VICTORIA, BC–(Marketwire – October 19, 2010) – The Fairmont Empress is delighted to welcome international artist, David Goatley, to the legendary Victoria hotel’s inaugural Artist in Residence series, which begins November 5, 2010.

Goatley, who is widely regarded as one of North America’s leading portrait painters, was born in London, England, and trained at London’s Camberwell School of Art before settling with his family in Victoria, BC, in 1992. For the past 18 years, he has travelled the globe fulfilling more than 300 commissions.

Some of Goatley’s most notable portraits are of artists Robert Bateman and Ted Harrison, folk music legend Valdy, the internationally acclaimed tenor Richard Margison, Speaker of Parliament Gilbert Parent and Prime Minister Kim Campbell. Goatley’s work can also be found in corporate offices, private homes, galleries, churches and public landmarks, including the Chemainus Post Office’s mural ‘Letters from the Front’ in Canada’s world-famous Mural Town.

In addition to hosting a gallery show by David Goatley, the hotel and the artist are allowing guests to sit for portraits in a variety of memorable areas of this awe-inspiring Victoria hotel, including the world-renowned Tea Lobby, the dazzling Palm Court and the breathtaking Crystal Ballroom.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for our guests to cherish their memories while staying at our historic Victoria resort and visiting our stunning destination,” notes Martin Leclerc, General Manager of The Fairmont Empress. “This initiative continues to define the leading role The Fairmont Empress takes in engaging arts, culture and entertainment in the community,” says Leclerc. 

Goatley adds, “A portrait affirms, it gives the gift of self to its subject. It says: yes, you are worth spending this time over. Your story deserves to be told; you’re worth recording, and we will not see you like this again.”

For additional information about this distinctive Victoria resort or to make reservations, please visit www.fairmont.com/empress/vanity/artist. Further information on the artist is available at www.davidgoatley.com.

ABOUT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS
The Fairmont Empress majestically rises over Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This luxury hotel showcases the spirit and energy of Vancouver Island in grand style. With turn-of-the-century beauty, The Fairmont Empress resort regally captures the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era, while the facilities and services meet the needs of today’s traveler. Whether it is world renowned Afternoon Tea, the newly renovated Fairmont Gold, 18-holes of world-class golf or a soothing treatment in the award winning Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Empress, this luxury castle on the coast in Victoria offers the perfect escape from the stresses of a hectic lifestyle. From exhilarating ocean-bound whale watching safaris, epicurean-rich local cuisine to picturesque garden and vineyard tours, you will be awestruck by the countless experiences The Fairmont Empress, Victoria and Vancouver Island has to offer! For more information or reservations, please call 1-250-384-8111 or visit www.fairmont.com/empress.

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