Art & Basketball: Changing the Game - Closing Reception March 20 2015 The LeRoy Neiman Arts Center

With material from a media release:

Changing the Game
Closing Reception March 20, 2015
The LeRoy Neiman Arts Center


Featuring the work of Art 1, Bobby Hunter, Rod Ivey, Leroy Neiman, TAFA, Boris Diaw, Jennifer Ivey, Billi Kid, Michael Singletary & Dwayne Wade

HARLEM, NY - I happened to walk by the Leroy Neiman Arts Center for the closing reception of this interesting show that looks to change ideas about what being a professional basketball player is all about. I wasn't really dressed for the chic crowd but I stopped in to check it out.

The show features works on canvas and photography by current and former pro players, including Miami Heat sensation Dwayne Wade's vibrant abstract (pictured below).

Other artists included Antonio Spurs' player Boris Diaw, former Harlem Globetrotter Bobby Hunter, Jennifer Ivey and Rod Ivey, New York artists and parents of former NBA player Royal Ivey along with NYC based artists Art 1, Billi Kid, Michael J. Singletary and TAFA.

Naturally many of the pieces were sports themed and bold in expression, like the vibrant pieces of LeRoy Neiman, the artist whose grant helped to found the Center. The arts and sports aren't all that far apart - to my way of thinking, a different end game of an equally creative process. It's something noted by the show's organizaers. "One of the motivating factors or organizing this exhibition was to make the connection between arts and sports as important dimensions of our culture - each of which has been responsible for broadening perspectives, expanding opportunities and creating environments that promote excellence, imagination and achievement," says Marline A. Martin, Executive Director of Arts Horizons LeRoy Neiman Art Center.

Other work included both figurative and abstract works of varying sizes and striking animal photography by Boris Diaw. It's too bad I only caught the last day. Part of the proceeds of sales from the show (and I saw many red dots) went to community youth empowerment organizations - Arts Horizons, Defending Your Dream and Each One Teach One.

LeRoy Neiman Arts Center
2785 Frederick Douglass Blvd. @ 148th Street - Harlem, NY

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