Gone Country (6/5/98)

SUMMARY:

Discover's 'Private Issue' card unveiled its 1998 celebrity artists yesterday who will create a celebrity art credit card for the coming year. Topping this year's list is country music artist Randy Travis. Discover also named rock music legend Phil Collins as this year's new celebrity artist. The late Jerry Garcia has been extended for another year as a 'Private Issue' celebrity artist. Yesterday Mr. Travis unveiled the original acrylic painting he created for the 'Private Issue Card' in ceremonies held in Midtown Manhattan.. He is the first country music artist commissioned by Discover.  The unveiling of Mr. Travis' art marked the launch of the fourth series of 'Private Issue' celebrity art cards.   Each year, 'Private Issue' retires the works of two or more of its artists in order to introduce new works to the collection. As each artwork is retired, 'Private Issue' funds a National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Level I ARTS Award.

FULL STORY:

Randy Travis fans gathered in Midtown Manhattan to get a better look at a true country music artist -- and his artwork -- as Mr. Travis unveiled the original acrylic painting he created for the Private Issue Card.  Mr. Travis is the first country music artist commissioned by Private Issue to create a work for its celebrity art credit card.

    The multi-talented singer, songwriter and actor brought new meaning to the words "country music artist" as he and guest master of ceremonies, Luke Perry, unveiled the painting of an adobe village Mr. Travis created exclusively for Private Issue.  The unveiling, at a reception overlooking Bryant Park in the heart of New York City, was followed by a mini-performance during which Mr. Travis performed his recent number-one hit "Out of My Bones" and several other songs from his latest LP, "You and You Alone."

    "I think it looks great," Mr. Travis said of his Private Issue Card.  "I think fans will like it, too.  Country music fans are so loyal.  They have something good to say about everything you do, and I think they will be very pleased with the Private Issue Card."

    The unveiling of Mr. Travis' art marked the launch of the fourth series of Private Issue celebrity art cards.  In coming weeks Private Issue will introduce works by British musician, composer and bandleader Phil Collins and a second art card by the late Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, whose first Private Issue Card was introduced in 1997.

    "We're thrilled to add a country music artist of Randy's caliber -- both visually and musically -- to our Private Issue celebrity art card collection," said Vicki L. McMannon, Vice President Marketing, NOVUS Services, Inc.  "We think Randy's card will prove to be enormously popular.  To help make sure all his fans know about it, Private Issue is sponsoring Randy's upcoming concert appearances during 1998 and 1999."

    In addition to his concert appearances, Private Issue artwork debut and recently released LP "You and You Alone" on the DreamWorks label, Mr. Travis co-stars with Patrick Swayze in the current Universal Pictures action drama, "Black Dog."

    A Collection of Private Issue Celebrity Art

    This is the fourth year that Private Issue has offered its Cardmembers a choice of celebrity art reproduced on the face or their cards.  The celebrity artist Private Issue Cards were introduced in July 1995, featuring works by musician Ringo Starr, actress Jane Seymour and Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner.  Since then, the Private Issue Card has featured works by actor Anthony Quinn, basketball star Patrick Ewing, rock singer Tina Turner and the late Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead.  The complete portfolio of Private Issue artists is as follows:

             1995              1996             1997             1998
          Ringo Starr      Anthony Quinn     Tina Turner       Randy Travis
         Jane Seymour      Patrick Ewing    Jerry Garcia       Phil Collins
           Florence        Jane Seymour     Patrick Ewing      Jerry Garcia
       Griffith-Joyner
    Each year, Private Issue retires the works of two or more of its artists in order to introduce new works to the collection.  As each artwork is retired, Private Issue funds a National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) Level I ARTS (Arts Recognition and Talent Search) Award.  Each award, which may be named in recognition of a celebrity whose artwork is being retired, includes a $3,000 cash grant and an all expense paid trip to NFAA's ARTS week in Miami for an aspiring art student.  Behind the celebrity artwork is a premium credit card that currently offers three financial options:

    Rate Advantage -- The Rate Advantage option is ideal for those who     appreciate the ability to carry a balance at a more favorable rate.  This     option features a low annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases of prime     rate + 6.99% and there's no annual fee.

    5% Interest Rebate -- Cardmembers who carry a balance and appreciate     receiving an annual reward will find the 5% Interest Rebate option in     their best interests.  This option provides a 5% rebate on annual finance     charges, paid yearly.  There is no annual fee for the 5% Interest Rebate     option and the annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases is prime rate     + 9.99%.

    Cashback Bonus Award -- The Cashback Bonus Award option is ideal for     Cardmembers who like getting money back on purchases each year.  They will     enjoy receiving up to 2% back on their annual level of purchases, paid     yearly up to a maximum Cashback Bonus Award of $500.  This option features     an annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases of prime rate + 9.99%.  The     card has an annual fee of $18.

    To apply for a Private Issue Card, consumers can call toll-free 1-800-4-PI-CARD (1-800-474-2273) or visit Private Issue an the internet at http://www.privateissue.com.  The Private Issue Card, issued by a business unit of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., is a general purpose credit card that is accepted nationwide wherever the NOVUS sign is displayed.