Patterson Named Official Artist of 2015 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

Patterson's LB poster

Bill Patterson, who became hooked on motorsports when he saw his first race in Argentina at the age of 13, has been named the Official Artist for the 41st Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 17-19.

Patterson, a resident of Bulverde, Tex., has been the Official Artist of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca since 2004. For the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Patterson’s work will serve as the official souvenir race poster and will also grace the covers of the race’s Fan Guide and souvenir program.

Drawn to downhill skiing at an early age in his native Wyoming, Patterson, who attended his first Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in 1988, immediately recognized in auto racing the same "edge" he knew from skiing.

“It is the edge of precision and calculated speed, and I am mesmerized by the fluidity of movement and the lines of the race cars as they dance around the track," Patterson said. “I try to capture the essence of their movement in all my paintings and continue to be inspired by the sights and sounds of racing."

Patterson also performs “live art" and is regularly commissioned by private clients for parties, as well as corporate clients, such as Kawasaki, Yamaha, Mazda, Microsoft and FedEx. He will be available at select times during race weekend to sign fans’ 2015 souvenir posters, and will be displaying his artwork at a booth in the Lifestyle Expo.

For additional information on Bill Patterson’s live art and expressive work, visit www.BillPattersonArt.com.

The 41st Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will feature the Verizon IndyCar Series, Tequila Patr¢n Sports Car Showcase with the cars of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, Pro/Celebrity Race, Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, Pirelli World Challenge, SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road trucks and KMC Wheels Super Drift Challenge.

Fans can select and pay for their 2015 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach seats, parking and paddock passes online at gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 827-7333. Also featured on gplb.com is the latest Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach news, downloadable ticket brochure and racetrack information, photos and ongoing announcements of special race week activities.

Ticket prices range from $30 for a Friday General Admission ticket to $135 for a three-day ticket that includes Sat./Sun. reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Pre-paid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, Verizon IndyCar Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of Hospitality Club packages.

Fans can also follow the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, Twitter @ToyotaGPLB and Instagram at ToyotaGPLB.