FAIRFIELD, OH (May 19, 2023)—When art and heart blend together, masterpieces are born.
At an official ceremony, Inspiration Studios and The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields revealed a set of beautiful new murals celebrating the 10th anniversary of the facility and the power of inclusion in the game of baseball.
(Slide left to right to see additional photos. Photo Credit: Joe Wiesman)
“We love when our mission collides with community partners who love the special needs community as much as we do,” says Tyler Bradshaw, Executive Director of The Nuxhall Foundation. “The team at Inspiration Studios give their artists a venue to showcase their talents in so many amazing ways, and we are thrilled that they chose to bless our canvas with these amazing murals that pay homage to our history and where we are headed.”
The murals recreate an inspirational moment from the 2012 grand opening of the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields when Cincinnati Reds hall of famer “The Mayor” Sean Casey emerged from the cornfields accompanied by vintage baseball players from the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings as the theme from “The Field of Dreams” played. That scene is portrayed on the larger of the two sheds, while players of all abilities are represented on the other, honoring the diversity of athletes who find hope and purpose at the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields.
Casey celebrated the murals with a written statement that was shared at the ceremony.
"When I looked at the picture of the murals, it brought me back to the opening weekend of this facility,” says Casey. “Being able to be a part of something so huge in this community and something I know Joe would have loved means everything to me. Now, that special moment is immortalized forever, and I'm truly grateful to be a small part of it.”
The mural project was made possible by a generous donation to Inspiration Studios from Sherry Armstead.
“Community installations are such an incredible part of the programming we have at Inspiration Studios,” says Kim Neal Davis, the organization’s Executive Director. “Installations provide an opportunity for our artists to showcase their amazing abilities, beautify a space, and earn an income. ‘Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ This saying is one so many strive for, and we get to be an integral part of making it happen for those we serve.”
Artists and instructors from Inspiration Studios spent months designing the vision for the murals, prepping the work surface, and executing their vision with paint. The mural was designed by instructor Stephen Smith. Instructors Savannah Gay and Dave Rickerd led the team of 20+ artists who created the final piece. The contributing artists are: Theresa Allen, Christian Bates, Joey Buschelman, David Campbell, Allison Davis, Kathleen Honeycutt, James Egan, Brett Garrett, Morgan Gattermeyer, Tiffany Jameson, Tim Livelsburger, Jonathan McDowell, Liz Pfeiffer, Evan Pohlman, Bobbie Jo Robinson, David Smyth, Duane Sparks, Nathan Strother, Cassie Sullivan, Andrea Walker, and Erin Williams.
“I had the pleasure of watching this project grow day-by-day thanks to the incredible artists who worked with such compassion and care,” says Kim Nuxhall, President and Board Chairman of The Nuxhall Foundation. “They showcased the kind of strong work ethic that my dad would have absolutely loved. They have recreated my all-time favorite day at the fields, and every day when I’m working at the facility, I have a huge smile on my face thanks to this beautiful new piece of art that they have created for us.”
The Nuxhall Foundation will soon install a plaque commemorating the murals and the team of artists, instructors, and the donor who made the project possible.
PHOTO GALLERY: MURAL UNVEILING
(Scroll left to right to view all photos. Photo Credit: Joe Wiesman.)
Casey said the murals remind us of the importance of organizations like The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, who work tirelessly to level the playing field for athletes of all abilities.
“Sport has the unique ability to transcend social barriers, and it is an excellent platform for strategies of inclusion and adaptation,” said the former Reds first baseman. “The benefits of being on a team weren't always available for the athletes that we serve. A disability should never be the reason why a person doesn't pursue or have the opportunity to participate in something they love and enjoy.”
VIDEO: Murals bring color, creativity to Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields (Local 12)
About The Nuxhall Foundation
The Nuxhall Foundation is the legacy foundation for former Major League Baseball pitcher and longtime Cincinnati Reds broadcaster, Joe Nuxhall. A central project of The Nuxhall Foundation is The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields—an entirely accessible baseball and recreational facility where every player with every challenge gets every chance to play. More than 200 players between ages 4 to 78 participate in programs at the Miracle League Fields. For more information, visit www.nuxhallmiracleleague.org.
For all media inquiries or to schedule an appearance, please contact:
Tyler Bradshaw
Executive Director, The Nuxhall Foundation
(513) 839-6164
About Inspiration Studios
The mission of Inspiration Studios is to inspire individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to lead purposeful, healthy, and self-directed lives through innovative programming and services. One of our programs is our vocational habilitation program, InsideOut Studio, which provides opportunities for artists with disabilities to produce, market, and receive an income from their art, while gaining confidence in their abilities.