Latest News
Check out all of James’s latest news including new projects, art releases and media appearances
Latino Sports Awards
Julio Rodriguez, Manny Machado, Nestor Cortes and Yordan Álvarez all received my artwork this fall as part of the Latino Sports Awards. The LatinoMVP award is the oldest and most prestigious award given to Latino baseball players, and I’m honored to have had my artwork presented to players over the past 20 years.
James REcently joined Collectable CEO Ezra Levine to talk Sports Art, including including a Steph Curry original watercolor that will be featured in Collectable's inaugural January BWIC.
Second Annual Artist Spotlight Issue - Beckett Baseball Magazine Cover
BOB VAUCHER “STEELE GAP”
Vaucher, a Foothill Road resident in Bridgewater for almost seven decades, flew 117 combat missions in World War II and received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals, eight Battle Stars and 13 War Time Commendations and Citations. Born just a month after the armistice to end World War I was signed, Vaucher led the squadron of planes that flew over the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay as Gen. Douglas MacArthur was presiding over the formal ceremonies that ended World War II on Sept. 2, 1945. He reached the rank of lieutenant colonel was inducted into the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame and has been nominated to the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
Bridgewater residents were celebrated at a city council meeting for the preservation of an iconic Revolutionary War site.
A gift to Bridgewater Township - an original painting by New Jersey artist James Fiorentino, and video by D&R Greenway Land Trust were unveiled.
36 acres preserved on Steele Gap Road, where Washington and his troops camped in 1777.
Known locally as the “Wemple Estate,” it was the site of Steele Tavern, described in the letters of George Washington.
Speakers
Linda Mead, CEO of D&R Greenway
James Fiorentino, Artist and Vice Chairman of D&R Greenway
David Stempian & Brendan Burns, Bridgewater residents
Bob Vaucher, WWII veteran and resident
Jim Morgan, VP of Shooting Star Chapter 195 of the Air Force Association
“This important Revolutionary War site was preserved thanks to a collaboration among residents, the D&R Greenway and Crossroads of the American Revolution, Somerset County, and Bridgewater Township. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Bridgewater has a new opportunity to tell its own patriotic story.”
- Linda Mead, CEO, D&R Greenway
Honored to have Painted Tiger Woods Father for 2019 Presidents Cup
“I’ve cried in pretty much every Cup we’ve won,” Tiger Woods told Golfweek on the heels of winning the Presidents Cup, adding,“I’ve been doing this a long time. Any time you have moments where you’re able to do something that is bigger than us as an individual, is so much more meaningful and so much more special.”
Tiger’s words resonated with me all the more after I learned that he had been overcome with emotion last week in Australia, just before the start of the Presidents Cup, when he was presented with my original watercolor painting of his father, Earl. The black and white watercolor depicted the senior Woods when he played college baseball for Kansas State in the 1950’s.
Earl Dennison Woods was the first African American to play in the Big Eight, and was drafted by the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues, but he passed on the opportunity to begin his Army career, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam and retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
In Australia last week, as is tradition at the Presidents Cup, the caddies presented the captain (Woods) with a present. The gift, a James Fiorentino, original, commissioned for the occasion, was presented to Tiger Woods by caddy John Wood. Tiger was reportedly very emotional when he saw the painting, which was an honor for me on multiple levels – not only did I get to to paint Tiger’s Dad, but for the Presidents Cup event as well.
Tiger Woods is one of those iconic athletes who has forever changed the sport, a feat accomplished by very few. I’ve been a fan since Tiger first came on the golf scene, and it was an almost unthinkable honor to have been commissioned to paint his father, Earl.
Tiger, the youngest captain ever in the Presidents Cup, played incredibly in all his matches — setting an example for his teammates, who bonded to win a come-from-behind victory, proving just how close all the
2019 IABF Gala Dinner
This Joe Girardi original watercolor was signed by Joe and auctioned off at the Italian American Baseball Foundation Gala Dinner tonight here at Giando On The Water in Brooklyn.
This is the 4th annual gala dinner/fundraiser for the IABF - Italian American Baseball Foundation, with Guest of Honor Joe Girardi, 2019 recipient of the IABF Achievement Award
D&R Greenway Land Trust
Invites the public to don creature costumes for their annual Masquerade Ball. This at-home celebration of their 30th year will be held at the Johnson Education Center, a circa-1900 barn, on Saturday, October 26, from 6 to 10 p.m. Co-chairs James and Jess Fiorentino and Holly Welles and Rob Thomas will host this event in a heated tent under the stars. Guests are encouraged to come to this “paw-ty” as a favorite creature, or as themselves. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes and masks.
A bountiful farm-to-table supper will be followed by cartooning with Patrick McDonnell, creator of the nationally syndicated cartoon, “Mutts”. Personal photos will be available through Nic’s Photo Show. Tickets are $150 per person; sponsorships available through Deb Kilmer, dkilmer@drgreenway.org or 609.924.4646, X 132. Register by October 21 at www.drgreenway.org. D&R Greenway, One Preservation Place, Princeton, NJ 08540. Masquerade Ball proceeds support the land trust’s preservation and stewardship mission, which protects habitat for creatures of all species
JOHN BASILONE CHARITY BALL
James had the honor of presenting a portrait to honoree Lieutenant General Richard F Natonski of the Marines. Hosted by Civic Duty partners and produced by Omni VIP Events.
Hunterdon Healthcare to celebrate ‘Paint the Town Blue: 39th annual Crystal Ball’ fundraising gala
Saratoga , NY -Siros Cup July 2019
Jose and Irad Ortiz were recently presented with this paintings in Saratoga as part of the Eclipse Award at the 26th annual Newton Plaza Siro’s Cup to benefit the Center for Disability Services Foundation, Inc. in Albany. James created paintings of Irad on Lady Eli and Jose on Elate. Limited edition signed giclees are available to benefit the Center.
Latino Sports-Edwin Diaz
New York Mets closer, Edwin Díaz was presented a painting by James Fiorentino, who was awarded the LatinoMVP Award.
The LatinoMVP award, which was started by Latino Sports has grown into the most prestigious and oldest award given to Latino baseball players and sponsored by MLB
Baseball As Art Exhibit: From the American Legion to the Big League Cleveland Arts Council
Join us this summer as we present our annual Baseball as Art show from July 11- August 21. As our national pastime, baseball is an integral tool in teaching our youth about fundamental life skills such as communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
The American Legion currently boasts 80 players who achieved Hall of Fame status in the major leagues after playing for an American Legion team. This exhibit will celebrate the rich history of American Legion baseball, while also celebrating the game and the art it inspires.
National, International and Local artists come together for the annual Baseball as Art Exhibit at the Cleveland County Arts Council in Shelby, NC. The exhibition coincides with the American Legion World Series games August 15 – 20, 2019.
Beckett Baseball Card Monthly - June 2019
Painted this Mike Trout watercolor for Beckett and am beyond excited to have it on the cover!
As a teenager I won two Beckett Sports art contests (Muhammed Ali &. Steve Carlton, which became a part of Beckett’s permanent collection)— and I’ve had articles about me as well as features of my art—full story and inside covers, but this is my First Cover for Beckett Media!
Ballers -HBO Season 5
James was asked to create several paintings that will be featured on set of HBO’s Ballers season. The artworks will be featured on some of the main sets of the show. “This was so much fun to do because I am such a huge fan of the show. I cant wait to see my work on television when Season 5 comes out!”
OJ Anderson
James presented OJ Anderson (former Super Bowl MVP of the Giants) an original as he was honored at the Somerset Pro Celebrity Golf Outing Monday night at Neshanic Golf course.
2019 Art Fair 14C Juried Show
James’s “Neighbor” was selected to the 14 C juried show in Jersey City, NJ. Artwork in the Juried Show will be on display in the Manhattan Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency between March 15-17, 2019. Portion of the sales of the artwork will benefit the Jersey City Arts Council.
NWS 2019 National Watercolor Society Annual Members Show
One of the most prestigious watercolor juried shows in the world, the NWS is one of the oldest nonprofit artist led societies in the United Sates. James’s neighbor was selected for this year exhibition and will be on display at the NWS gallery in San Pedro California. https://nationalwatercolorsociety.org
Former Mets pitcher John Franco
Received an original painting created by James Fiorentino through the Italian American Baseball Foundation in Brooklyn, NYC .
Sports Collectors Digest - December 7, 2018 Issue
James’s Mickey Mantle artwork has been featured in the latest SCD magazine and was spotlighted with four other artists.
Houston Astros’ José Altuve accepted this James Fiorentino original
During a recent home game on-field ceremony honoring Altuve with the prestigious Latino MVP for his outstanding 2017 season.
Watercolor Painting by James Fiorentino presented to Latino MVP Award Winner Gary Sanchez
by Latino Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association on the field at Yankee Stadium following the Hispanic Heritage 28th Annual Latino Awards Ceremony, which was held at nearby Giovanni’s Restaurant.Sanchez was awarded the prestigious award during a Hispanic Heritage Month community awards event at a restaurant walking distance from the stadium, but unfortunately could not attend. For the full story, read here: http://www.latinosports.com/28th-annual-latinomvp-awards/
LT. GENERAL JOHN A. TOOLAN. (Retired Marines) Painted by artist James Fiorentino and presented to Toolan at a Special Dinner honoring Legacy of WWII Hero John Basilone.
James’s artwork was presented to Gio Gonzales, pitcher for the Washington Nationals for winning the 2017 Latino Sports MVP NL Pitcher of the Year.
Gio was blown away by the painting and could not stop talking about it.
August 26, 2018-Citifield, NYC
Francisco Lindor presented James Fiorentino original artwork for Latino Sports MVP in Puerto Rico
James Fiorentino on set at GMA with Michael Strahan
James presented Giants Hall of Famer and Good Morning America Host Michael Strahan an original painting in his back offices after the show.
James presents Vice President a portrait at Drew University
Presenting Vice President Biden 44 with portrait at Drew University last week.
Left to right: MaryAnn Baenninger, President, Drew University, Thomas Kean
Former Governor of New Jersey, Joe Biden, Former U.S. Vice President, and James Fiorentino
James Fiorentino's “Snow Leopard” will be featured in the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition 2018
MallGalleries - Tuesday, 1st May – Sunday, 6th May, 2018
Put the date in your diary and don’t miss out on this fabulous wildlife experience at one of London’s most prestigious art galleries.
Where: Mall Galleries, London SW1
When: Wednesday May 2nd – Sunday May 6 (PV Tuesday May 1st by invitation)
Opening hours:
Wednesday to Friday – 10am to 5pm
Saturday – 10am to 4pm
Sunday – 10am – 1pm
James painting “Barred Owl” was selected to the 5th Annual Juried Highlands Art and Photography exhibition will feature a selection of works featuring landscapes, flora, fauna, natural, cultural and/or historic resources of the Highlands of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. For more information on the show please visit www.morrismuseum.org
Award Winners for 2017 AFC Exhibit
Vancouver, BC CANADA - August 26, 2017 - Artists for Conservation (AFC) is pleased to announce the award winners of the tenth annual AFC Exhibit to be held this fall in Vancouver, BC. The awards include five AFC Medals of Excellence, which recognizes at least five outstanding artworks in the exhibit, and an Environmental Statement Award. AFC has also created a new Best in Show Award this year, in recognition of the highest scoring artwork by the jury panel in the annual exhibit. James Fiorentino for his painting, “Portait of a Bighorn Sheep”
latino sports mvp - July 2017
James created a painting of Cardinals All Star Catcher Yadier Molina to celebrate his Latino MVP award through Latino Sports. The original artwork was given to Yadier at Citi Field when he was in town to play the New York Mets. James has painted many legendary players for Latino Sports over the past ten years.
Larry Holmes Heart of a Legend Golf Outing-July 2017
This 30 x 40 original painting was created for Larry Holmes celebrating the heavyweight Champs career. Limited edition signed giclees are available to benefit his Heart of a Legend charity. I unveiled this at Larry's home at their annual golf outing.
The Raptor Trust of New Jersey -The Len Soucy Memorial Lecture Series
Pulitzer-Prize nominated author, conservationist and ornithologist Scott Weidensaul spoke on the migration of Snowy Owls on the East Coat of North America. A founder of Project SNOWstorm which tracks Snowy Owls, James created a painting to help raise money for the Raptor Trust. Once of the owls, Amishtown was featured in the painting which was created into thirty limited edition giclees signed by James and Scott.
Hanging out with Al Roker -May 2017
Had a chance to meet Al Roker at his office in 30 Rock. I presented him with an original painting of himself with his rescue dog Pepper. The artwork will go into a book on amazing rescue animals and their owners stories. All profits from the books sales will be dedicated to helping homeless animals worldwide.
The Society Of Animal Artists
I have been selected to participate in my third Annual Exhibition with the Society of Animal Artists and have been promoted to Signature status. My "Lined Seahorse" original will be in display this Fall at the Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum in Oradell, New Jersey.
My 9 x 12 original, “Brown Bear Fishing” will be featured at The Nature Art Museum in Gloucester , England this Summer through the Society of Animal Artists Members show and sale.
I am also very proud to announce my painting “ Portrait of a Bighorn Sheep” will be on display at the Trailside Galleries in Jackson, Wyoming August 1-31, 2017.