1
2
NF LPA
PLAYER ARTISTS
3
C. KIRK MAGGIO Maggio’s portraits of professional athletes have been commissioned for private collections and commercial projects for decades. His love of sports and personalized expression of the subject fuel the energy in his work while subtle details, fluid brushstrokes and vibrant colors bring movement and life that so characterize a Maggio painting. The paintings for golf holes are some of the artist’s favorite works. The serenity and beauty of his work have inspired commissions from some of the most famous golf courses around the world. He uses the finest oil paints available and his work is hand painted on Belgium linen.
CHRIS MOHR Chris has been doing ‘woodworking’ for around 15 years, mainly pallet-wood-type. He Bought a lot on Smith Lake in Alabama and found some of the neatest Driftwood. The Wine and Cheese Display Block is a common design, however every cut of wood is different, and the “chinking” is not the same. Along the “Rough-Cut” there is a spot that the knife fits in perfectly. Chris believes it is the little things like the knife slot that make them “one-of-a-kind”.
CORY SCHLESINGER Cory Schlesinger was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 1995 Draft. He was a two-time All-State linebacker at Columbus High School in Columbus, Nebraska. He drove in demolition derbies for three years during high school. He is still considered one of the best pure fullbacks in the NFL and was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate in 2003, 2004, and 2005. He was selected by his teammates as the recipient of the Bobby Layne Offensive MVP Award in 2003, the Mike Utley Spirit Award in 2002 and 2003, and the Yale Lary Special Teams MVP in 1997. Cory is currently teaching and is the head strength coach at Allen Park High School in Michigan.
4
DARNELL “BIGSTEP” ALFORD Darnell “BigStep” Alford, a native of Newark, New Jersey, and learned graffiti writing at the age of 8 on city bus rides to and from elementary school. I would see the styles of different artists, try to copy their lettering and shading. I filled my notebooks, and anything else I could write on, with tags and scenes. After high school, I studied Human Development/Sociology and English at Boston College on a football scholarship. I earned my Bachelor’s then was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2000 NFL Draft. Upon retirement from the NFL in 2008, I rediscovered my love of drawing, began doing portraits and challenging myself with the full human form. I draw, paint, and airbrush to calm myself. I learned that the time spent creating can be therapeutic, helping me get to know myself and take on new challenges. My work has a definite Hip-Hop vibe to it, whether depicting actual artists or the incorporation of graffiti and other culture-centric images into a piece. My pieces are inspired by what’s around me or simply something I thought looked cool in the moment.
DASMAN MCCULLUM Hello my name is Dasman McCullum. I was an undrafted free agent and spent time with the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles back in 2015. I’m currently a counselor and Intramural Sports Coordinator for William Carey University. I’ve always enjoyed drawing and all forms of art. I’ve recently gotten into painting so I’m happy to be able to share my gifts with the audience who will be attending this auction and hopefully I’ll attract interest from it.
5
DAVID MACK David F. Mack, aka “The ClayMacker” is a member of the North Tampa Art League, Florida CraftArt, the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), and the NFL Players Association (Washington Commanders, 1971). David is a retired art teacher K-12, former adjunct college professor, and retired Lieutenant Colonel, US Army. David Mack earned a B.S. from Morgan State University, M.F.A. from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and an Advanced Military Diploma from the U.S. Army, Command and General Staff College. David’s wife, Linda Mack, is the inspiration, motivation, and lifelong partner that makes up the team, ‘The ClayMacker’. You can view and purchase some of David’s work on: www.fineartamerica.com/profile/
DON HASSELBECK A (9) nine-year NFL career, Patriots, Raiders [Super Bowl Champs XVIII], Vikings, Giants. He was a Studio Fine Arts Major at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Don also spent twenty plus years working in the product marketing and sales divisions at Reebok International. Now retired and spending his time as a full time Artist/painter. All of Don’s works are heavily influenced by renowned colorist & artist, Josef Albers, and his color theories and the interactions of color on each other and us. All artwork is created through the emotional lens of COLOR and its emotional attractions.
6
JAKE PLUMMER I grew up in Boise, Idaho and now live in Boulder, Colorado. As a young kid I spent lots of time in nature and was creative in many ways. Whether it was drawing, painting, sculpting or acting, I enjoyed creating all kinds of art. As I grew up, sports took a more prominent role in my life and I found myself having less and less time to explore my artistic side. Sports became my outlet and throughout my football career I felt like I played the game in a creative way, expressing myself on the field instead of on a canvas. Now that I am retired, after playing for 10 years in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos, I get to spend more time exploring my artistic side. Sitting down with a clean canvas, blank paper, a piece of driftwood, or clay gives me a chance to slow down, focus, and find a flow state similar to my playing days. My favorite thing about art is that there is an endpoint, a finished piece I get to present and share to the world. This piece,”Mountain High Friends”, is acrylic on a piece of driftwood I found on Lake Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho. The rocks come from random walks along creeks in nature.
JEFF HATCH Jeff Hatch is an artist, Ivy League graduate, and retired NFL veteran. Jeff’s painting and photography have been shown around the country and have been featured in numerous articles and stories over the years. His work is heavily influenced by the Abstract Expressionist movement and he credits “Saturn devouring his Son” by Francisco Goya as the piece that inspired him to pursue the arts. Jeff has been featured in three (3) documentary films, acted and done stunt work in movies and television, and won the president’s award for community service. Today, Jeff does National Clinical Outreach for Summit Behavioral Healthcare helping those with mental health and substance use disorder.
7
JEFFREY STEPHENSON Jeffery Stephenson was born in Forest City, Arkansas, and moved at an early age to Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was always fascinated with colors. Art came naturally to him, and he recognized that there are no limits to fine art. He began seriously creating art while in high school. After high school, he attended St. Cloud State University, earning a Bachelors in Elective Studies with an emphasis in Communications while minoring in Urban Design.
JOSE C. PORTILLA Artist Jose C. Portilla was born in Zaragoza Coahuila, Mexico. At the age of six he moved to Houston, Texas. There he naturally developed a love for football, art, and the outdoors. His proficiency in the sport led to All American honors at Ricks College in Idaho. He then moved to the University of Arizona, where he was named a Hula Bowl All-Star, receiving All-Pac 10 honors. While playing with the Atlanta Falcons, Jose, and his teammates won the National Football Conference Championship and played in the Super Bowl (XXXIII). Later, Jose played in the XFL, for the Los Angeles Extreme, where he won his second championship title. The lessons of hard work and dedication, which Jose learned through football, naturally enhanced his artistic abilities. His love for art is captured in the wildlife and landscape paintings are so vividly portrayed. Jose was the 2023 Smocks & Jocks Best In Show Artist.
KAREEM MARTIN Kareem Martin is an Arizona based photographer originally from North Carolina. Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL draft, he would go on to play 7 seasons split between the Cardinals, Giants, and Lions. His photography has been displayed in shows at Art Basel, the Lincoln Center in New York and past Smocks & Jocks events. Stylistically his portfolio features street, portrait, and landscapes amongst other disciplines of photography.
8
KYLE PRATER Since retiring from the NFL in 2016 I’ve been committed to our mission of bringing our clients’ messages to life through film and storytelling, and to enabling them on their own missions to be great. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most wellrenowned and highly-regarded brands in the world.
LARRY FITZGERALD Larry Fitzgerald is a philanthropist, business owner, investor, and former wide receiver for the National Football League (NFL). In 2005, Larry founded The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation in honor of his mother, Carol Fitzgerald, who passed away as a result of breast cancer in 2003. For nearly two decades, The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation has worked to provide equitable access and new pathways to success for youth and honors his mother’s legacy by supporting women, men and families affected by breast cancer in communities that have been historically underserved. Beyond the foundation’s core mission of breast cancer awareness and youth education, Larry’s philanthropic initiatives range in size and scope, from economic development projects in Senegal and Ethiopia, to delivering hearing technology in Africa and Southeast Asia. He prides himself in serving as a leader and also learning from his partners like PHX Suns and most recently as a board member of Dick’s Sporting Goods.
9
LEE GISSENDANER Mr. Gissendaner harbored a love of football that has since carried into his professional career. After experiencing a two-year career with the National Football League, the Canadian Football League, and the World League of American Football with such teams as the Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Toronto Argonauts, and the Scottish Claymores, he began worked as an NFL scout for the Green Bay Packers. More than 15 years later, Mr. Gissendaner became a national scout for the New York Jets.
QUENTIN GAUSE “Hello, my name is Quentin Gause. I am a former NFL Pro, having played for teams like the Eagles, Patriots, and Broncos. Today, I am an entrepreneur with multiple ventures under my belt. Originally from Rochester, NY, I now call Atlanta, GA my home. As an Afro-Latino, my roots trace back to Panama in Central America through my mother’s side, while my father’s side hails from Miami, FL. In addition, I have three siblings and a deep love for adventure.” Transitioned from the field to the world of technology, Quentin brings a unique perspective to Rizewell. His journey began with a keen observation of the challenges HR professionals faced in enhancing employee well-being and engagement. Determined to make a difference, Quentin co-founded Rizewell to provide comprehensive solutions that bridge the gap between wellness and technology. His passion for empowering individuals to lead healthier lives, combined with a deep understanding of the corporate landscape, drives Rizewell’s mission.
10
SOLOMON THOMAS Solomon Thomas plays is currently a Defensive Lineman for the New York Jets and is CoFounder of The Defensive Line. San Francisco 49ers drafted him as the #3 overall player in the 2017 NFL draft. During his second season with the Niners, Solomon and his family experienced an unimaginable and tragic loss. On January 23, 2018, his big sister Ella died by suicide. Off the field, Solomon has dedicated his life to sharing Ella’s story and has worked with a myriad of nonprofit organizations to raise awareness and secure funds for mental health and suicide prevention work. Solomon has been a keynote speaker and panel member for dozens of national events and in 2019 became a recipient of the AFSP Lifesavers Award with his parents Martha and Chris. Solomon is the 2023 Heisman Humanitarian Award Winner, a two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, winner of the Faith Fight Finish Foundation / UPS Game Changer Award and the Beacon of Hope Award from Grant Halliburton Foundation.
LARESHA HARRIS Laresha Harris lives at the corner of “Artful Street” and “Modern Chic” style with roots in mental wellness. Painting started as a way to heal herself from the inside out, and became a commitment to self-love, self-preservation, and gratitude through art. Her designs symbolize the power of one’s purpose and the peace we all strive to share and be in this world - one piece of art at a time.
11
STEVE CHRISTIE Steve studied fine art at the College of William and Mary, focusing on oil painting and art history. Following his senior year, he was named All-American punter and kicker. Having spent 15 years as an NFL kicker, playing for the Bills, Buccaneers, Chargers and NY Giants, Steve still holds the record for the longest field goal in Super Bowl history (54) and is the Bills all time leading scorer. Steve currently lives in Lakewood Ranch, Florida where he paints, coaches high school and college specialists, and is a real estate sales associate with his wife Kelly, part of Team Christie LPT Realty. He also does commercials in Buffalo for Lake Effect Furniture and Mattress.
SYDNEY JUSTIN Born in New Orleans and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Sydney Justin comes from a very talented and athletic family. Sports, art and music play a major role in his life. Participating in high school musicals, talent shows, displaying his art in various art exhibits and also attending Otis Art Institute for Gifted Young Artists has paved the way to his path of experience today.
12
NF LPA
GUEST ARTISTS
13
ADAM BORCHARDT Adam Borchardt was born on February 6th, 1983 in Buffalo NY. Adam’s been drawing vigorously since childhood, be it with crayons, chalk or his favorite colored pencils. He cultivated this aptitude over the years to study architecture at the University of Washington. After he graduated, he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii and worked as a designer for an international architecture firm. He since has moved forward to draw primarily in a digital format, producing ready fine art prints available from his webpage/studio. Adam is the son of NFLPA Former Player, Jon Borchardt.
ALLISON SMITH Allison was born in the Caribbean and later moved to America with her family. Her global citizenship is visible in the movement found within her art as she deploys contrasting colors to make bold statements. Growing up in a family of artists and patrons of the arts, she has always found it second to nature to appreciate the beauty in words, the melodies in music and layers in paintings. Her years spent in New York and Boston further developed her love for art and design taking in these cities world class exhibits and museums. As a wife, mother of three and now grandmother of two she is finding that there is no better time than today to let art inspire her to create. Allison is determined to prove that your most noble endeavor includes pursuing your dreams at any age and is proud to have these pieces as part of her legacy. Allison’s art process is both intuitive and collaborative. When creating art for others, she incorporates insights and preferences from her clients and brings then to life in a unique and personable way. Reach out today to learn more about Allison’s art and commission a one-of-a-kind piece or collection that will not disappoint: AKSmith.originals@gmail.com
14
MALCOLM BLACKEN Senior Director of Player Development of the Washington Commanders | Malcolm Blacken has spent the last 25 years working in the NFL as a strength coach and player development director. Before beginning his career, he attended Virginia Tech on a football scholarship while majoring in art. Although football has always been a part of his life, art has always been equally important. He began sketching and drawing at a young age and it brought peace and calm to his being. In more recent years, Malcolm has been able to marry the two passions and create what he calls, high end, one of a kind sport memorabilia art. The distressed fabric in the jersey is carefully created to show at its root, the blue-collar work ethic it takes to continually outwork and outperform those trying to take your spot at each level of play. The stitching, tears, and burns represent the blood, sweat, and sacrifice necessary to reach the apex of a sport, mentally and physically it’s about so much more than talent, it’s about the grind! ”My goal of each piece is to tell the athletics story without any need for explanation” Instagram: Black’s Gallery Email: M.blacken11@gmail.com or Malcolm.Blacken@Commanders.com Phone: 303.726.5963
15
NICOLE BENT JONES Dr. Nicole Bent Jones journey has seamlessly woven art, science, design, and business. She has successfully earned her Doctor of Business Administration, specializing in Financial Management, demonstrating her exceptional prowess not only in the creative world but also in the intricate realms of financial strategy and management. With a foundation in both the arts and technology, she earned her Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology from New School University’s Parsons School of Design in NYC, while also delving into the world of painting under the guidance of Dimitar Yukanov in Paris, France. Nicole’s artistry has graced national and international platforms. Her current endeavors build upon her extensive background, merging design and business acumen to further enrich her artistic journey. Infused with the vibrant spirit of her Caribbean roots, Nicole’s artistic journey unfolds as a celebration of the rich tapestry that defines her. She channels rhythms and narratives of the Caribbean into her work, creating art with a visual symphony that plays homage to her Caribbean heritage, bridging tradition and contemporary expression. Nicole is the wife of NFLPA Former Player, Williams Jones (#44 Kansas City Chiefs).
QUEEN HOPE I was born and raised in downtown New Orleans into a culture of cooking, music, dance, art, and crafts. My grandfather’s hobby was visual art, my dad, former NFL player, Kerry Parker who is now a chef, and my grandmother sewed clothing; I freelanced all these talents. People often ask, “What’s your focus?” This is an awkward conversation in one sitting. My focus is my belief. My art tells a story in the form of poetry. As an artist, I feel free to express my vision through creations not limited to sewing, painting, drawing, or other crafts. It all depends on the message I am sending. I dream of a world where we can live holistically in nature, health, and beauty. Originality and authenticity of species and spirit is my highest value. While I am currently a registered nurse, I am working my way back into the art world to continue sharing this vision with the world.
16
ROB GOEBEL Rob Goebel (b. 1980) is an abstract painter & designer currently living in the Washington, D.C. area working as a Creative Director for US AI, a digital transformation technology company. He is a graduate of Fine Arts Graphic & Web Design from the Art Institute of Washington and holds a BA of Arts from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Rob has introduced a new realm of abstract expressionism and action painting into his work. Working with gestural and aggressive brush strokes, he gives light to his rich and vibrant color palette. The paintings are colorful abstractions of another reality with symbolic meaning of a dreamlike utopian state of mind. Rob has been working as a professional artist for the past 17 years. He has studied at the Art League in Alexandria, VA and exhibited his work locally in the D.C. area as well as around the United States.
RON JOHNSON Ron Johnson is an artist and founder of Abstract Athlete. Growing up, while everyone knew Ron as an athlete, he was always creative, kind of in the shadows. He played football, basketball and baseball. He later had an opportunity to be drafted in baseball out of high school but his parents wanted him to go to school where he ended up at The Ohio State University. “I left school after a year to became a rock singer, returning to school 8 years later to become a painter. I met my now business partner, Chris, during that time working at a record store.” The Abstract Athlete came together from many discussions about how these two seemingly different things really connect in so many ways. “I think our goal as a business is to impact everyone (if that is possible). To show how being creative and physical on a daily basis really does improve or health and mental wellness. I always tell students or people we work with creativity isn’t just painting or drawing, it is what you want it to be. I want people to find something they like…because if you like it you will want to come back to it and continue to practice.” Ron says, “I think that is one of the coolest parts about the business is walking into a room with an enormous former NFL lineman who is now an artist…it knocks down that wall…it gives people permission to be creative.”
17
18