From acclaimed author and illustrator Don Tate, the rousing story
of Ernie Barnes, an African American pro football player and fine
artist He realized how football and art were one and the same. Both
required rhythm. Both required technique. Passing, pulling,
breaking down the field-that was an art. Young Ernie Barnes wasn't
like other boys his age. Bullied for being shy, overweight, and
uninterested in sports like boys were "supposed" to be, he instead
took refuge in his sketchbook, in vibrant colors, bold
brushstrokes, and flowing lines. But growing up in a poor, Black
neighborhood during the 1930s, opportunities to learn about art
were rare, and art museums were off-limits because of segregation
laws. Discouraged and tired of being teased, Ernie joined the
school football team. Although reluctant at first, he would soon
become a star. But art remained in Ernie's heart and followed him
through high school, college, and into the NFL. Ernie saw art all
around him: in the dynamic energy of the game, the precision of
plays, and the nimble movement of his teammates. He poured his
passion into his game and his craft, and became famous as both a
professional athlete and as an artist whose paintings reflected his
love of the sport and celebrated Black bodies as graceful and
beautiful. He played for the Baltimore Colts (1959-60), Titans of
New York (1960), San Diego Chargers (1960-62), and the Denver
Broncos (1963-64). In 1965, Barnes signed with the Saskatchewan
Roughriders in Canada, but fractured his right foot, which ended
his professional football career. Soon after, he met New York Jets
owner Sonny Werblin, who was impressed by Barnes and his art. In
1966, Barnes had a debut solo exhibition in New York City,
sponsored by Werblin at the Grand Central Art Galleries; all the
paintings were sold. Barnes became so well-known as an artist that
one of his paintings was featured in the opening credits of the TV
show Good Times, and he was commissioned to create official posters
for the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics. From award-winning author
and illustrator Don Tate, Pigskins to Paintbrushes is the inspiring
story of Ernie Barnes, who defined himself on his own terms and
pushed the boundaries of "possible," from the field to the canvas.
The back matter includes Barnes's photograph and his official Topps
trading card. Also included are an author's note, endnotes, a
bibliography, and a list of websites where Barnes's work can be
seen.
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