Pigskins to Paintbrushes // The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes

He realized how football and art were one and the same. Both required rhythm. Both required technique. Passing, pulling, breaking down the fieldthat was an art.

Young Ernie Barnes wasnt 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, Erniejoined the school football team. Although reluctant at first, he would soon become a star.

But art remained in Ernies heartand followed him through high school, college, and into the NFL.Ernie saw artall 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 athleteandas an artist whose paintings reflected his love of the sport and celebrated Black bodies as graceful and beautiful.

He played for the Baltimore Colts (195960),Titans of New York (1960),San Diego Chargers (196062), and the Denver Broncos (196364).In 1965, Barnes signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Canada, but fractured his right foot, which endedhis 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 showGood Times,and he was commissioned to create official posters for the Los Angeles1984 Summer Olympics.

Don Tateis an award-winning author and the illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children, as well as a founding host ofThe Brown Bookshelf. His accolades include two Ezra Jack Keats Awards and an Honor, the Carter G. Woodson Book Award, Christopher Award, Lee & Low New Voices Honor, and Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List selection, among many others. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Tate currently resides in Austin, Texas, with his wife and son.

• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (August 17, 2021)
• Language: English
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• ISBN-10: 1419749439
• ISBN-13: 9781419749438
• Reading age: 6 – 10 years
• Grade level: 1 – 5
• Item Weight: 1.25 pounds
• UNSPSC-Code: 55101500
• Dimensions: 9 x 0.65 x 11 inches