posted 04-08-2011 08:57 PM               

Shuttle Art Auction to Benefit Space Foundation Education Programs

As the space shuttle program approaches its final flights, the Space Foundation is auctioning six matted and framed original art prints - one of each shuttle - autographed by two Space shuttle commanders each.

The auction will support Space Foundation education programs, providing funding for STARS classroom-enrichment programs and scholarships for teachers to attend Space Across the Curriculum courses.

The auction is being conducted online April 5-14 and onsite at the 27th National Space Symposium at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 11-14.

In addition, the Space Foundation is offering posters, postcards and unframed, unsigned original art prints for sale.

The auction complements two 27th National Space Symposium events that recognize the 30th anniversary of the first orbital launch of the Space shuttle. The Industry Salutes the Space shuttle luncheon and the shuttle Commanders' Forum (part of the Symposium's general session agenda) will both be held on April 12, the 30th anniversary of the first orbital launch.

About the Artwork

Each original 18" X 24" Giclée fine art print is produced using museum-quality archival inks and paper to resist fading and weathering. They are signed, matted and framed. Bidding started at $500 per print or $2,800 for the complete set. The posters, unframed art prints and postcards feature the same design.

About the Autographs

The art is autographed by commanders of the respective vehicles:

Enterprise:

• Maj. Gen. Joe H. Engle, USAF (Retired), former commander, Enterprise, Columbia and Discovery
  
• Fred Haise, Jr., former Apollo 13 astronaut and commander, Enterprise

Columbia:

• Col. Eileen Collins, USAF (Retired), first female shuttle pilot and commander and former commander, Columbia and Discovery
  
• Col. Tom Henricks, USAF (Retired), former commander, Columbia and Discovery

Challenger:

• Capt. Robert Crippen, USN (Retired), former commander, Challenger
  
• Vice Adm. Richard Truly, USN (Retired), former NASA administrator and former commander, Challenger

Discovery:

• Capt. Frank Culbertson, USN (Retired), former commander, Discovery
  
• Capt. Frederick Hauck, USN (Retired), former commander, Discovery

Atlantis:

• Col. Frederick Gregory, USAF (Retired), former commander, Atlantis and Discovery
  
• Col. Brewster Shaw, Jr., USAF (Retired), former commander, Atlantis and Columbia

Endeavour:

• Capt. Daniel Brandenstein, USN (Retired), former commander, Endeavour, Columbia and Discovery
  
• Col. Brian Duffy, USAF (Retired), former commander, Endeavour and Discovery

About the Posters, Postcards and Art Prints

Purchase posters (sold individually or as a set), unsigned, unframed high-quality 18" X 24" Giclée art prints (also sold separately or as a set) or a set of postcards featuring all six shuttles. Shipping is free and net proceeds will also benefit Space Foundation education programs.

About Space Foundation Education Programs

The Space Foundation is developing the next generation of space professionals - and building the overall technological strength of the nation - through a wide variety of programs that stimulate students' interest and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

A key component of the program is the Space Across the Curriculum courses, week-long teacher professional development classes that focus on national standards and STEM principles. The courses are held at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute in Colorado Springs, Colo., and at selected schools across the nation. The experiential, hands-on courses offer PreK-12 educators with space-related knowledge and lessons that are instantly transferable to the classroom. Participants can earn continuing education credits or graduate credits that apply toward master's degrees in multiple related disciplines. The STARS program is a hands-on student science enrichment program that is customized to meet schools' specific academic needs.