The Art of the Olympians Gallery & Museum
The Beginning
Art of the Olympians is a 501(c ) 3 non‐profit organization, headquartered in Fort Myers, FL., dedicated to inspiring creativity and stimulating change through an international program of art, education and outreach initiatives. By introducing, an individual, particularly youth, to the ancient Olympic ideals of excellence in mind, body and spirit we aim to enhance the relationship between athletics and aesthetics. The discipline, dedication and passion born and cultivated in an athlete’s physical training stimulates a desire for creativity.
The creative expression exhibited by our Olympian Artists is a celebration of cultures, nations and self—as the founders of the ancient Olympic Games intended.
AOTO encourages individuals to aspire to achieve greatness through our commitment to the following goals:
- To create an environment that will promote the innovative artistic collaboration between the art and sport worlds
- To enrich local, national and international communities through the introduction of new forms of artistic works and expressions
- To stimulate change by nurturing individual creativity
- To inform, inspire, educate and challenge artists and audiences
- To spread the energy of the Olympic Movement and the power of creative living to achieve positive benefits in the communities
The Vision
“I didn’t set out to beat the world; I just set out to do my absolute best.”— Al Oerter
In the ancient Olympic Games, an athlete was not only expected to possess great agility and strength, but to also understand and nurture the arts. By training the body in sport and the mind in art, literature, poetry, and music, the ancient Olympic Games aspired to produce more responsible and enriched citizens.
Dismayed by the ‘winning is everything attitude’ prevalent in today’s sports arena, Al Oerter, legendary, four‐time consecutive Olympic Gold Medalist in the discus, turned to those ancient Olympic ideals. Oerter transformed his passion for art and sport to motivate other to be at their best. He envisioned a modern‐day arena that would be a home to physical, educational and artistic excellence.
In 2005, Oerter was approached to present a show of his artwork in Fort Myers, FL. To create a greater impact, Oerter reached out to a group of Olympians, who in the mid‐1990’s mounted a successful world art tour.
Al entitled this exhibit, Art of the Olympians, to represent a fusion between the sport and art arenas educating both audiences and artists. In November 2006 "Art of The Olympians" was showcased in three separated exhibitions in New York City: The National Arts Club, The New York Athletic Club and The United Nations. Oerter’s vision did not stop there. With the guidance of fellow Olympian and artist, Liston Bochette, Art of the Olympians Foundation was born. Now, Olympians will be able to showcase their artwork, assist in both youth and community outreach programs, inspire creativity and motivate individuals to achieve greatness.
Oerter dedicated the last years of his life to establishing a permanent headquarters for the Art of the Olympians in Southwest Florida. Oerter’s vision lives on through a team comprised of family, friends, and fellow Olympian Artists. Al Oerter represented the true Olympian spirit. With his vision for Art of the Olympians as an instrument for that spirit, the world will be enriched with a center that stands for integrity and high ideology as in ancient Greece when the finest aspired to be the best they could be in all avenues of life.
Art of the Olympians Al Oerter Center of Excellence
Located in the heart of the Historic Riverfront District of Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida the Art of the Olympians Center of Excellence represents a place where dreams are formed and success is charted. AOTO carries with its name a commitment to local and global community service. The scope of Art of the Olympians is focused to bring universal benefits to all people.
Annually, Southwest Florida’s 300,000 new and returning visitors will be offered an experience unmatched elsewhere. Art of the Olympians’ has called upon the best professionals in architecture, design, programming, and communications to design a true Center of Excellence. With more than 10,000 square feet (3,000 square meters) of floor space, visitors are invited to discover the ancient Olympic ideals through evolving displays of film, art, academic presentations and more in the Art of the Olympians Gallery and Museum.
As host to a range of dynamic, ever‐changing exhibits, the Center of Excellence will introduce patrons to the relationship between athletics and aesthetics by engaging them through special cultural events and exhibits. Our interactive components showcase the passion, the energy and the inspiration of the Olympic Games to bring visitors as close to the Olympic experience as possible.
The Al Oerter Center of Excellence is home to our administrative offices, coffee and gift shops, gallery and museum. In Addition, the Center of Excellence offers corporations, organizations and individuals the opportunity to hold event functions amongst the artwork. Art of the Olympians has been granted the right by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to legally use word Olympian; its general use is protected by an act of Congress. In recognition of Al Oerter’s long‐standing contribution to sport, the USOC did not hesitate in recognizing the value of AOTO and permitted our use.
AOTO has a vast network of contacts in sport, art, politics and business; this includes close relations with many head of state and The National Olympic Committees in every country. These closely knit‐alliances are constantly seeking cultural compliments to their sporting efforts. Art of the Olympians is able communicate freely through these channels to promote activities of merit.
Overview
The Art of the Olympians Gallery and Museum (AOTO) is located in the Al Oerter Center of Excellence on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in the Historic River District of Downtown Fort Myers, Florida. On January 29, 2010, AOTO welcomed more than 500 guests to the Preview Reception; we welcomed 1,000 people in the first weekend. The Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery features a collection of artwork by international Olympian Artists which brings to life the Ancient Olympic Ideals of excellence in mind, body and spirit. Art of the Olympians Preview Exhibition introduces patrons to a true Olympic spirit and
invites patrons to experience creativity. The Preview Exhibit showcases works of twenty Olympians Artists from the United States and around the world.
Art of the Olympians Video Project
The Art of the Olympians documentary examines the Olympic culture showcasing real‐life stories of our Olympian Artists from around the world. We take viewers on a journey through both the sport and art arenas and examine the skills and drive necessary to achieve excellence every day. We explore the role of both sports and art in the ancient Olympic Ideals and how they apply to our daily lives. We reveal how an athlete’s passion and dedication to their sport can evolve into a playbook for success in all avenues of life. Art of the Olympians will keep the Olympic momentum alive between Games by inviting people to learn about the Ancient Olympic Ideals of excellence in mind, body and spirit and by challenging them to strive for excellence in all avenues of life.
Educational Programs
The Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery is currently working on a wide range of educational and cultural programs for students, adults, and families including scholarly lectures; films; hands‐on workshops; student, adult and senior group tour packages; temporary exhibits; and other special events throughout the year. Art of the Olympians programs are designed to create a synergy between the sport and art arenas and
challenge individuals to strive for excellence in all avenues of life. Patrons will gain a firsthand experience of the artists’ creative processes through our educational programs.
Museum Gift Shop
The Art of the Olympians gift shop features a diverse selection of merchandise that mirrors the Museum’s presentation of the Olympic sports, art as well as the popular interpretations of Olympic Ideals. Visitors to the gift shop have the opportunity to purchase a wide‐range of Olympic and Art of the Olympian branded books and prints; a wide range of Olympic toys and educational products; pop culture merchandise; exhibitrelated products; one‐of‐a‐kind Art of the Olympian collectibles; and much more.
