DEREK HESS and KENT SMITH Book Signing at Indy CD & Vinyl September 13, 2008

Please God Save Us By Derek Hess and Kent Smith Book Signing Comes to Indianapolis Saturday Sept 13th

Indy CD and Vinyl 806 Broad Ripple Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-259-1012 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Cleveland native and noted artist Derek Hess along with Euclid-based politician Kent Smith will celebrate the release of their politically-based new book, Please God Save Us, with a book signing at Indy CD and Vinyl on Saturday, Sept 13, 2008.

The book signing will run from 7 pm to 9 pm and offer people an opportunity to not only purchase Please God Save Us, but also to ask questions and share thoughts with both Hess and Smith.

The book, which was officially released on July 4th, is a collection of politically charged art pieces by Hess and complimenting text by Smith created to challenge the ideals of society and create awareness of both political and religious issues inundating government today. The pieces were first introduced to the public at a local art show in December of 2006 and have since taken on a life of their own, drawing both praise and criticism. Addressing a variety of topics including Stem Cell research, the war in Iraq, the Christian right and the environment among others, the book, according to it's authors, is intended to "educate and inspire its readers whether or not they agree with either the art or the words."

Who Is Derek Hess?

Internationally-known artist Derek Hess has spent the past fifteen years creating rock poster art that has not only made him a household name, but has also caught the attention of both the Louvre and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where his work is featured in both institutions permanent collections. After years of creating posters and flyers for well-known bands such as Deftones, Thursday, Every Time I Die and Taking Back Sunday, as well as popular fine art, Hess diverged into creating witty and thought-provoking art that pushes the envelope of societal ideals.

Who Is Kent Smith?

Kent Smith is an award-winning Cleveland-area elected official who has been friends with Derek Hess for years. Smith has written for the Cleveland Free Times and is currently a PhD candidate in the Economic Development program at Cleveland State University. Before running for office, Smith worked as a community organizer for Democratic campaigns in seven states.

What Is Please God Save Us?

A book of art and words that address a variety of modern day topics including: the Republican Party, the Christian right, America's foreign policy, the environment, the Iraq War, stem cell research, evolution, rock and roll, the Fox News Channel, SpongeBob and Santa Claus. The book is intended to educate and inspire its readers whether or not they agree with either the art or the words. The book is not, however, meant to be an attack on Christianity but rather an interpretation of how religion is perverted to fit the needs of its followers, whomever they may be.

Why Please God Save Us?

Hess needed an avenue for his recent angst with right-wing politics. He chose to turn it into relatable art that also served as illustration for text written by fellow Democrat and Cleveland-area politician Kent Smith.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of TheAndySkinner.