The Springfield Art Association presents a one of a kind baseball art exhibit featuring the work of 2 notable artists who have established themselves as accomplished watercolor artists nationwide. The exhibit is open to the public starting July 12th through August 2nd. The artist reception is this Friday, July 12th at 5:30 pm in the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 N 4th St.
JAMES FIORENTINO
Fiorentino, an American artist, currently resides in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. A master in watercolor, his works have been internationally recognized since an early age. At fifteen, Fiorentino became the youngest artist ever featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for his likeness of Reggie Jackson. In 1998, he became the youngest artist inducted into the prestigious New York Society of Illustrators, alongside artists like Norman Rockwell and Andrew Wyeth. Fiorentino is also a member of the Salmagundi Club in NYC. A graduate of Drew University, where he was the starting shortstop for all four years of his college career, he has painted many legends of the past and stars of today, including Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Cal Ripken Jr., Arnold Palmer, Muhammad Ali, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Tiger Woods.
Fiorentino has painted and illustrated some of the most recognized faces in the world using his self-taught watercolor technique. His work has won numerous awards and is featured nationally in books, magazines, and on trading cards. His artwork has appeared in national products, including trading cards for Topps, Upper Deck, and Kellogg’s. Fiorentino’s work and story have been covered on international and national television shows, and in magazines and newspapers. He is a member of the New Jersey Watercolor Society, Garden State Water Color Society, American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Society of Animal Artists, and Artists For Conservation.
ROD BUFFINGTON
After 23 years of teaching art education, Buffington searched for ideas to become an established artist. Inspired by watching his grandmother quilt, he began painting watercolor quilts, which marked the start of his success. His artwork won the prestigious “Best in Show” and “Best Portfolio” awards at the Old Capitol Art Fair in Springfield.
Buffington’s success continued when he was asked to exhibit a collaborative exhibition with 17 of the world’s most accomplished quilters at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah. His work was also shown through Quilter’s Inc. in Houston, with exhibitions at many trade shows throughout America.
Rita Barber Church from Carlinville was instrumental in recognizing Buffington as an artist. Through her knowledge and efforts in setting up major quilt exhibitions, including those in Lancaster, PA, she encouraged Buffington to exhibit his watercolor quilts. Buffington’s artwork has been published in many of America’s quilt magazines.
Buffington’s work as it relates to baseball will be on exhibit with the art of Fiorentino.
The image above is Rod Buffington with his daughter, Jill and James Fiorentino at Yankee Stadium.
