The Freedom Rock on CRI

Check out this segment on The Freedom Rock! Thanks to AJ and his crew for such great work.

http://criwmpennu.org/onedaygetaway/ (after clicking on this link, make sure you view the "Greenfield" video to view the clip on The Freedom Rock).

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 has 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

Governor's Charity Steer Show...ROUND 2!

You may remember this post from last year: Governor's Charity Steer Show when Bubba was asked to be a celebrity showman after being chosen as "America's Hottest Husband" by REDBOOK Magazine. Well, we're happy to announce he has been asked to show once again!

The Governor's Charity Steer Show will celebrate its 29th anniversary. The show ring competition takes place Saturday, August 13th, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.

Immediately following the competition, the steers will be sold at an auction, with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa. Both the show ring event and the auction are open to the general public.

This year Bubba was asked to be a celebrity showman for being the artist of The Freedom Rock®. Come out and support this wonderful charity which has raised more than $1.7 million and cheer along Bubba!

Bubba showing steer for the 2010 Governor
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's is barely 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!

Luckly 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 intervals. :-) And most of all, THANK YOU for your service. God Bless!

Veterans Tractor Ride at The Freedom Rock®

Tractors at The Freedom Rock®

Tractors at The Freedom Rock® 2

Bubba signing the 2012 Freedom Rock Calendars for the riders

Tractors at The Freedom Rock® 3

Last Saturday, a group of Veterans participating in the Adair County Historical Society's 2nd Annual Veterans Heritage Tractor Ride made The Freedom Rock one of their destinations. We were able to meet the group at The Rock and thought we'd share a few photos from the event.

Thanks for including us and we hope you enjoyed your visit!

*Photos by Maria Sorensen/Sorensen Studios

CHPA'S Swash Plate Newsletter

The Freedom Rock was mentioned in CHPA's Swash Plate Newsletter. Click the picture to read the full story. Thanks for the support guys!

The Freedom Rock featured in Iowa State's VISIONS Magazine

Click for a larger view

The Freedom Rock® was featured on page 17 of the summer 2011 edition of Iowa State University's VISIONS magazine. This edition was in honor of Iowa Staters who've served their country. We felt privileged to be mentioned in the same magazine with such a fine group of Americans! Thank you all for your service & God Bless!

*Click the picture to see a larger view and read the article.

Flag of Honor

As I was going through the mail at the studio today, I came across a package. I didn't recognize the name but I was curious to see what was inside. It was a flag, not the kind of flag I'm used to seeing on a regular business around here but a "Flag of Honor." It was sent to us from a woman named, Kelly. It reads:

"This flag is created from the names of those who perished in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Now and forever it represents their immortality. We shall never forget them." 

We were honored to display it in our studio in memory of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Thanks again, Kelly for sending this to us. 

God bless the victims of the 9/11 tragedy and their families. 

For more information on this project, please visit: http://flagofhonor.org/

2010 Freedom Rock featured on Veterans Affairs of Iowa Booklets

Click for a larger view

The north side of the 2010 Freedom Rock was featured on the front of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs booklets. The booklet is a State and Federal Benefits guide for Veterans and Dependents. It offers brief descriptions and access to the wide range of benefits and services offered to Veterans and their family members by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the State of Iowa.

We were happy to be a part of this project and would like to thank the Veterans Affairs of Iowa for contacting us. Anytime we are able to help our Veterans-we are honored to do so! Booklets are available for free at Sorensen Studios in Greenfield, IA or simply visit: https://va.iowa.gov

*Front cover picture copyright 1999-present: THE FREEDOM ROCK/SORENSEN STUDIOS
*The Freedom Rock® is a registered trademark and is used with permission

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

Best in the West: Patriotic Attraction

Marge and Terry Moore, chairs of the Adair County Tourism Council, nominated The Freedom Rock as "Best in the West: Patriotic Attraction" for the Western Iowa Tourism Region and it won. Thanks Marge and Terry for thinking of The Freedom and for all who voted.

Indie's Hidden Love Note

Ever since the Redbook Magazine article mentioned it, a lot of visitors now ask us, "Where's the hidden love note?" It's sort of become a fun game for you all...well, here you go!

"I mentioned in an earlier post that "I subtly painted a note to my wife and unborn child on the front (west) side of The Freedom Rock. Well I thought I'd share where my note is to our unborn daugther who will be named Independence (or Indie for short). I highlighted it and circled it in red in this picture...it's not that easy to see if you visit The Freedom Rock. I'll share my wife's note a little later. Hope you enjoy."

Or view it on the Freedom Rock Facebook Page by clicking here!

Children's Rock Artwork

We had a teacher ask if Bubba would take a look at some fellow artist's own little "Freedom Rocks". We snapped a photo with Bubba standing beside their artwork in the studio and sent it to the class. The teacher said they really got a kick out of knowing "the artist of The Freedom Rock" looked at their drawings. Too cute-thank you all for your support and we're glad you're so interested in sharing our love for supporting our nation's heroes!

Korean War Veteran visits Sorensen Studios..

Dennis E. Dorman, a Korena War Veteran, visited the the studio a few days ago and presented me with a ornate South Korean Flag.  It's inspired me to look more into what is known as "The Forgotten War", specifically The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, also known as the Chosin Reservoir Campaign, which Dennis fought in.  Who knows...this may lead to some artwork in honor of those we lost in that hard fought war.  Thanks again Dennis

The 2012 Freedom Rock Calendar!

Did you hear? The 2012 Freedom Rock Calendars are here and each month features a story about one of our nation's heroes. We think this is such a great addition to the calendar and are excited to start receiving nominations for 2013. Check out the stories by ordering your calendar today at The Freedom Rock Store!
Each calendar will be signed by the artist, Ray "Bubba Sorensen II. Calendars are also available at Sorensen Studios open Tuesday-Friday 10a.m.-5:30p.m. and Saturdays by appointment.

*All proceeds benefit The Freedom Rock project. (paint, supplies, transportation, flags, groundskeeping etc.)
Also, please take a moment to view our sponsors: Union State Bank of Greenfield & Bridgewater, Cardinal IG Glass Industries, Livestock Plus Inc., American Legion Post 265 Head Endres & Olive Branch (formerly The Old Hotel).

Tour Bus 6/1/11

Photo by Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II, Sorensen Studios

We had a great group of people at The Freedom Rock and Sorensen Studios today. And by great, we not only mean they were a wonderful bunch to visit with but there were a lot of them! As you can see from the picture, we had a full one today!

Thank you all for visiting The Freedom Rock and our studio. We appreciate your support.

Future Freedom Rock Artist Shirt

So had to share this cute shirt Bubba designed for me to wear at The Freedom Rock this weekend! How cute is that?! It's designed for my "baby bump" and points to our little bun in the oven. We can't wait to have our little Indie along for "Rock Season" next year! I know a lot of you have already said you can't wait to meet her-us either!

And remember if you need any graphic design work such as this, don't hesitate to contact us at the studio:

sorensenstudios@yahoo.com | 641.343.7110

Studio Visitor

We had a member of the Army Reserves stop by the studio today and thanks to the rain (I know, never thought I'd say that) he was able to finally catch Bubba!

Below is a picture of the medal he presented to Bubba on behalf of his unit: 4th Battalion 401st Army Field Support Brigade.

Thanks for stopping by and most of all-Thank You for your service!

Freedom Rock Hoodie Special!

Click the picture for larger viewing.

Our clothing is proudly made in America!