Since DaimlerChrysler Services North America opened the doors to its North American headquarters in September 2002, the company says it has taken measures to foster a creative work environment. The company says the DaimlerChrysler Services headquarters building has its own unique identity. Resembling a university campus, the space provides employees with an open environment encouraging a free-flow of communication, says the company. The company says, complementing the structural beauty of the building, consisting of four three-and-a-half story interconnected buildings situated around two landscaped courtyards, the building has a series of contemporary artworks inside. Provided by the DaimlerChrysler Services Art Collection, this contemporary art collection has pieces created by both international and local artists. The disbursement of artwork throughout the building contains both permanent and changing exhibitions and consists of many different types of medium including ceramics, painting, photography and sculpture. "The collection of contemporary art was specifically chosen over more traditional pieces for the express purpose of fostering intellectual stimulation. Vivid colors, hard edges and cool hues provide insight into a world where the art not only complements the building, but is also a conversation piece among employees," said Jürgen Walker, president and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Services North America. In the spirit of creativity, DaimlerChrysler Services is hosting a local artist commissioned to do a work in progress. Thomas Gelsanliter -- mural artist and a 2002 Cranbrook Academy of Arts graduate -- will create a mural, drawing on the DaimlerChrysler Services work environment, building and natural surroundings. As part of the company's corporate commitment to support art and culture, DaimlerChrysler Services has built a partnership with the Cranbrook Academy of Arts to showcase pieces from the school's own graduate students as well as world-renowned artists. Based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Cranbrook is one of the world's most distinguished fine art schools and has long been a center for contemporary art and design. About DaimlerChrysler Services North America LLC DaimlerChrysler Services North America LLC provides brand specific financing for automotive dealers' inventories and their retail consumers and does business as Chrysler Financial and Mercedes-Benz Credit. As DaimlerChrysler Services Truck Finance it also finances commercial vehicles for affiliate products such as Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star. The company serves as the headquarters for the operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico and has over 5,000 employees who manage a portfolio of $82 billion with nearly five million contracts. DaimlerChrysler Services North America is a member of the DaimlerChrysler Services Group, headquartered in Berlin, Germany which operates in 39 countries with an employee base exceeding 10,000 and a global portfolio of EUR 109 billion. DaimlerChrysler Services is one of the leading financial services companies worldwide. For additional information visit the Web site at www.daimlerchryslerservices.com. About Cranbrook Academy of Art Founded in 1932, the Cranbrook Academy of Art is a graduate level school of art, design and architecture. This independent graduate degree-granting institution offers a studio-based experience where artists-in-residence mentor students in art, architecture and design to creatively influence contemporary culture. Cranbrook is located at 39221 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and includes the Academy of Art, Art Museum, Institute of Science, Schools and other affiliated cultural and educational programs. Cranbrook's Academy of Art grants master of fine arts degrees in eight disciplines and master of architecture degrees. For more information, call (248) 645-3300 or visit the Web site at www.cranbrook.edu. About the Artist- Thomas Gelsanliter After dedicating five years of his life as a print and electronic journalist aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington, Gelsanliter realized his passion for ceramics. He graduated with a master's degree in ceramics from the Cranbrook Academy of Arts in 2002. Gelsanliter is currently employed as the moldmaker and tile press coordinator for Motawi Tile Works in Ann Arbor, Mich. His work includes overseeing tile production as well as fabricating new tile for the Motawi product line.