Several Months before the brand new Carnival Freedom debuts in Venice in March 2007, watercolors and pencil studies of nine murals commissioned for the spectacular 110,000-ton SuperLiner will be displayed in an exhibit at Flomenhaft Gallery in Manhattan.

These works are part of a six-week-long exhibit of figurative oil paintings entitled "Women Warriors: The Yin and Yang" by Massachusetts-based artist Joan Barber, who is among several talented artists responsible for creating the diverse multi-million-dollar art collection aboard the new 2,974-passenger vessel.

Barber’s studies of the recently completed murals – which will adorn the Carnival Freedom’s central staircase landings – portray recreational aspects of the 1940s post-war American culture and reflect the optimism and hope for the future of that era. The works evoke a formative and familiar past, with colorfully dressed women and children at leisure in backyards, beaches, parks, gardens and small towns.

"This exhibit is a wonderful showcase of Joan’s incredible talent. The pieces she created for Carnival Freedom are truly original and will enhance the ship’s dramatic interiors while providing a memorable and exciting atmosphere for guests sailing on this magnificent ship," said Joe Farcus, the interior architect for Carnival’s fleet who personally selected the artwork for Carnival Freedom.

Added Barber, "I have an affinity for both water and travel, so having my work on Carnival Freedom is perfect. And, of course, it’s immensely gratifying that the murals will have wide exposure and the opportunity to become a small part of people’s lives for the duration of their voyage."

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, Carnival Freedom is scheduled to debut March 5, 2007, with a special nine-day European cruise followed by the launch of a summer schedule of 12-day cruises to the Mediterranean and Greek Isles March 14 – Oct. 16, 2007.

The ship will then sail on a 14-day transatlantic crossing prior to launching year-round seven-day Caribbean service from Miami Nov. 17, 2007.

Barber’s paintings will be on display at the Flomenhaft Gallery from Nov. 2 – Dec. 20, 2006. A gala opening reception to meet the artist will be held on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006.

For additional information on the exhibit, contact Elly Flomenhaft of the Flomenhaft Gallery at 212-268-4952 or visit flomenhaftgallery.com. The Flomenhaft Gallery is located at 547 W. 27 St. in New York.