Turns out that, this Substack aside, I’m a published author now, as my book is live & in the wild, which is both fun and surreal. I started my career as a Fantasy Football & Baseball intern for Rotoworld before pivoting to long-form Olympics coverage, so, technically a writer, but not serious enough to enter the realm of literature respectability. I’m extremely proud of how things turned out with the book, and a lot of folks have helped along the way. My publisher Chronicle, lit agent Eloy, cover photographer Nicolas Stempien-lauff, forward-writer Charlotte Wilder, the folks at Getty Images, friends & family, others, and especially you all.
The book is a blast, and you should buy it. Bunch of different ways, including (hopefully carried by) your local bookstore. If you’re interested in a mailed signed copy, hit the Strand link here, as they’ll have those available for a limited time. And if you want to place a bulk order with a discount, just hit me up on socials or via email. I also have several exciting events coming up around the book:
Saturday, April 11th, 5-8:30pm ET, not even a week from now!
Talk & signing at Sotheby’s NYC, 945 Madison Avenue (talk from 6-6:30pm)
This will be part of Sotheby’s first ‘Sotheby’s Lates’ in their new space at the Breuer, and I’m stoked to be a part of it. Details here, but in short, going to be there throughout the time hanging & signing books, and then will be part of their programming, with my specific section being a chat with the legendary hoops photographer Nat Butler & Sotheby’s VP, Sports Strategy & Development, Modern Collectibles, Brendan Hawkes.
This link will get you in the door for free (just an RSVP to help track numbers), with a second option to purchase my book. Also consider buying Nat’s book ‘Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography’ here. For folks who buy Nat’s book, DM me a photo of your receipt + any personal image you want turned into art on any of my social channels, and I’ll make you your own pairing!
Tuesday, May 5th
Panel at the Project Play Summit, Boston
I’ll have the great honor of being on a panel at the Project Play Summit in Boston, talking about the importance of art + sports for kids. One of the great joys I get in running this is having teachers & educators reach out letting let me know that they used my account to introduce art history to their students. If you fall into that category and haven’t hit me up, do it! Would love to hear about the account making it into the classroom.
The Summit is sold out, but you can join the waitlist here.
Friday, May 8th
A soon to be announced ArtButMakeItSports themed night with a minor league baseball team
This one is going to be a blast - should have more details to share in the coming days!
Friday, May 15th, 2-3:30pm CT
Gallery Talk at the Art Institute of Chicago
If you live in/are going to be in Chicago, save the date. I’ll be joined by my friend & Executive Director of Interpretation Emily Fry for a Gallery Talk focused on tying the Museum’s collection to sports, with a special focus on their newest acquisition, Norman Rockwell’s 1948 painting The Dugout.
Detailed information can be found here.
Sunday, May 17th, 2-3:00pm CT
Gallery Tour, Talk at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
Works from the MIA have been heavily featured over the account’s tenure, and I’m pumped to explore past posts and talk about the connection between art & sports, as well as my love for the Twin Cities. More details can be found here. Stay tuned for a ticket link, but save the date!
Monday-Wednesday, May 18th- 20th
Gondola Sports Summit, Denver
Still working out the details, but I’ll likely be moderating and/or speaking on a panel as part of this incredible conference. If you’re a sports media professional/creative, Gondola is must attend. More details about the conference can be found here, and I’ll share more about my specific involvement shortly.
Mid-July: Dallas, Saturday, July 25th: Philadelphia
More to come on these, but if you’re in these cities, get ready!
Art/Sports I’m Into
March Madness feels apt for The Raphael show ‘Sublime Poetry’ currently up at the Met, as it’s equal parts spectacular & chaotic. The museum has sourced over 200 works from around the world by the artist and crammed them into some fairly tight quarters, leading to a beautiful show with a caveat that you should only attempt to go during off-hours. Also, pro tip, do not bring your 15-month-old via stroller.
Artist of the Week
Alma Thomas
Hoping you all already know Alma Thomas and her work, but if not, let me be the first to introduce you to your new favorite artist.
Bright, inviting colors, and tiles/scales tend to be her signature, and anytime her work comes up I feel a warmth in my core. A life-long educator, she only became a full-time artist at the age of 68, after retiring. She was the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney, doing so in her 80s, and is now recognized amongst the greats for her contributions.
Her catalog is worth falling into a wormhole for, and I encourage you to check out more of her work!
Sports Photographer you need to follow
Jared C. Tilton
I’m very behind (as is par for the course with this Substack), but on Friday I’m going to publish an interview with Jared C. Tilton, the photographer behind these two epic/viral shots from the Olympics.
Jared has a really unique perspective, and I can’t wait to share the breakdown with everyone. In the meantime, go follow him on Instagram!
-LJ