How I Met Joe Haden

It was while browsing the internet that I came across a story of the crazy things fans will do in order to meet a celebrity. The levels of craziness range from waiting days outside of a hotel, to swimming in an ocean just to catch a glimpse of one’s obsession. Apparently in order to meet Justin Beiber some girls hid in a dumpster. That seems mild in comparison to one fan who spent over $100,000 on surgery to look like the singer. Now I would never go to these lengths to meet someone but I can definitely relate to the excitement that one gets when a celebrity is spotted in public.

One summer I was attending a Cleveland Indians game with my family. It was during a lull in the game that I decided on taking a restroom break. While on my little trip I stopped by a food stand and began to debate if a hot dog was indeed worth a king’s ransom. It was at that moment I noticed someone decked head to toe in Tribe gear. The celebrity alarm went off, and I knew immediately who was standing a mere 10 feet away from me. It was Joe Haden, a cornerback from Florida who the Cleveland Browns had just drafted.  Now for those of you who don’t know, Joe Haden is a perennial pro bowler who has made quite a successful career for himself in the NFL. So I did what anybody would do in that situation. I introduced myself and asked for a picture. Cliché I know, but Joe greeted me like we were high school buds, and instantly won himself a lifelong fan.

Joe H

As a portrait artist from Cleveland, it has been a desire of mine for quite some time to paint a portrait of someone who has contributed to the community. For someone as passionate as Joe, it was a simple decision. Even though he was born in Maryland, and went to college in Florida, he has fully immersed himself in the Cleveland sports scene and culture. If you attend any sporting event in Cleveland, or hit up some of the restaurant hotspots, it’s a good chance that you may catch a glimpse of Joe decked in Ohio gear and happily taking pics with fans.

For this portrait I chose to highlight the moment that the Browns took Joe in the draft. I can imagine that for athletes all around, the draft is one of the biggest and most critical moments in their life. Everything that they worked toward in college is analyzed and the decision is made, will they make it in the pros? For many this is their big break. As an artist I can understand the work and effort that is put into something. People will glance and in a slight moment critique something that you have spent years developing. It is at that moment where you realize just how important it is to capitalize on any opportunity you are given.

Painting a True Follower of God

I recently had the great opportunity to paint the founder of Cleveland Baptist Church, Dr. Roy Thompson. Beginning a portrait it is important to know who it is you are painting. Because growing up I had limited exposure to Doc Thompson personally, I knew I had quite a bit of research to do.

I started off by reading the book “Scaling a City”. This gave me greater insight as to his background. The book also chronicles his journey along with others in starting Cleveland Baptist Church. While interviewing people who knew him best, I was able to learn just how much he cared for others.

Life started off hard for him. Coming from an abusive home, Dr. Thompson was involved in some of the most wicked sins. However, God had another plan for him. After being invited to a revival at Akron Baptist Temple by his sister, he walked the aisle and got saved. His life was changed drastically. Immediately he hearkened to the Lord’s guidance and surrendered his life. No more living for himself, Roy Thompson began to seek ways to mirror his Savior’s love.

Although much of what people described of Dr. Thompson allowed me to better appreciate him. What impressed me most was his strong conviction. Coming out of Bible college Dr. Thompson knew he should start a church in Cleveland. However, his mentor and father figure, Dr. Billington tried to dissuade him. It was widely known that Cleveland was where aspiring preachers failed. So in an attempt to help Roy out, Dr. Billington offered him a job as a pastor elsewhere. This position would provide Roy with a salary, house, and car. It would’ve been the easy decision and in many people’s mind the right one, but Roy Thompson knew better. He chose to follow where he knew God was leading. Because of this, I am able to directly benefit from his choice.

The video included in this post is a compilation of interviews by those who also benefited from his willingness to follow God’s calling.

What I Value Most

Growing up in the heart of Cleveland teaches you many things. One being that their sports teams will age you rapidly and break your heart on countless occasions. However, against many odds, this year the Cleveland Cavaliers have somehow made it to the NBA Finals.Read More

Painting a True Servant’s Portrait

I was privileged last year in being commissioned to paint a portrait of the late Bob Folger. While doing some research and talking to several people as to the man Bob Folger was, what impressed me the most was his desire to serve the church in any area. The church is a body and if the people apart of such an organization choose not to function as a whole, it cannot stand. I believe that part of the reason Cleveland Baptist has thrived throughout the years, is because of people like Bob Folger who exhibited a servants heart.

When my family first moved into our house, it was Bob Folger among others who helped us paint and finish rooms in our home. When my grandfather was sick with cancer, he visited and was an encouragement to both my grandparents. It is moments such as these that show the true servants heart, that was and still is the life blood of Cleveland Baptist Church.

As I worked through the features in his face, I began to see exact likenesses of his children and grandchildren. His heritage lives on through his daughter Vicky Hatfield who served on staff both at our school and church as well as his son Kevin Folger who is now the pastor of Cleveland Baptist. It has continued on through his grandchildren, many who serve in the ministry all across the country. The best thing you can do to inspire your children to serve God with their lives is to be an example. I believe Bob Folger was that example of a servant in the church. “All who have first given themselves to the Lord, should as speedily as possible also give themselves to the Lord’s people.” -Charles Spurgeon