Phoenix, AZ, August 13, 2013 -- Phoenix picture framing company, Esprit Decor Gallery, has donated custom framing materials for a limited edition giclée print by artist Ed Mell. Proceeds made from the sale of the framed print directly benefit the family of a fallen Yarnell firefighter. Esprit Decor Gallery has donated full conservation custom framing for a limited edition giclée print by artist Ed Mell entitled “Courage Under Fire“ that pays tribute to the elite Hot Shot firefighter units that keep communities safe from the ravages of uncontrolled forest fires. Proceeds from the auction of the framed piece will go directly to the family of a fallen firefighter. The prints have been produced by Mr. Mell as a limited edition of 250.

Born in 1942, Ed Mell was raised in the City of Phoenix. He attended Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, and soon after graduation accepted a position in NYC as an art director for a large advertising agency. Desiring greater artistic freedom, he opened an illustration studio and met with immediate success; this helped establish his national reputation.

The Yarnell Hill Fire was a forest fire near Yarnell, Arizona, started by a lightning strike on June 28, 2013. On June 30, it overran and killed nineteen "Hotshot" firefighters with the Prescott Fire Department. The Yarnell Fire was fully contained by July 10, 2013. The Yarnell Fire resulted in the highest forest firefighter death toll in the USA since the 1933 Griffith Park Fire killed twenty-nine firefighters, and the highest death toll from any USA wildfire since the 1991 East Bay Hills fire killed twenty-five individuals. It is the 6th deadliest American firefighter disaster overall and the deadliest wildfire ever in Arizona.

Since the fire, charities have raised an estimated seven million dollars in response to the Yarnell Hill Fire that killed nineteen Arizona firefighters and destroyed more than one hundred homes. Some of the non-profits are focusing on the needs of the deceased Firefighters families while others also give aid to displaced residents and other needs. Most of the money has yet to be distributed.

Esprit Decor Gallery has donated conservation quality custom framing for Mr. Mells' limited edition print. Conservation custom framing methods are the same processes used by museums worldwide to preserve and protect works of great value. The way in which a work of art is mounted and framed has tremendous effect on its long term preservation as well as the way the art is perceived. Esprit Decor Gallery is known for its expert staff and use of archival materials along with museum-standard techniques.

Pat Kofahl, Owner of Esprit Decor Gallery, said, "As a long time Arizona resident, this is a devastating loss. All of the fallen firefighters were young men and it has been a tremendous loss to their families and communities. We were honored to donate our services to do something to help out."

About Esprit Décor:
Serving the Greater Phoenix Area since 1985, Phoenix picture framing company - Esprit Decor Gallery has over 75 years of collective experience in custom and archival framing. All work done on premises by experienced artisans. Visit the Gallery located at: 5555 N 7th St #122 Phoenix, AZ 85014 or call: (602) 248-0700. Hours: M - F 9:00 - 6:00, Sat: 9:00 - 5:00. Website: http://espritdecor.com.
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Contact:
Pat Kofahl
Esprit Decor Gallery
5555 N. 7th St. Ste 122
Phoenix, AZ 85014
602-248-0700
[email protected]
http://www.espritdecor.com