A new exhibition in Waterville Creates’ Ticonic Gallery highlights the intersection between artists and athletes, pulling into focus the incredible stories in sports that so often elevate the truth to the status of the legendary. Sports Illustrators, curated by Illustration Institute, considers how athletes become icons, how history becomes folklore, and how superhuman achievement illuminates the regular humanity in players, coaches, and fans.
“Illustrators bring important sports stories to life through their unique talent,” said Scott Nash, executive director of Illustration Institute. “This theme will attract an expansive audience, especially youth and those not necessarily familiar with illustration in general. With this show, we hope to inspire the public to experience sports through an egalitarian art form created by world class illustrators.”
The exhibition features the works of nine acclaimed and world renowned artists: LeRoy Neiman, Alison Bechdel, Mark Ulriksen, Leo Espinosa, Eric Velásquez, James Yang, Yuko Shimizu, and Maine artists Matt Tavares and Andrew DeGraff. Their work considers the cultural impact of sports, games, and competition from diverse viewpoints, focusing on incredible stories. From a six-day bicycle race to a baseball league formed in an internment camp, from the legendary Muhammad Ali to the absurdities of modern fitness trends, the works on view run the gamut sports stories from the past century and across the country.
“Illustration Institute inspires a love for both art and literacy, fostering a deep appreciation for illustrators and their ability to bring stories to life,” said Marie Sugden, exhibitions coordinator at Waterville Creates. “With Sports Illustrators, we welcome sports enthusiasts and athletes into our gallery space, reinforcing the idea that art is truly for all! This marks our second exhibition in collaboration with Illustration Institute, and we are honored to partner with them once again.”
Sports Illustrators is the second collaboration between Illustration Institute and Ticonic Gallery. In 2023, Waterville Creates partnered with Illustration Institute for The Great State of Illustration in Maine, which became the best-attended exhibition in Ticonic Gallery’s history.
“We are grateful to the LeRoy Neiman Foundation, The Lunder Foundation, and our gracious collaborators at Waterville Creates,” Nash said. In addition to the generous support of the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation and the Lunder Foundation, Sports Illustrators is sponsored by Kennebec Savings Bank, the City of Waterville, and Central Maine Newspapers.
Sports Illustrators opened April 16 and will remain on view at Ticonic Gallery until June 16. The gallery is free and open to the public daily, 11am–7pm, except on Tuesdays and federal holidays. For more information on Sports Illustrators and future exhibitions, visit ticonic.org or watervillecreates.org.
For more information on the Illustration Institute visit illustrationinstitute.org.
Ticonic Gallery will host a reception on May 2 from 5–7pm for Sports Illustrators in conjunction with downtown Waterville’s First Friday event. All are invited to drop in, enjoy free appetizers, and meet with the curators.
Team Day – May 10
Youth, rec, and school spring sports teams—from softball and baseball to track—are invited to join Waterville Creates for a home run of a day. Enjoy bagels and smoothies, view the Sports Illustrators exhibition with the curators, design a sneaker with graphic designer and shoe customizer Eamon White, create team pennants to rally your fans, and watch the classic film A League of Their Own at the Maine Film Center. It’s a celebration of sports through art! Visit watervillecreates.org/shows/team-day for more information.
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About Ticonic Gallery + Studios
Ticonic Gallery presents diverse year-round programming that incorporates local, regional, established, and emerging artists as part of gallery exhibitions and associated events. This arrangement of exhibitions allows for a broad representation of artists and media throughout the state of Maine and beyond. Ticonic Studios provide a safe and supportive environment for creative endeavors for all ages and levels of experience and offer a diverse array of educational experiences that enrich, engage, and inspire. Ticonic Gallery + Studios are located in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street, Waterville. Learn more at watervillecreates.org/ticonic, or follow Ticonic on Facebook and Instagram @ticonicgalleryandstudios.