Introduction

Introduction

I wish to thank Kelly McLean for sending information and photos that will interest Elvis and ETA fans everywhere. Perhaps some fans may remember seeing Barbara McLean’s beautiful Elvis triptych that was displayed in Memphis in 2002. Barbara’s commissioned work is now for sale! Contact information is included at the end of the article.

Who is Barbara McLean?

Barbara McLean was born and educated in London, England, moving to Canada as a young adult. She displayed an interest and a talent in art from a very young age but didn’t take it seriously until the early 90’s when her interest in portrait art developed further and took her to Memphis, Tennessee regularly with her portraits of her favorite singer, Elvis Presley. Barbara was quickly licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises at Graceland, and at that time was their only Canadian artist. She won several awards and had much recognition with her beautiful Elvis portraits, also appearing on Canadian radio and television. In addition, much time and effort were spent using this art to support various charities such as the Make A Wish Foundation, the Memphis Humane Society, Special Olympics, and others. Barbara branched out again and used her artistic ability to start and run her own bakery in Ontario. Her cakes were one-of-a-kind creations, with patterns, faces, pets and various locations being painted directly onto the cake surface. As you might imagine, she also found an opportunity to paint a couple of Elvis wedding cakes. In 2015 Barbara’s focus completely changed when on vacation in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, she took a trip on a whale boat. She moved to St. Andrews in the summer of 2016 and her attention turned to painting beautiful East Coast scenery. Barbara has now teamed up with her daughter Kelly whose creativity and design sense has enabled them to combine their talents and produce a lovely 3D Art collection, as well as many other interesting art pieces. This art is now being used to raise funds for the Canadian Whale Institute and specifically the Campobello Whale Rescue team. Inspiration and love combine to make a difference! (Article on Barbara McLean is credited to Walk D’ Craft.)

“Elvis Presley Boulevard”

This incredible oil on canvas triptych titled 'Elvis Presley Boulevard' is now for sale! This stunning painting by That’s Amor’EH Emporium’s very own Barbara McLean was commissioned by Carol Butler in 2001 for the 25th anniversary week celebrations in Memphis. This amazing mural was exhibited in the lobby of the Heartbreak Hotel across the street from Graceland in the summer of 2002. This triptych consists of 3 panels of canvas each measuring 8 ft. x 4 ft. and depicts Elvis’ full life story. It is presently being displayed at our store location in the lovely Saint Andrews by the Sea. This stunning mural is priced at $150,000.00 with 15% going to the Canadian Whale Institute to help the Campobello Whale Rescue Team in their mission to save entangled whales.

More information about the painting and the artist can be found on our website http://wakdcraft.ca.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvW61lLJL3g - Local news segment on the painting is the last story of the episode or at minute 2:38.