The Historic Magnolia House

It has been an honor creating artwork for the Legends Room of Historic Magnolia House, in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Magnolia House was included in The Negro Motorist Green-Book, published from 1936 to 1966, which listed hotels, restaurants, gas stations and other locations that were considered accommodating for Black motorists.

The Legends Room draws on the legacies of various athletes who stayed at the Magnolia House during the middle of the 20th century, specifically boxer Ezzard Charles, and baseballers Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige. To create mosaic artwork honoring the athletes, as well as reflecting the time period, I researched African-American artists who were active in the same time span. I found artist Romare Bearden, who was born in Charlotte, NC, but grew up in Harlem, NY. His paintings and collages brought to mind the energy of city life, which I translated into sport.

The Family, from 1946, inspired my Legends I, my tribute to Ezzard Charles. The spinning and swirling movement in his painting reminded me of the arcs of punches flying and boxers dancing. The mosaic also includes a hint at the ropes of the boxing ring.

The geometry in Bearden’s Spring Way collage, from 1964, brought to my mind the shapes found in the baseball diamond. I used this piece as the starting point for Legends II, my tribute to Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige. I have included the iconic number 42, Jackie Robinson’s Brooklyn Dodgers number, which was retired throughout the entire MLB, as well as across all UCLA sports to honor him. I include the number 41, which was Satchel Paige’s number when he pitched for the World-Series-winning Cleveland Indians. I also give a nod to the outfield mowing pattern at Oakland A’s stadium, which I have admired since I started following baseball nearly 40 years ago.