Al Oerter exhibit opens next month

In honor of Olympic hero Al Oerter, the Alliance for the Arts will display "Al Oerter: Artist and Athlete" in its gallery beginning Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.

To help celebrate the life and artistic accomplishments of the late Olympian, a natural movement dance will be performed during the opening reception by his wife, Cathy.

"If we strive to be the best we can each day, we can do some wonderful things on this earth," Mr. Oerter once said.

The track and field discus champion was the first athlete to win four consecutive Olympic gold medals in one event, over 16 years. After his Olympic victories, he channeled his passion for physical excellence into creative expression towards the arts.

"It was a joy finding out what capabilities lie within," Mr. Oeter said. Not only was he an accomplished athlete and talented artist, he was also a very gentle, selfless person. Friends remember him as a man of integrity, humility, and kindness.

The collection of art will be on display through Jan. 3. For more information and details, contact Krista Johnson at 939-2787.

The Alliance for the Arts supports the artists and arts organizations in Lee County as the state designated local arts agency for Lee County. Its galleries are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The Alliance is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. just south of Colonial Boulevard. Visit www.artinlee. org for more details.