In April, Papa K took the lead. One of the books Papa K read was Between the Lines, because Dallas, one of our fourth graders and the classroom audio/video tech, said that he wanted to be a football player when he grows up.
Between the Lines is about Ernie Barnes and how he explored his talents as a football player and an artist. He was born in North Carolina (maps in hand, our students raced to see who could locate North Carolina first) during the Jim Crow era like Papa K and me. Ernie loved to paint, but the public art museums were not very welcoming back then. Ernie’s Mom worked for Mr. Fuller, a white lawyer across town. He said it was ok for Ernie to come to the house to see his library. Ernie described the paintings in his home as “Stories without words.”
Ernie’s artwork grew from “mud painting (drawing pictures in the mud after it rained)” to paper sketches. At the same time, Ernie was growing physically - 6’3”. The coaches wanted him to play football. Ernie just wanted to draw.
His Dad wanted Ernie to become a professional football player. Why?, we asked the class. Their responses:
“for lots of money,”
“to travel to different places,”
“So he can buy a big house, get married, and have some kids.”
Ernie was obedient. He was drafted by the NFL and played for the Baltimore Colts, but not before completing his first football painting, The Bench, which he never sold.
Ernie left the football field and later became the Official Artist for the American Football League. The lesson: Use all of your talents to the fullest.
Ernie Barnes said it best, When I became an athlete, I didn't stop being an artist.
Facts: Did you know...
In the closing credits on Good Times, a painting, Sugar Shack, is one of Ernie Barnes’ works.
Ernie was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh.
The Bench painting now hangs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Mr. Barnes’ work hangs in museums in Philadelphia; Los Angeles; New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Daphne, Alabama. The students had fun locating all the states and cities on their maps. Thanks again, Staples!
This book was brought to life by our guest speaker and local Nashville artist Omari Booker, who stands at 6’11” but never played football. He chose basketball instead. He, too, was influenced by Vincent Van Gogh, among others. Mr. Booker brought several paintings and shared what inspired his works.
So inspired by his creative genius, we purchased one of his paintings, entitled Transfigured. Papa K and I call it “Cotton Head.” The kids called it “Fluffy.”
What a giggle we shared with that description.
