Mural at the VA Clinic in Carroll, Iowa

Bubba recently completed a mural at the VA Clinic in Carroll, Iowa. Here is a before and after picture along with his explanation of the whole process:

I was approached a couple years ago to paint a #mural in the VA Clinic in Carroll, Iowa and we were finally able to make it a reality. There was funding in part from the Ralph Neppel (Medal of Honor recipient) family and he is the focus of the mural. I attached a before/after pic and you can listen to a description of the thought process on the mural at the link below...

http://www.1380kcim.com/War-Hero-Honored-with-Mural-at-V-A--Clinic-in-Carr/17576380

On a personal note, I wanted to share a few pictures I snapped at the mural dedication. Indie and I were able to attend and see it in person; very beautiful! Bubba pointed out our "hidden love notes" in the painting and it was funny to see so many people notice it as well. We are two blessed girls to have him in our life and are very proud of him. Thanks, babe!

Bubba and Indie in front of the Carroll VA Clinic mural.

Indie & I's hidden love note in the mural. 

2011 Governor's Charity Steer Show

Here are a few photos from the 2011 Governor's Charity Steer show at the Iowa State Fair on Friday, August 13th. The steers were immediately sold at auction and proceeds went to the Ronald McDonald House of Iowa, which as raised more than $1.7 million. Just thought we'd share a few pics, including the painting Bubba donated in order to help raise some extra funds. Thanks again to the Solsma family for asking Bubba to be their celebrity showman!

*Photos by Sorensen Studios

L-R Claire Solsma (steer owner), Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II
(The Freedom Rock artist/celebrity showman)

Painting donated by Bubba to help raise funds
for the Ronald McDonald House of Iowa

Bubba being interviewed at the 2011 Governor's
Charity Steer Show 

CRI Television Crew

Last week we had producer, Patrick Boberg with CRI of William Penn University and his crew stop by the studio to interview Bubba about The Freedom Rock. Below are a few pictures from the interview. We hope to inform you soon about when it will air. Right now we're thinking mid August, but definitely stay posted to learn more.

Thanks for stopping out, Patrick & crew!

*Photo courtesy: Maria Sorensen, Sorensen Studios

Studio Visitors 7/20/11

From left to right: Tech Srgt. USAF Carl W. Coffman,
Kelly Coffman Sr. & Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II
*Carl served in Iraq twice and Kuwait. He was the first of 150 air
personnel boots on the ground in Iraq of 2003!

Yesterday we had some pretty cool visitors at The Freedom Rock and Sorensen Studios. It started with a phone call asking if Bubba was around, but he's so busy with murals and paintings right now that he barely has time to be at the studio. When I told this to the caller, he sounded very disappointed. The voice on the other end of the phone was that of an Iraqi/Kuwait soldier. He was back in the area with family and "just wanted to shake Bubba's hand" as he put it. So crazy to hear as it's us who want to shake the hands of all these heros...not the other way around!

Luckily Bubba walked in the door while I was still on the phone, taking a little break from painting. As I told this to the young man, he said "We'll be right there-we're at 'The Rock' right now."

It was so nice meeting this serviceman and his family. And as a side note, the father of this young man is an author who I interviewed while interning for a local paper during college. "Are you Bubba's wife?" he asked on the phone. "You interviewed my dad about his book when you were still just 'Bubba's girlfriend' and told my dad about The Freedom Rock." I got a kick out of that-especially after they told me they still had my article.

Thanks again for visiting. Keep on coming back, even if it is in five year interval. :-) And most of all, THANK YOU for your service. God Bless!

American Flag Mural

Click for a larger view

Bubba just recently finished this American Flag mural at Greenfield Auto Sales in Greenfield, Iowa. He painted a cross section of a flag over an old farm tire service sign.

If you are interested in a free quote for an art project by Bubba, just give us a call or email the studio: 641.343.7110 or sorensenstudios@yahoo.com.

Did you know that artwork at your building site can increase business? Check out what everyone is saying about this American Flag mural here: http://www.facebook.com/TheFreedomRock

Tour Bus 4/28/11

Today's tour bus was full of more visitors excited to see the The Freedom Rock® and meet Bubba. After stopping by the 'Rock the group visited Sorensen Studios and viewed some more of our artwork and photography. I would say this group was pretty lucky as the 'Rock has not been painted over, but that will change yet today. Bubba is on his way out to get the first coat of white paint on-good bye 2010 Freedom Rock!

We still have a chunk of 2011 Freedom Rock Calendars left and they are on sale for only $5.00! If you're interested in purchasing a calendar, please contact the studio at sorensenstudios@yahoo.com.

Special thanks to Jennifer Garside with First National Bank for all of your help and support...oh and the ice cream treat-my favorite!

Excited for this year's "Hidden Love Note"!

2010 Freedom Rock® (all sides)

North Side of 2010 Freedom Rock & Hidden Love Note

As we approach the beginning of "Rock Season" I get sad thinking of everything that will be painted over. A few of my favorites from this year are: Glenn McDole, CPL Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, the whole west/front side and that moving quote by Eleanor Roosevelt. And then I think of the personal side of it for me, my hidden love note from Bubba! I wonder what he'll dream up this year. Please note: I can NEVER find it with out his help, buuuut maybe this year will be different...

Here is one last look at the 2010 Freedom Rock® along with a hidden love note that reads: Bubba [hearts] Maria (it was lightened for easier viewing..it's not quite that easy to find...trust me!)

P.S. Even though these heros will be painted over, their memories will never be forgotten. I've already got a few sneak peaks from this year's sketch and it makes me sooo excited. I can't wait until it's completed for all to see!