Released on = January 1, 2006, 12:39 pm

Press Release Author = Rice Straw Museum

Industry = Accounting

Press Release Summary = Rice straw art is an ancient & endangered art. This
beautiful ancient leaf art is in danger of being extinct because only handful of
artist practices this unique leaf art. Support rice straw art; It is a great
Heritage

Press Release Body = Rice straw art.

Rice straw art is an ancient & endangered art. History of this art goes way
back in time, thousands of years ago when people didn't know how to make color,
paint or dyes. The artists used the natural colors or shades of the dried leaf
of rice plant to create beautiful art work of sceneries, animals and portraits
of people. They used the dried leaves of rice plant, glue made out of sap from
a tree (Gum Arabic), and sharp stones to flatten and cut the straw to create
the beautiful works of art, everything from the nature.

This beautiful ancient leaf art is in danger of being extinct because only
handful of artist practices this unique leaf art. Rajan Koshy is the only one
rice straw artist practicing this unique leaf art in USA. This art originated
in southern tip of India in Kerala state thousands of years ago and handed down
from generation to generations by artisans and less than 100 people practices
this ancient art at this time.

Rice Straw Museum is dedicated to Preserve, Promote and Protect this wonderful
ancient art, a great heritage from our past from extinction. Support straw art
it is our great heritage. The United States is now home to another dyeing art
that has been revitalized by a local man. Its history makes this artistic
medium not only interesting to look at, but interesting to learn about as well.

People in the other parts of the state are beginning to recognize this art form
and appreciate it too. Recently Ray was invited to demonstrate and show his
work at the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio. He has also sent portraits
to various politicians and famous people, and he has a wall full of letters
that thank him for gifts and efforts.

Ray showed me a hand-written letter from George W Bush thanking him for a portrait
of Barbara Bush. He also has letters from Ted Turner, Ann Landers, Bella Shaw of
CNN, Dan Rather of CBS, Ann Richards etc..... You can see some beautiful works of
rice straw art at www.ricestrawmuseum.com Join the 300,000 people who visited the
site with awe and disbelief.

Web Site = http://www.ricestrawmuseum.com

Contact Details = Rajan (Ray) Koshy