Not many of Muhammad Ali’s former sparring partners can say that they’ve had original artwork displayed in galleries around the world.

In fact, I’d bet there’s only one.

That man is J. Arthur Sanders, a former professional middleweight contender and Michigan native, whose original oil paintings are currently being displayed in the Terryberry Gallery of St. Cecilia’s Music Society.

Sanders began painting as part of a rehabilitation program after a tragic car accident in Texas left him unable to continue his career as a pugilist.

Looking at Sanders’ work, it’s easy to see the influence of his time as a boxer and why those in the artistic community refer to him as a “naïve impressionist.”

His wide, visible brushstrokes point to a method of creation marked by speed and precision. His blending of vivid color is fearless. His style is powerful and unabashed.

But his subject matter is delicate, ranging from a solitary cottage, to fields of flowers and the sea just after a storm.

He is able to apply his commanding style to experiences common among anyone who has gazed at nature and appreciated its splendor.

This is what makes Sanders’ work so remarkable. Considering that for the first half of his life he was trained to brutalize others in the ring, his ability to create such serene visions on canvas is little short of miraculous.

Please forgive the cliché, but Sanders truly knows what it means to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.

Sanders has trained at numerous colleges of art, including the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, the Insituto Allede in Guanajuato, Mexico and Western Michigan University, where he was honored as one of their “Centennial 100” most influential artists.

Sanders’ work has been displayed in the Liguoa Duncan gallery in Paris, the Lynn Kotler Galleries in New York City and at the University of Michigan.

Recently, Sanders was honored with a nomination for the Governor’s Michigan Artist Award.
Saint Cecilia’s will be holding a reception with Sanders on Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. He will be able to answer questions, respond to comments and provide insight into his incredible creations.

Admission to the Terryberry Gallery is free and Saint Cecilia’s is conveniently located directly behind one of The Rapid’s daily stops – there is truly no excuse not to take advantage of the opportunity to appreciate one of Michigan’s finest native artists.