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

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!

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.

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!