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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

Bob Beamon, CEO

Olympic gold medalist and record-breaking track and field star, Bob Beamon, serves as chief executive officer for Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery at the Al Oerter Center for Excellence, home of Olympic sports and arts.

A 1968 Olympic gold medalist, businessman, philanthropist and author, Beamon is best known for his long-standing world record in the long jump at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico, which remained unchallenged for 23 years. He has since been elected into both the U.S.A. Track & Field and U.S. Olympic hall of fame.

Following his international track career, the iconic sports figure became involved in promoting youth athleticism with California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the South Florida Inner-City Games and the Bob Beamon United Way Golf Classic. He previously served as director of athletic development at Florida Atlantic University and most recently was associate athletic director at Chicago State University. Beamon is an honorary member of the Orange Bowl Committee.

On Oct. 18, 1968, Beamon made Olympic history when he broke the world record for the long jump. He jumped 29 feet 2 1/2 inches, beating the previous record by nearly two feet and becoming the first man to jump more than 28 feet.

“It is a tremendous honor to carry on the legacy of the great Al Oerter, the legendary four-time Olympic gold medal discus thrower,” Beamon said. “I’m looking forward to working with the board, donors, volunteers and the community to maximize AOTO’s strengths while promoting the Olympic ideals and values.”

 

Board of Directors

Bob Beamon, CEO of AOTO, 44 year Olympic record holder long jump.  

Liston Bochette, five- time Olympian representing Puerto Rico in Bobsleigh and Decathlon. Charter member artist of AOTO

Dr. John Fenning, nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon specializing in total joint replacement

Sid Hofing, former VP General Counsel of Gardner Cryogenics Corp, Vice Chair ofAdmiralty Bank Corporation, founding member of Anchor Bank

Leonard Katz, Portfolio Management Associate at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Dr.

Richard Lapchick, Director Emeritus of the Center for the Study of Sport in Society, consultant with companies for managing diversity and building community relations through service programs

Mark Loren, founder and owner Mark Loren Designs four time winner of the International Spectrum Design Awards by the American Gem Trade Association.

Cathy Oerter, widow of AOTO founder, Al Oerter, former art teacher and international track and field competitor.

Steve Penny, President USA Gymnastics. Penny has more than 20 years experience insports administration and marketing. He has worked for such companies Bob Walsh Enterprises, managing director of USA Cycling; Turner Broadcasting System on its premier international multi-sport event, the Goodwill Games, and for the Seattle Mariners.

Anna Prata, interim turnaround agent for corporations and trying for 2014 Olympic Skeleton Team

Dr. Markus Sherry, Founder of Riverdale Dental Associates with five offices andmore than 30 years of service to the Ft. Myers area.

Richard Strup, retired package goods industry executive with more than 35 years of domestic and international experience in marketing, finance and strategic planning with the Miller Brewing Co. and Pepsico, Inc.

Gary Trippe, co-founder of Oswald, Trippe and Company, Managing Director of BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company.

Frank K. Wheaton Esq., Representing the World of Entertainment and Sports, Law Offices SCOLINOS, SHELDON & NEVELL.

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.