Alum Emile Klein Showcases 'You're U.S.' Multimedia Project

ASBURY PARK PRESS -- In 2010, artist Emile Klein began a quest for the face of America. He loaded a bicycle with art supplies and personal necessities, then started pedaling a meandering course throughout the United States. With this courageous leap, Klein launched “You’re U.S.,’’ a nonprofit multimedia project spotlighting individuals from the multitude of mostly obscure figures at the heart of America. “You’re U.S. — At Home in America’’ presents 30 “American Profiles’’ representing 10 states — the initial harvest from an ambition encompassing all 50 states and totaling 150 people. Each profile features a traditional oil portrait by Klein, accompanied by a musically enhanced audio life story told by the subject, and a biographical character study. The 29-year-old Californian earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in painting from Angel Academy in Florence, Italy, plus a further degree in Philosophy and Economics from San Francisco State University.