Talented athlete-artists showcased in London exhibition

It was standing room only at 'The Art of the Athlete' exhibition at Zari Gallery in London’s West End, as Olympic Champions mingled with over 250 guests to admire the talents of 34 athlete-artists.

Two of Olympic 800m silver medallist, Keely Hodgkinson’s, paintings, and a sculpture by 400m runner Vicky Ohuruogu, were amongst the first to be snapped up, on what was an inspiring evening.

The event was a highlight to the start of the Diamond League weekend and was motivated by England International javelin thrower, Gavin Johnson. An accomplished artist, Gavin pitched the idea to gallery owner Georgina Dhillon, of celebrating the hidden talents of track and field athletes. As an entrepreneur and a philanthropist, Dhillon wanted to give something back to the athletics community. She approached the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund and the Lloyd Cowan Bursary, both of which support young athletes and coaches in their development, to collaborate. Dhillon pledged 30% of sales to the two organisations.

The business community, CEOs, entrepreneurs, art and athletics enthusiasts and many of the artist athletes and their friends and families turned out in force to support the exhibition. The artists on show ranged from 13-year-old Edward Cadman-Joyce to 79 year old 1964/1968 800m Olympian, Chris Carter.

With speeches from Dhillon, Ron Pickering’s son, Shaun, and Olympic 400m Champion Christine Ohuruogu, who was coached by Lloyd Cowan, and the presence of luminaries such as 1984 Olympic Javelin gold medallist Tessa Sanderson, the evening was a fun, enjoyable and inspiring night out.

At closing, scores of art enthusiasts were gently guided out of the gallery, such was the success of the event nobody wanted to leave!

Find out more

There is still time to buy artwork from the likes of Keely Hodgkinson, Gavin Johnson, Naomi Metzger, Ellen Barber, the ‘Olympic Picasso’ Roald Bradstock, and many more.

• Click to view the catalogue.
• The Zari Gallery is open for public viewing from 10:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday and can be found at 73 Newman Street, London, W1T 3EJ.
• The Art of the Athlete exhibition has been extended until Saturday 28 May 2022.

List of all the athlete-artists

Abazz Njeri, Abigail Birch, Anthony Famiglietti, Bethany Foster, Brendan Reilly, Calum Henderson, Carmen Neat, Cathy Coleman, Chris Walsh, Christopher Carter, Edward Joyce, Ellen Barber, Emily Kearney, Gavin Johnson, Gemma Bridge, Grace Copeland, Hannah Macaulay, Harrison Walsh, Jack Small, John Herbert, Keely Hodgkinson, Kester Welch, Lisa Webb, Marli Jessop, Michael Granville, Naomi Metzger, Nicholas Comerford, Rebecca Eggeling, Roald Bradstock, Sophie Kamlish, Tina Fougler, Victoria Ohuruogu, Will Oyowe.