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Home » News » Department of Art Graduate, Tony Barton, Awarded 2nd Place for “The Forgotten Four: The Re-Integration of Pro Football”

Department of Art Graduate, Tony Barton, Awarded 2nd Place for “The Forgotten Four: The Re-Integration of Pro Football”

Published June 17, 2019
Tony Barton Painting

Gadsden Arts Center and Museum

13 North Madison Street, Quincy, Florida 32351

June 15th – August 24th


William “Tony” Barton, a recent graduate of the Department of Art, has begun a series of work that is focused on the stories that are unappreciated and overlooked, combining his interest in sports and history with his fandom for underdogs and empathy towards people that deserve recognition for their feats. This month, Tony is being recognized for his work at the 31st Art in Gadsden Juried Exhibition, where he was awarded 2nd place for one such opus, “The Forgotten Four: The Re-Integration of Pro Football.” This painting is about the four men that RE-integrated professional football after minorities were ostracized during a 13 year “gentleman’s agreement” among team owners.

 To me its more than just football, I believe sports are an entity of leisure for all: players and fans alike. Football is just my favorite so it was the first sport I looked into for a subject matter.

– William “Tony” Barton

There are now three completed works in Tony’s Forgotten Four series. He is planning for the next to be of Bill Willis in practice, facing off with an offensive lineman with a dominant reputation.

A Tallahassee native, William Anthony Barton III, has been recognized since his youth for art. You can see his work on his website.

His work is on exhibition in Quincy at the Gadsden Arts Center and Museum through August 24, 2019. Exhibition hours are from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for college students, and free for children and museum members.