Home / About Art of the Olympians

about

Our Mission

Art of the Olympians is dedicated to demonstrating the very real relationship between art and sport to the general public. The athlete artists have the ability to express this because of their many years of well directed training for sport and the transfer of this discipline to their art.  It is our intention to establish a touring exhibition of artwork by Olympian Artists in order to illustrate this sport-art association and in doing so create a greater understanding on the part of the student of what it takes to succeed in most avenues of life.  The Olympic Games from their inception have been a celebration of human capability, and Art of the Olympians emphasizes this celebration in the form of art as the Olympic founders intended.

Art of the Olympians Foundation, inc

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 individuals, 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 stimulate 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

The Art of the Olympians Center of Excellence unites the sports and art worlds to uphold the virtues of excellence above winning.

Founded on the principles embodied in the ancient Olympic creed, which calls on individuals to constantly better themselves, the Art of the Olympians Center of Excellence explores the relationship between athletics and aesthetics

The Art of the Olympians Center of Excellence celebrates the constant challenge to achieve greatness in physical, artistic, and educational endeavors. It encourages and inspires individuals of all ages, particularly children, to strive for personal growth and be at their best.

In recognition of founder Al Oerter’s long-standing commitment to the ancient Olympic ideals and his contribution to Olympic sport, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) granted Art of the Olympians legal use of the word "Olympian", which is actually protected by an act of Congress.

Art of the Olympians' vast network of contacts in sport, art, politics and business; includes close relations with many heads of state, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), the Association of National Olympic Committees, over 200 National Olympic Committees, over 100,000 current and former Olympians in over 200 nations and more than 100 International sports governing bodies.

The Leadership

Liston Bochette III, Ph.D. - Board of Directors

As well as competing in five Olympic Games, Liston has held various national records and on the academic side has multiple degrees to his credit, culminating in a Ph.D. He attended University of Puerto Rico and the University of Florida, where he is a Hall-of-Famer. Among his numerous awards are USSA Sport Artist of the Year. As former Secretary General of the World Olympians Association his presence on the Board of Art of the Olympians is invaluable. He is very active in both the international sport community as well as his local community. He has the unique distinction of being the only member artist who is also a Director.

Cathy Oerter - Board of Directors

Cathy Oerter joined the Board of Art of the Olympians after her husband, Al Oerter, died. An athlete herself, Cathy started the women’s track program at Iowa State University and has made US teams traveling around the world in her specialty, the long jump. She has a BA in Advertising Design from her alma mater, Iowa State and a BA in Art Education from Puget Sound University in Tacoma, Washington. Cathy was married to Al for 25 years and they were known as a team. She understood his passions in sport and art better than anyone. Her insight into Al’s desires will guarantee Art of the Olympians will remain true to the mission. Cathy is also a teacher and examiner certified in Natural Movement Dance and holds workshops in North America, Australia and England.

Markus Sherry, D.M.D. - Board of Directors

Dr. Sherry first became involved in Art of the Olympians when Al Oerter personally enlisted his expertise with the inaugural show. He has been instrumental moving Art of the Olympians forward since and commands the highest respect within the community. Dr. Sherry’s list of successes includes eight dental practices starting in 1980. He began the NHSC, Lee County Migrant Health Center, was Founder and President of the Pine Island Little League, Coordinator of the Edison College of Dental Hygiene and the Lee County Sportsman’s Association. Dr. Sherry grew up in New York City, graduated from Cocoa Beach High School, graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S.in Chemistry and the University Of Florida College of Dentistry. He is married to his wife Diane, and they have two sons, Ryan and Aaron both outstanding athletes.

Location & Hours

The Art of the Olympians Museum and the Al Oerter Center of Excellence are located at 1300 Hendry St. Fort Myers, Fl 33901.

The Art of the Olympians Museum & Al Oerter Center of Excellence are open from 10 a.m. - 4p.m. Tuesday - Saturday.

For more information or directions call 239.332.5055.