Artwork by Rouch

Aviation artists honor living legends of avation
written by Michelle Rouch
(Photo Gallery)
(Press Release PR.com)
(Article:Airshow Stuff Magazine
& AeroBrush Magazine)

Internationally renowned artists Mimi Stuart and Michelle Rouch, members of the American Society of Aviation Artists (ASAA), received a special invitation to attend the 9th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards Ceremony, referred to as the Academy Awards of Aviation.

Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to sparking kids’ interest in aviation. In 2008 they acquired the production of Living Legends of Aviation, an annual fundraiser held every January in Beverly Hills. Living Legends is known for bringing together aviators who have become celebrities and celebrities who have become aviators to raise funds for Kiddie Hawk Air Academy. The guest list reads like a veritable Who's Who, saluting special birthdays to Bob Hoover and Dr. Buzz Aldrin, joining legends, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Julie Clark, Lynn Tilton, Tony Bill, Burt and Dick Rutan, Kermit Weeks, Treat Williams, Joe Clark, and other award winning legends in the audience. Kiddie Hawk Air Academy recognizes today’s aviation legends by sharing inspirational stories and reaches for the future.

Rutan is currently working with Paul Allen on a revolutionary space travel project called Stratolaunch Systems, as well as an innovative design for a new type of hybrid, a flying car.

Bob Hoover presents the
Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award to Burt Rutan

Patty Wagstaff Bob Hoover and Julie Clark

Patty Wagstaff and Julie Clark lead the audience in a warm 90^th Happy Birthday melody to Bob Hoover

Barron Hilton honors the life of the late Cliff Robertson. “Yet at the time of my greatest loss, the passing of my wife Marilyn, Cliff wrote a touching tribute. It captured her strength and eased my weakness during that painful personal moment. Cliff was a shining star in every sense of the word. His memory will burn bright in the hearts of all who knew him. Cliff, my friend, we’re going to miss you.”

Stuart contribution, titled “Flown West,” offers a special tribute to Cliff Robertson. Cliff Robertson’s family from left to right: Carol, Sidney, Stephanie, and Donald Saunders

Harrison Ford presents the Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award to Dr. Richard Sugden for his contribution to the Wounded Warrior Program, EAA Young Eagles Program, wildlife conservation improvements and his efforts to thwart poaching in Kenya.

Harrison Ford autographs “The Pilot’s Pilot, Bob Hoover” painting

Tony Bill presents the Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award to Morgan Freeman

"Inspiration," Stuart's portrait of Morgan Freeman welcomes guests to the gala festivities

Rouch contribution, titled “The Pilot’s Pilot, Bob Hoover” depicts Bob Hoover’s grand finale demonstrating the capabilities of his Strike Commander by shutting down both engines and executing a loop before the crowd.
Credits: Strike Commander,
permision by photographer: Jakub Vanek

Famed stunt and test pilot Bob Hoover and his wife Colleen share memories of his P-51 "Ole Yeller" with artist Mimi Stuart. "There are no fighter pilots down in hell," remarks Hoover.

On the way to the Red Tail movie opening, star Marcus T. Paulk (David "Deke" Watkins) and screenwriter Smoove took the time to make a special appearance at Living Legends to meet Morgan Freeman and view the Tuskegee Airmen paintings by both artists, Stuart and Rouch.

Red Tails actor Marcus T. Paulk, Mimi Stuart and screenwriter known as Smoove with Rouch's "Airman on Airfield" and Stuart's "American Royalty: Tuskegee Airmen."

Rouch offers a fine art giclée Limited Edition, titled “Airman on Airfield” depicting a Tuskegee Airman overlooking the Red Tails flying in the sky. Credits: Photographer, Steve Schapiro