important.”

Irvine MINI's professional sales team, large selection of new and certified pre-owned MINIs and one of the most comprehensive parts and service departments in the automotive industry have made Irvine MINI a premier dealership in the country. Irvine MINI is part of the Shelly Automotive Group, owned and operated by Damon Shelly. Visit the Southern California dealership today at 9881 Research Drive in Irvine or online at irvinemini.com.

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