by Don Tate (Author)
From acclaimed author and illustrator Don Tate, the rousing story of Ernie Barnes, an African American pro football player and fine artist
He realized how football and art were one and the same. Both required rhythm. Both required technique. Passing, pulling, breaking down the field--that was an art.
Young Ernie Barnes wasn't 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, Ernie joined the school football team. Although reluctant at first, he would soon become a star.
But art remained in Ernie's heart and followed him through high school, college, and into the NFL. Ernie saw art all 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 athlete
and as an artist whose paintings reflected his love of the sport and celebrated Black bodies as graceful and beautiful.
He played for the Baltimore Colts (1959-60), Titans of New York (1960), San Diego Chargers (1960-62), and the Denver Broncos (1963-64). In 1965, Barnes signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Canada, but fractured his right foot, which ended his 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 show
Good Times, and he was commissioned to create official posters for the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics.
From award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate,
Pigskins to Paintbrushes is the inspiring story of Ernie Barnes, who defined himself on his own terms and pushed the boundaries of "possible," from the field to the canvas.
The back matter includes Barnes's photograph and his official Topps trading card. Also included are an author's note, endnotes, a bibliography, and a list of websites where Barnes's work can be seen.
Author Biography
Don Tate is an award-winning author and the illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children, as well as a founding host of The 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.
Number of Pages: 48
Dimensions: 0.5 x 11 x 9.1 IN
Illustrated: Yes
Publication Date: August 17, 2021
Accelerated Reader:
Quiz Name: Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes
Interest Level: Middle Grades, 4-8
Reading Level: 4.3
Point Value: 0.5
