In recognition of founding of Art of the Olympians’ (AOTO), the organization will host the official grand opening celebration during the first week of March 2011 in the Historic River District of Downtown Fort Myers.

AOTO will welcome His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to Southwest Florida on March 5, 2011 as he shows his support for the acclaimed Art of the Olympians Museum and Galleries at the Al Oerter Center for Excellence.

Prince Albert II, a five-time Olympian in the Bobsleigh event and a member of the International Olympic Committee, is a great supporter of both arts and sports initiatives. Prince Albert’s mother; Princess Grace, 1954 Academy Award winning actress and fondly remembered as one of the world’s most renowned patrons of the arts.

“Sport and the arts are perhaps the greatest two fields available to leaders who want to affect the lives of an entire population,” said His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. "Art and sport touch the lives of almost every person around the world and spark a creative drive to do and be their very best."

“Prince Albert’s visit to Fort Myers is a milestone in the history of the City not seen since the days when Thomas Edison and Henry Ford resided here. His visit stands as a welcome for millions of people who come visit the Fort Myers area and will help AOTO spread a passion for excellence amongst the international community,” said Randal P. Henderson, Mayor of Fort Myers.
What started as the vision of Al Oerter, legendary four‐time consecutive Olympic Gold Medalist, has transformed into a modern-day arena which celebrates human capabilities as in the ancient Olympic Games when an athlete was not only expected to possess great agility and strength but to also understand and nurture the arts.

Together with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the support of international Olympian Artists, AOTO strives to enthuse, inspire and educate individuals through gallery exhibitions, interactive museum displays and educational outreach programs.

"Al Oerter's name reflects the definition of excellence; his athletic and artistic careers stand as icons in what a person can achieve if they dedicate themselves to being the best they can be, said Liston Bochette, AOTO board member.

Art of the Olympians will host a series of events and programs in Southwest Florida in conjunction with the Royal visit:

Painting with the Prince – Sports and Art converge on the lawn adjacent to the Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery alongside the Caloosahattche River in the Historic River District of Fort Myers. Guests will enjoy America fare and camaraderie as they paint on a giant canvas Al Oerter Style – using discus as brushes. HSH Prince Albert along with fellow Olympians— including Roald Bradstock, UK, Javelin . This unique event is for the expert and novice painter alike and will be sure to quench ones’ creative appetite. Grand Gala: An Evening for Excellence – Art of the Olympians signature black‐tie fund raising event in the Historic River District of downtown Fort Myers on Saturday, March 5, 2011. The Gala welcomes guest of honor His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. Olympian Artists, national and local dignitaries will be on hand to support Art of the Olympians.

For participation information contact: info@artoftheolympians.org or phone 239-332-5055. For information on planning your visit to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com.

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Art of the Olympians is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, dedicated to cultivating a passion for human excellence, by promoting the highest principles found in arts and sport to people of all ages and nations that will advance the world towards better global citizenry.