ABSOLUT Hosts Press Reception In Celebration of ABSOLUT EXPRESSION Art Collection's 2002 Atlanta Gala.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2002

The Absolut Spirits Company today announced that it will hold its third event within the ABSOLUT EXPRESSIONS tour, produced by SAVOY Magazine, in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday August 23, 2002 at The Foundry at Puritan Mill, 916 Lowery Boulevard.

ABSOLUT EXPRESSIONS is an art collection inspired by ABSOLUT featuring the original artwork of 14 emerging and established African-American artists, and is the third collection that ABSOLUT has commissioned.

Prior to the invitation-only gala, ABSOLUT will host a press reception and tour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Reception attendees will have the first opportunity to view the entire ABSOLUT EXPRESSIONS exhibit and meet some of the local Artists commissioned by ABSOLUT EXPRESSIONS.

ABSOLUT VODKA'S commitment to the arts began in 1985 with the commission of Andy Warhol's dramatic and colorful depiction of the ABSOLUT bottle. In 1991, ABSOLUT commissioned a dozen African-American artists to render original artwork for their Heritage Collection Series, developed as a means to raise awareness of and appreciation for emerging and established African-American artists. The second collection in the series, ABSOLUT EXPRESSIONS, featured the works of 14 new artists and debuted in Black Enterprise in 1997. The art collection branded by ABSOLUT has expanded to include a diverse range of works by more than 450 artists.

"We are proud to unveil this year's ABSOLUT EXPRESSIONS exhibit of distinctive artwork," said Carl Horton, President and CEO of the Absolut Spirits Company. "ABSOLUT has long been dedicated to supporting artists. We have extended this support to African-American artists in particular to help them meet the challenge of gaining access to a broader audience for their work."

The 2002 exhibit is the third collection in the series, featuring original artworks by ABSOLUT EXPRESSIONS artists: Amalia Amaki, Ron Anderson, Xenobia Bailey, Michael Anthony Brown, Albert Chong, James Denmark, Robin Holder, Whitfield Lovell, Alvin Loving, Charlotte Riley-Webb, Renee Stout, Lloyd Toone, Ephraim Urevbu and Shirley Woodsen. Several pieces of this year's artwork are also showcased within the brand's award-winning advertising campaign, currently running in SAVOY magazine.

"ABSOLUT has made a firm and meaningful commitment to the African-American community over the past several years," said Keith Clinkscales, Chairman and CEO of Vanguarde Media, Inc. "SAVOY is proud to help ABSOLUT EXPRESSIONS extend its support to the richly deserving and talented African-American art community, as well as the aficionados of their work."

At the conclusion of the ABSOLUT EXPRESSIONS tour, The Absolut Spirits Company will make a donation to the National Black Arts Festival.

The Absolut Spirits Company, a business area within V&S Vin & Sprit AB, is the brand owner and producer of ABSOLUT VODKA, ABSOLUT PEPPAR, ABSOLUT CITRON, ABSOLUT KURANT and ABSOLUT MANDRIN. ABSOLUT is the third largest international spirit in the world and is marketed in 125 markets. ABSOLUT is made at distilleries near Ahus, Sweden. The head office is in Stockholm. Future Brands LLC, a joint venture between Jim Beam Brands and The Absolut Spirits Company, handles the distribution of ABSOLUT in the U.S.