Proximo Spirits, Inc. and 1800 Tequila have announced an international campaign, commissioning nine artists to design limited edition bottles for the premium tequila brand. “Essential Artists” allows for up-and-coming artists to showcase their visions on a unique medium, offering an exciting perspective both in the art world and beyond.

A unique mix of palette and palate, Essential Artists celebrates the talents of artists from the United States and Mexico. In recent years, tequila has emerged as the discerning drink du jour, appearing on many of the premier cocktail menus in the country and winning over discriminating young moderns with its clean flavor and unmistakable kick. With the launch of Essential Artists, 1800 encourages tequila drinkers to tap into their artistic side.

The nine artists commissioned to design these collectible limited edition bottles include Jorge Alderete (Mexico City), Glenn Barr (Detroit), Will Chambers (Chicago), Chris Dean (Detroit), Kim Dosa (Atlanta), Josh Ellingson (Oakland), Hannah Stouffer (Oakland) and Urban Medium (Atlanta). Only 1,800 bottles have been produced with each design and they will be available for $34.99 at high-end liquor stores.

“The creative genius behind these works is inspiring and 1800 is thrilled to share these designs with the public,” said Elwyn Gladstone, Head of Marketing for Proximo Spirits, Inc. “We hope the Essential Artists campaign will encourage other artists to make their dreams a reality.”

The specially commissioned artwork will be unveiled as part of an $8 million outdoor advertising and promotional campaign across the country — a new-generation museum that brings art to the people. For those who are unable to view the high-impact billboards in person, the campaign will also be available online at www.1800Tequila.com.

In addition to the Essential Artists campaign, 1800 fans will be able to design their own bottle and enter a competition to be selected for the 2009 billboard campaign. As an added bonus and in collaboration with GourmetKickz, consumers will be able to create their own pair of custom sneakers at www.1800Tequila.com using artwork from the 1800 Essential Artists series. We’ll drink to that!