The Rockford Peaches are making a comeback, but this time, it's not on the baseball diamond. The iconic women's baseball team, a four-time league champion, is now the subject of an art exhibition at the Kortman Gallery in Rockford. The show, titled "Amazons of the Diamond," celebrates the team's legacy and the pioneering spirit of women in baseball. But what makes this exhibition truly fascinating is the artist behind it: Margie Lawrence, a baseball portrait artist with a unique connection to the sport.
Lawrence, a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, has built a career capturing the personalities of baseball legends. Her exhibition showcases paintings and drawings of players from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, including members of the Rockford Peaches. But what sets Lawrence apart is her personal connection to the sport. Growing up near Wrigley Field, she was exposed to the Cubs from an early age, which influenced her artistic focus on baseball.
"Having grown up blocks from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, I had no choice but to fall in love with the Cubs," Lawrence says. "The organ music and cheers of the crowd would drift through the open windows of my school, which sat a mere block from the bleacher entrance. And like many of my loves, the Cubs have disappointed me, but... 2016 was my epiphany and the religious experience fueled my artistic nature."
The exhibition highlights women's baseball pioneers, including Doris Sams, Shirley Burkovich, and Bonnie Baker, among others associated with the Rockford Peaches. Lawrence's portraits capture the essence of these players, showcasing their talent and character. But what makes her work truly special is her ability to connect the past and present.
"I do prefer the old timers, as they all seem to have been such characters -- Three Finger Brown, Cool Papa Bell, and Leo the Lip," Lawrence says. "When my buddy Ronny Santo passed away, I did the ugly cry in front of Wrigley." Lawrence's personal connection to the sport and her ability to capture its essence make her work stand out.
The exhibition coincides with the Women's Baseball World Cup Group Stage being held July 22-24 at Rivets Stadium in Rockford. The event is a celebration of women's baseball and a tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for future generations. The opening reception for "Amazons of the Diamond" will be held 5:30 to 9 p.m. July 17 at the gallery, and the event is free and open to the public.
The Kortman Gallery is located at 107 N. Main St. and operates from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit jrkortman.com or call 815-968-0123.
In my opinion, this exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in baseball and women's sports history. Lawrence's work is a testament to the power of art to preserve and celebrate the past. Her personal connection to the sport adds a layer of depth and meaning to her work, making it a truly special experience. What many people don't realize is that this exhibition is not just about the past; it's about the future of women's baseball and the role that art can play in its continued growth and development.
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