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> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Grant Hill brings art collection to Hall of Fame
Grant Hill brings art collection to Hall of Fame
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Innocence, by Malcolm Brown, is one of many pieces on display. Reminder photo courtesy of the Basketball Hall of Fame
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By Natasha Clark
Reminder Assistant Editor
SPRINGFIELD Since 1994 the world has witnessed the many talents of Grant Hill. Known for being one of the nicest players in the NBA, this 6'8" Orlando Magic Forward seems to have accomplished just as much off the court as he has on.
Last week, Hill spoke with Reminder Publications about his extensive African-American art collection currently on display at the Basketball Hall of Fame (HOF) titled Something All Our Own: The Grant Hill African-American Art Collection.
Forty-six pieces of the NBA All-Star's personal art collection are featured in the HOF's Special Exhibits Gallery, and will remain there until Sept. 10. This collection includes paintings, sculptures and works on paper. Some of the African-American artists whose work is featured are Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett and John Biggers.
"I would hope that people from all walks of life would hopefully see that amazing talent has been a part of our community for years," said Hill.
The works on display capture different aspects of the African-American experience. From working in fields picking cotton to urban settings and spiritual connections, most pieces are vibrant in color and either display an intense closeup of facial expressions or wide-shot of what the figure is doing in the picture. Some works are collages of many different shots so that the piece tells several stories.
"[These works] are a snapshot of our history. I feel it is important to understand your history and race. [It] makes you appreciate some of things you have. Appreciating the struggle inspires you to work harder," Hill explained.
Noting that his father, former Dallas Cowboys runningback Calvin Hill, was a history major, Hill acknowledges growing up around art.
"I kind of took it for granted. My parents tried to expose me ... by traveling, going to plays and operas. Exposure helps you develop as a person," Hill said. "I grew up with [art] and it had an impression ... Here I am."
Hill said he hopes the collection will inspire youth as well.
He said it is important for young African-American boys and girls to witness successful African-Americans outside of athletics or entertainment.
Asked if he thought young African-Americans think that that is all that is available, Hill said he wanted them to be aware of other individuals.
"It's a good thing for these type of examples," he added. "It's important not just to see athletes and entertainers."
Hill said he has worked in conjunction with schools to have busses bring students to visit the art collection when it was on display at museums while on its seven-city tour. He said it was important to have children view it and say "wow, these people look like me and are able to do this."
Hill said that for some of these students it may be their first or only time going to a museum and the collection could have a lasting impression.
"It's important to understand our history and culture and get a better understanding of where we're going to," Hill said. "I really feel these pieces in a lot of ways reflect our history. A lot of these images are very powerful."
Hill said this whole project took a long time to come together. While the collection has traveled throughout the country for two years, Hill said it took about three years to get the idea off the ground.
Hill said it is "kind of neat" to have his basketball career and love of art come full circle to the HOF. He is hoping its HOF display will draw a different crowd to the exhibit.
"You could get someone who normally wouldn't go to a museum. [Having it at HOF] will hopefully lure them in. You could have someone that walked in, walk out with a whole new appreciation for art. I commend the Hall of Fame for allowing this outside the box [exhibit]."
Earlier this year Hill's The Grant Hill Art Scholarship Foundation gave four recipients $2,500 scholarships each to pursue their artistic talents.
Hill and his wife are also involved with the Prevent Child Abuse campaign.
"We have good friends that have unfortunately been in that situation. When my wife was pregnant, I started to read every book," Hill shared. "In so many ways [children] follow you and are affected by your behavior. My dad used to always say, 'you have to have both discipline and support for love. I just became more aware. [Children that are abused], those scars carry into adulthood."
Hill said it is that cycle that he is working to prevent.
As for the art collection, Hill said first and foremost his main goal is to bring "appreciation for these artists that have been under-appreciated."
Of course, since the interview took place during the 2005 NBA Finals - the Detroit Pistons vs the San Antonio Spurs - this writer had to ask the 2004-2005 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner to call it, Pistons or Spurs?
"[ Right now], it looks like the Spurs," Hill said with a laugh.
At the time, the Spurs were up two to zero.
Something All Our Own: The Grant Hill African American Art Collection will be on display until Sept. 10. This is the exhibit's only Northeast appearance. For more information on the exhibit visit www.hoophall.com or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.
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