16. Of the 68 paintings on display, most sold on the opening night with sales totaling over $500,000. The success of her showing prompted national media attention and she has been profiled since in numerous magazines and print media including People, Southern Living and ARTnews. She has appeared on TV shows including Oprah (twice). Dunbar publicly credits the talk show host for inspiring her business model and philanthropic goals particularly after she took over control of her studio art business from what she considered bad management at the age of 18. At the age of 15, Dunbar made a decision to become an advocate for children's and artist's causes. She took part in a documentary entitled The Artist in Me that became a special feature on Mattel's Barbie as Rapunzel DVD, released in 2002 to inspire creativity among children. She also became an ambassador to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in 2004. Dunbar has donated to charities including the Grammy's MusiCares Foundation. ABC World News profiled the artist in 2007 as a "Person of the Week" when Charles Gibson discovered that she had quietly donated over a million dollars to various causes. Dunbar frequently speaks to youth, (girls in particular) and artists on a range of topics. Dunbar is the founder and CEO of Dunbar Studios in Dallas. She is also the lead designer for the Precious Rebels line of art guitars. Her art guitars from the collection are among the most expensive guitars in the world. The collection is named as a subtle tribute to Oprah Winfrey, whom the artist states is "the most precious rebel on earth" and remains a significant influence to the artist's life today. Dunbar's art can be found in many private and corporate collections around the world. Television appearances The Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC The Early Show, CBS World News Tonight, ABC Good Morning Texas, ABC PBS CNN Designing Texas Dick Clark's The Other Half "Our Town Hero", CBS 11 Soap Talk "The Spirit of Texas", News 8, ABC Living Large The Artist in Me short documentary by Mattel entertainment Honors and awards Southern Methodist University Distinguished Alumni Award: 2009 Daughters of the American Revolution Americanism Medal: 2009 Texas Women's Hall of Fame: 2006 Ambassador to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children References Sources ABC Person of the Week: Amanda Dunbar (video) ABC Person of the Week: Amanda Dunbar