The 2014 Iowa Freedom Rock® Tour Kickoff & New Beginnings

Well, it's certainly that time of year again! I am super excited to begin the 2nd year of the Iowa Freedom Rock® Tour. This year we kicked off the tour in Audubon County | Kimballton, Iowa.

Bubba had to fight some extreme weather (which usually happens with the first county or two...after all it's IOWA!) so we don't yet have completed pictures as a tent was around him the entire time. But once we get those I'll definitely post them.

I do however have some "in action" photos of Bubba completing the Audubon County rock and our daughter "helping" him out.

Here's another shot of Bubba painting; I'm just always so amazed to watch him work. I love his facial expression and the way it seems so calming and peaceful while the artwork flows from his brush. I certainly wish I had the patience to paint, but for now I'll just be my "click crazy" self with the camera!

Bubba painting the Audubon County | Kimballton Freedom Rock®

       

The beginning of this year also brought a big change for our business, Sorensen Studios. First of all, we are no longer offering photography services at this time. Because of the popularity of the Iowa Freedom Rock® Tour, we have decided to focus fully on this project. With booking over half of the state of Iowa for a "Freedom Rock®" and scheduling into the 2019 year, we really want to concentrate on finishing the Tour and being available to our clients. I'm sure we will always "keep our feet wet" in photography, but for now I guess it will just be a hobby.

Another big change for us is our location. Since 2008 we have been located and operating at the intersection of highways 92 and 25 in Greenfield, Iowa. We have recently moved from this location. The Freedom Rock® Tour has us traveling a lot and we are unable to be at the studio for over half of the year. I guess you could say Bubba' studio is actually across the great state of Iowa! 

It was definitely a bitter sweet change for us as we first opened our doors at this location and have been there for the last six years but we know it's best for us and our business. 

I stumbled across some old pictures from when we first purchased the building and began remodeling what was once an old gas station. We have a lot of memories there that we'll never forget but we are very hopeful for the future of Sorensen Studios. Thank you to everyone who ever stopped by and supported us along the way!

Please remember that you can still contact us at our same number and email:

641.343.7110 | sorensenstudios@yahoo.com

Sorensen Studios | 2008

Sorensen Studios | 2014

Lake Park (Dickinson County) Freedom Rock®

Wow, OK so this next rock...er rocks I should say, I cannot WAIT to see in person! What an amazing project this county pulled together and completed.
As you can see, Bubba painted not one Freedom Rock® for this county, but six! Everything right down to the brick work is amazing. Here is a shot before Bubba actually began painting:

Photo courtesy of county.

They also commissioned Bubba to hand paint their signage for their Veterans Memorial when visitors come to town:

Photo courtesy of county.

Photo courtesy of county.

And here are pictures of the completed mural(s) along with Bubba's explanation:

Photos courtesy of county.

"The Lake Park Freedom Rock in Dickinson County Iowa is painted. They are still working on landscaping but hope to be done soon. Speaking of the landscaping, that alone is a sight to see. They've artfully placed pavers around each rock...there are 6 (The big one, then one for each branch of the military). The pictures don't do it justice, this is one you'll definitely have to visit to soak it all in. Most of this is self explanatory but to explain the side with the faces and star- they are 2 KIAs, 2POWs, and a Nurse who cared for recovered POWs...all from Dickinson County.

Make sure you check the website: thefreedomrock.com in order to see where each Official Freedom Rock® is located.

Thanks again to all those who've supported us in The Freedom Rock Tour and we'll see you at the next stop."             -Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II

                                                 

Pretty moving, huh? One last thing I wanted to share really quick was how well this county embraced being a part of the official Iowa Freedom Rock® Tour. When you hire artist, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II, you not only hire a professional, world-renowned artist, but also The Freedom Rock® name and brand. The Freedom Rock® is a registered name and trademark and can only be used with the artist's permission. Which means you're able to use a trusted name that is recognizable world wide. The Freedom Rock® brand represents honoring our service men and women and has proudly for the last 15 years; which is what it's known for.
Below is a wonderful example of how this county used not only The Freedom Rock® name but also Bubba's artwork to the best of their abilities. Our goal with The Freedom Rock® Iowa Tour is to show that Iowa wants to make sure our military men and women, past and present are never forgotten but also to encourage Iowa tourism and all this great state has to offer!