Final preparations are now underway for “There’s No Place Like Home” a baseball themed art exhibit by Whittier artist, Jose Rodriguez, scheduled to open at The Framery & Fine Arts Gallery, 13105 Whittier Blvd., at Bright Street, in the city of Whittier. The show kicks off on June 8 remaining on display through June 29.
The exhibit includes 12 art pieces featuring such baseball greats as Pee Wee Reese, Willie Mays, Ty Cobb and Jackie Robinson, to name just a few. Each image is drawn on a home-plate shaped surface, designed by Rodriguez. The baseball players are identified by their team affiliation and military branch of service.
Long in development, Rodriguez was inspired to create a baseball themed show out of his love for the sport but also because of the work he did in creating the cover art for the book Lost in the Sun – Roy Gleason’s Odyssey from the Outfield to the Battlefield.
“Having the chance to meet and learn more about Roy Gleason’s personal story got me thinking about other players who also served our country during the various wars or were prepared to serve. We love and recognize their greatness as baseball players, but we should also honor them for their service. And this goes for all of our military personnel.”
As a way of expressing his thanks, Rodriguez has earmarked a portion of the exhibit’s sales to be donated to the “Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran’s Day” organization. In addition, guests will be invited to purchase a $2.00 ticket for the chance to win a limited edition, cover art print of the “Lost in the Sun” book. Southern California representatives of the organization will be on hand to share more about the group’s efforts.
The opening reception runs from 6 to 9 p.m., on Sat., June 8. The Framery Fine Arts Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is closed Sunday and Mondays.
For more information about the “There’s No Place Like Home” baseball exhibit, contact The Framery & Fine Art Gallery at 562.693.5714.
This sounds like an awesome art exhibit and I will make every effort to attend, but with a busy 10-game home stand looming and then 10 days in New York, I may not make it; however, I was so intrigued by the book that Jose Rodriguez did the cover for that I just ordered it from Amazon.com.