DICK IDOL SIGNS BIG SKY CARVERS Renowned Wildlife Artist Adds New Dimension To Fine Art Product Portfolio HIGH POINT, N.C. (August 21, 2001) - Big Sky Carvers (BSC), one of the largest suppliers of wildlife and outdoor-related products in the United States, and Dick Idol Ventures (DIV), a company dedicated to bringing the outdoors in, have announced a licensing partnership. Although best known for his limited edition, bronze wildlife monuments and sculptures (priced from $3,000 to over $1 million), Idol’s new collection with BSC will offer consumers high-quality resin sculptural reproductions depicting a wide variety of wildlife for around $200 retail. This partnership brings Idol’s outdoor-inspired concepts to life via an initial line that includes 12 resin sculptural reproductions of his original artwork. From elk, moose, whitetail deer and mountain lions to grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, pheasant and trout, each piece radiates a superior composition and finish to reflect the vision of one of America’s best-known authentic outdoorsmen and wildlife artists. The launch of the initial series is expected to coincide with the launch of the Dick Idol Home Collection by Klaussner Furniture Industries at Market in October ’01 and at key gift market shows starting January ’02. “Our objective is to introduce a line of superior products at value prices for sale in home furnishings, gift and outdoor specialty stores and more,” said Jim Williams, chief marketing officer of Dick Idol Ventures. “This alliance will make artwork from one of America’s most talented outdoor/wildlife artists available to a much larger group of outdoor enthusiasts who may not be able to afford bronzes.” Big Sky Carvers, with key product categories including wildlife woodcarvings, Big Sky Bears, Montana bronzes, Audubon Collection, home accents and more, will strengthen its market position from the agreement as well. “We are thrilled about this partnership with DIV,” comments Marc Pierce, co-founder and CEO. “Sculpture is a significant part of our company’s heritage and Dick’s outstanding, nationally-recognized work is perfectly suited in style and size for BSC. Also, the price is right on the money for the growing home accents market.” This license complements products from other home furnishings companies that have joined Idol including Klaussner Furniture Industries (upholstered products and case goods), La France, a division of Mount Vernon Mills (home textiles), As You Like It, Inc. (lamps and accessories), Capel, Inc. (area rugs) and Foster’s Point (home florals). Idol is also developing new lines with the Mossy Oak Apparel division of Russell Corp. (outdoor sportswear and apparel) and the Trebark division of Haas Outdoors (outdoor products licensing). Dick Idol Ventures, LLC was founded in May 2000 in order to meet the demand for authentic outdoor lifestyle products. Although best known for his bronze monuments of whitetail deer (some measuring over 30 feet tall) and his wildlife sculptures and paintings, Dick Idol is also widely recognized as one of America’s premier outdoorsmen. He is co-founder of North American Whitetail Magazine and is a writer and speaker on conservation and outdoor subjects. When he’s not on one of his frequent trips to unspoiled locations, Mr. Idol works out of his home studio in Bigfork, Montana, two miles from the closest road. Big Sky Carvers was co-founded in 1980 by Marc Pierce and his father, Eric, to create handcrafted decorative wooden duck decoys. BSC soon became a preeminent supplier of the decoys and forged new product areas. Today, BSC is the premiere designer, manufacturer and importer of over 1,500 gifts and home accent items that each embodies and reflects the outdoor lifestyle. The company is dedicated to providing quality home furnishings and artwork that will inspire the beholder. With over 150 Master Designers, artists and crafters and a clientele of over 7,000 retailers, BSC is one of the largest suppliers of wildlife and outdoor-related giftware products in the world. Images including lamps, rugs, pillows, throws and other textiles as well as florals and some of Idol’s remarkable pieces of art, can be viewed by visiting www.dickidol.com. For more information about Big Sky Carvers, please visit www.bigskycarvers.com