Please God Save Us

ORDER "PLEASE GOD, SAVE US" NOW THROUGH THIS BANNERPLEASE GOD, SAVE USNew book by Derek Hess and Kent Smith, to be released on 4th of July. (CLEVELAND) - On July 4, 2008 when people across the country are grilling hot dogs and watching fireworks, internationally-known artist Derek Hess and Cleveland area politician and writer Kent Smith will celebrate the true meaning of the holiday by exercising their right to free speech with the release of their collaborative effort, “Please God Save Us”. Fusing Hess’ art and Smith’s words, “Please God Save Us” takes a variety of hot topics, ranging from religion to government and everything in between, and displays them in a thought-provoking and witty book. “The art itself was created as an outlet for my frustration with the current administration,” Hess said. “And I was obviously very frustrated as I produced enough pieces for an entire book. In addition to releasing the book on July 4, Hess and Smith will make their way across the United States debuting “Please God Save Us” and signing copies at a variety of locations. “The country is in flux right now, with Barack Obama setting the pace for change,” Hess said. “Kent and I are excited to be voicing our opinions and beliefs and, in a small way, contributing to these changes.” For more information on or to pre-order “Please God Save Us” please visit www.strhesspress.com. For more information on Derek Hess please visit www.derekhess.com.ABOUT THE NIGHT BY KENT SMITH "There have been other Derek Hess art openings in Cleveland before. Indeed there have been Derek Hess art openings across the globe before. But Hess fans had never seen anything like this. Derek Hess grew from an art student who doubled as a part-time underground concert promoter to an artist whose works now hang in the Louvre and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cleveland, Ohio is home for Hess and Cleveland’s 1300 Gallery was his local host and showplace.On December 15, 2006, Derek Hess’ “Please God Save Us from Your Followers” show would be the last artwork to hang on the 1300 walls as Cleveland’s most well known, cutting edge gallery would end its six-year run. It was both a funeral and a celebration. More than 500 art lovers (some who came as far as Texas) gathered to pay tribute to the gallery and its most well known featured artist.What they witnessed was original Hess artwork with a new twist. It was “Hess style” but with a change in focus. The composition of the artwork still featured atypical perspectives of atonomical illustrations. The subject matter was still emotive, introspective and spiritual in nature. But the events were current, the subjects were modern, the villains were real and therefore the meaning was obvious. See, Hess had gone political.Before that night, Hess had addressed modern times and culture through generalized artistic statements and works. He had never focused on actual individuals and specific events. On December 15, 2006, Hess delivered a pointed rebuke designed to anger and inspire.This book not only will attempt to capture and memorialize the night, but also to communicate (in words) the inspiration behind the images. We hope the artwork - and accompanying text - will continue to inspire. Just like it did on a single Friday night in 2006."