MIAMI DADE COLLEGE FREEDOM TOWER GALLERY
WE ARE THE SHIP: The Story of Negro League Baseball EXHIBIT OF ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY KADIR NELSON
PRESENTED BY MDC AND URGENT, INC. N O V E M B E R 3 RD, 2 0 1 1 T O J A N U A R Y 8 TH, 2 0 1 2
A Fusion of Art, Sports, History, Books and Community
Artist Biography *Started drawing at 3 years old-painting at
age 10
painting in oil at 16. * Bachelor’s degree with honors from Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, NY. * Lead conceptual artist for Steven Spielberg’s movies, “Amistad” and “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”. * Works commissioned for Coca-Cola, The United States Postal Service, Major League Baseball, Sports Illustrated, Nike, NY Times and more. * Paintings are found in the collections of notable institutions and museums, including the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the U.S. House of Representatives. * Works also found in collections of notable individuals, including Steven Spielberg, Denzel Washington, Will and Jada Smith, Sharon Stone, Spike and Tonya Lee. * Gallery Exhibits-Akron Art Museum in Akron Ohio, The Museum of African American History in Detroit, The Smithsonian Anacostia Museum in Washington DC, the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, The Bristol Museum in England, The Citizen's Gallery of Yokohama, Japan and the Center for Culture of Tijuana, Mexico.
MDC FREEDOM TOWER GALLERY
Historic relevance to freedom, civil rights, human rights and immigration
Close proximity to a Negro League Baseball Historic landmark, Dorsey Park, the home to the League when touring in Miami
Elegant historic space which has the capacity to house this majestic exhibit featuring the art and the book “We are the Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball”.
The New York Times named Kadir Nelson's book, “WE ARE THE SHIP: The Story of Negro League Baseball,” one of the Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2008.
The downtown location to the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Miami Community and being a bridge between the African American and Cuban communities. These communities came together and created the Negro League Baseball.
The Art Gallery close to MDC Wolfson Campus and Miami Book Fair International where Kadir Nelson will be a featured Author/Illustrator.
WE ARE THE SHIP: The Story of NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL What makes this exhibit so outstanding are the 42 breathtaking oil paintings and drawings in their perspectives, rich in emotion, and created with understanding and affection for these lost heroes of our national game. Cuban and Negro League Baseball Players . Came together to PLAY BALL because they were not accepted in the Major Leagues at first. Art is the bridge bringing History, Sports and Communities together.
*Exhibit will run during Art
Basel 2011 and Miami Book Fair International
History of the Art on the Negro League Baseball ď‚— Nelson spent eight years
researching, writing, and painting his book, WE ARE THE SHIP: The Story of Negro League Baseball, which is dedicated to the preservation of the history of Negro Leagues.
ď‚— The story of the Negro Leagues is
about hundreds of unsung heroes who overcame segregation, hatred, terrible conditions, and low pay to do the one thing they loved more than anything else in the world: play ball.
We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball In order to create realistic portrayals of baseball players in action and repose, Nelson served as his own model for each painting, donning sharp suits and authentic replica uniforms while photographing himself posed as each player represented. Unique criteria for each painting demanded individual attention to details and settings; i.e. historically accurate baseball uniform colors and styles, equipment, era costumes, pre and post Depression era city streets, streetcars and trains, sandlot baseball fields in small towns and grand baseball stadiums in big cities. His meticulous process allowed Nelson to put himself into the shoes of a former Negro League player and recreate an authentic depiction of life in the Negro Baseball Leagues.
Above: Nelson posing for Jackie Robinson painting reference photos Below: The finished painting of Jackie Robinson
Artist’s History with Negro League Recognizing Legends
Catching Bill Cosby’s Eye
Nelson and Buck O'Neil pose with "Safe at Home," a portrait of Jackie Robinson stealing home under the glove of catcher Quincy Trouppe.
Painting of Kansas City Monarchs manager, Buck O'Neil, hangs in the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Artist History with the Negro League ď‚— This is a story of
gifted athletes and determined owners; of racial discrimination and international sportsmanship; of fortunes won and lost; of triumphs and defeats on and off the field. It is a perfect mirror for the social and political history of black America in the first half of the twentieth century.
Nelson meets former Negro League players. (L to R: Walter McCoy, Chicago American Giants; Neal Henderson and John Buck O'Neil, KC Monarchs.
Major Highlights of Exhibit Events “My focus is to create images of people who demonstrate a sense of hope and nobility. I want to show the strength and integrity of the human being and the human spirit.” Kadir Nelson Nov.3rd, Thursday-- Miami Dade College FREEDOM TOWER, VIP Grand Opening Reception with Artist, Kadir Nelson. Invitation Only, 6 pm. Book signing.
Nov. 4th, Friday, MDC-Freedom Tower, Grand Opening to the Public with Artist, Kadir Nelson, School Board Member Dr. Lawrence Feldman and MDCPS Students.
Nov. 5th, Saturday, MDC-Freedom Tower, Miami Dade County Public Schools Teacher Workshop and Tour with Artist-Author, Kadir Nelson Nov. 8th, Tuesday, Freedom Tower Art Gallery, New World School of the Arts Youth Workshop with the Artist
Major Highlights of Exhibit Events “My focus is to create images of people who demonstrate a sense of hope and nobility. I want to show the strength and integrity of the human being and the human spirit.” Kadir Nelson Nov. 9th, Wednesday, MDC-Kendall Campus, Fall Fest –Artist Presentation Hosted by The SHARKS Baseball Team.
Nov. 11th, Friday, Miami Is It: 1st Annual Fund Raiser for Urgent, Inc. Programs Presents “We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball”. An Evening In Celebration of the Children with Children’s Book Illustrator-Author, Kadir Nelson and Book signing at CE2 , 1001 NW 1st Av, Miami, FL. www.urgentinc.org Nov. 14th, Monday, Miami International Book Fair Presentation, MDC-Wolfson Campus . 2nd Floor Auditorium , and Book signing by the Artist, 6:30 pm Dec. 17, Saturday, Historic Dorsey Park Celebration and Youth Mural Unveiling January 7th, Saturday, MDC-Freedom Tower, Closing Celebration for Host Committee
Exhibit Programming: Linking Art, Sports, History and Community
Events throughout the art exhibit:
Exhibition Tours - Daily Exhibition Workshops
Take Home Experience Virtual Store-www.urgentinc.org Featuring: Kadir Nelson’s books at www.kadirnelson.com, lithograph prints at www.kadirnelson.com, Negro League Baseball paraphernalia, Commemorative Sketch books, pencils and books.
PUBLIC/EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING Programs for Young Adults
Urgent, Inc. who is the principal organizer of the exhibition activities is helping to secure funding for:
Artist led tours Teacher workshops Artist lectures Gifts of Books to youth Commemorative Sketch Books and Pencils to students
Artist lectures at Freedom Tower, MDC Wolfson and Kendall Campuses.
Community involvement Exhibition tours daily-includes volunteers from Urgent , Inc. Historic Dorsey Park Little League Game Historic Dorsey Park Youth Mural Project
MDCPS Involvement
Nov. 5th-MDCPS Teacher Workshop with Artist/Author Kadir Nelson at Freedom Tower At Gallery Teacher workshops. An area will be designated for teachers to conduct workshops. Regularly scheduled youth tours through Urgent, Inc. Host Committee MDCPS “Cultural Passport” Student Tours
“Miami is it: We Are The Ship” 1st Annual Fundraiser for Urgent, Inc.
“Miami is it: We Are The Ship” Raising Funds for Educational and Social Well-Being
An Evening Reception with the Artist/Author Kadir Nelson Book Signing!
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans Newly released!! www.kadirnelson.com
Presentation of Commemorative
Plaque designed by Kadir Nelson for Negro League Baseball Members and VIP’s who are present.
Fundraiser for the Youth and Families Urgent, Inc. serves. Urgent, Inc. is a Non-Profit 501(c)3. Tickets. Tax Deductible Donation. Silent Auction including Negro Baseball League Paraphernalia. Location: Center for Education and Empowerment - CE2, 1001 NW 1st Av, Miami, FL 33136
11/11/11 * 6:30 pm to 10 pm
“Miami is it: We Are The Ship” 1st ANNUAL FUNDRAISER FOR URGENT, INC. In Celebration of the Children’s WellBeing with Children’s Book Illustrator and Author, Kadir Nelson 11/11/11 7 pm to 10 pm Center for Education and Empowerment -CE2 1001 NW 1st Av Miami, FL 33136 Delicious Menu by SAWA’s Executive Chef, Jouvens
“Miami is it: We Are The Ship” Raising Funds for Educational and Social Well-Being CONFIRMED PERFORMANCES: Songbird, MEYAH EVANS
World Renown Storyteller, Musician, “MADAFO”
Goulds Elem. School
Urgent, Inc.’ s Drum Club
VENUS RISING: Women’s Drum & Dance Ensemble
Exhibit and Event Funding The “Miami Is It” event will generate funds for Urgent Inc., a local organization which includes: Vision: “All people have the social, economic and educational opportunities to thrive” Mission: “Empowering young minds to transform their Communities”. Urgent, Inc.’s Guiding Principle is: “to promote shared leadership through empowerment, education and community engagement to create collective well-being”
Exhibit and Event Funding Urgent, Inc. Educational Initiatives include: *Rites of Passage Youth Empowerment Academy *Pregnancy Prevention Project *Youth Empowerment Summer YES Camp *Intergenerational Program *Youth Empowerment After School *Affordable Housing *Arts and Culture through Literacy Project
Fundraising for Urgent, Inc. Programs
Exhibit Programming: Linking Art, Sports, History and Community Historic Dorsey Park Festival at the “The Dust Bowl� Dorsey Park was home to the Negro League Baseball when touring in Miami.
*
*Urgent, Inc. Partner, City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department * Unveiling of the Youth Murals *Vendors, Bounce House, DJ Music *Free Community Event *Free Food-Hot Dogs, Chip and Drink for Children *Honored Guests- Overtown Optimist Little League Team - Dorsey Park Little League Game *Booker T. Washington High School Band *December 17, 2011 - 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm * Co-Sponsored and Hosted by the Overtown Optimist Little League Baseball-The Rattlers.
Exhibit Programming: Linking Art, Sports, History and Community MLK MURAL PROJECT AT Historic Dorsey Park Festival at the “The Dust Bowl” OVERTOWN YOUTH CENTER ARTIST PROGRAM AND
Mural Project
Exhibition Events Funding Operated by Urgent, Inc. and primary sources of funding and in-kind services are obtained from:
Revenue from Fundraiser event tickets $150 a seat and fundraising initiatives
Partners
Corporate sponsors
The fundraiser benefits Urgent, Inc. A portion of the proceeds are used to cover expenses for the Historic Dorsey Park event, Youth Mural , Artist Workshops/Lectures, free books and sketchbooks for youth and other such expenses as shipping, insurance, security, sanitary facilities, equipment rental, entertainment, advertising and printing costs to make a clean, safe and well-attended experience for patrons and sponsors. The WE ARE THE SHIP exhibit is cosponsored by Urgent, Inc., Host Committee Volunteers and Miami Dade College.
Artist Background
Nelson’s authorial debut, WE ARE THE SHIP: The Story of Negro
League Baseball (Jump at the Sun/Disney) New York Times best-selling tribute to the Negro League Baseball Awards earned include: American Library Association Coretta Scott King Award, NAACP Image Award
Artist Background U S POSTAL STAMPS by Kadir Nelson
Artist Background PREVIEW 2012
U S POSTAL STAMPS by Kadir Nelson
Artist Background Sketchbook of Barack Obama, published 2009 This book is a celebration of the 44th president - a new president and a new chapter in the American story.
Artist Background Shirley Chisholm, Oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson, 2008, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives
Kadir Nelson illustrated the Michael Jackson album cover: “Michael�, (2010). The middle of the oil painting became the album cover.
HOST COMMITTEE Kadir Art Exhibit 2011 Executive Host Committee Henry Crespo-Pres. Urgent, Inc. Saliha Nelson Crespo-VP Urgent, Inc. Shedia Nelson- Program Dir., Urgent, Inc. Emily Gunter- Dir. Literacy Through Arts and Culture, Urgent, Inc. Host Committee Alex Douyon Barbara Wade Bruce Storr Joan Storr Charlene Bouie David C. Brown DeShanna Upshaw Devin Reyes Emanuel Washington Faisal Tavernier Iva Arbolaez
Jackie Bell John E. Brown Johnetta Shearer Joy McKenzie Juan D’Arce Kay Madry Sullivan Kyle Holbrook LaToya Brady-Patterson Leatrice Taylor Damus Linda Bernfeld Michael Burns Mikelle Moore Miyako Haag Njie Sabik Rhonda M. Smith Robin Chambers Rodney Royal Sintia Alexander Stephanie Van Vark Tabitha L. Bryant Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant Tracy L. Moore
URGENT Inc. Community Partners
Miami Dade College Alliance for Aging City of Miami Florida Department of Elder Affairs Miami-Dade County Miami Dade County Public Schools City of Miami Parks and Recreations The Children’s Trust Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade County Overtown Optimist Little LeagueRattlers Pepsom Group Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Greater Miami Chapter of the Links Carlisle Development MLK Mural Project
November 3, 2011 to January 8, 2012
ď‚— CONTACT US:
Emily Gunter, Manager Literacy Through Arts and Culture Division Urgent, Inc. 1600 NW 3rd Ave, Bldg. D Miami, FL 33136 (305) 915-3195 cell (305) 576-3084 ofc. (866) 811-7778 fax emily@urgentinc.org www.urgentinc.org