The Perfect Shot: Walter Iooss Jr., and the Art of Sports Photography

September 6–October 20

McKune Room | Open During Library Hours*

*Exhibit closes 30 minutes prior to the library’s closing.

Explore some of the most iconic and inspiring moments in sports history in this family-friendly exhibition. From Muhammad Ali to Serena Williams, Walter Iooss Jr. has brilliantly photographed some of the greatest athletes of all time. As an artist, he captures on film carefully crafted moments of anticipation, perseverance, triumph, disappointment, and reflection—universal emotions of athletes and non-athletes alike.

The Perfect Shot: Walter Iooss Jr., and the Art of Sports Photography takes visitors through some of the most inspiring moments in sports history and highlights the craft and talent that transformed these moments into art. The exhibition features athletes Michael Jordan, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Cathy Marino, and many more.
The Perfect Shot is an adaptation of the original retrospective exhibit organized by the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) and is drawn from their permanent collection.
“Iooss is a master at framing and discovering dynamic backdrops. . . . Over the course of his career with Sports Illustrated, Iooss brilliantly photographed many of the greatest athletes of all time,” said curator Bryn Schockmel, PhD. “As an artist, Iooss has created carefully composed portraits, captured seemingly candid moments that were actually meticulously crafted, and taken dramatic shots at the center of the action.”

Iooss was born in 1943 and shot his first roll of film in 1959, at a New York Giants game with his father. Only two years later, he began working for Sports Illustrated, landing his first cover in 1963, when he was not yet 20 years old. He went on to become a prolific photographer for the magazine and photographed every Super Bowl from the first in 1967 through 2020, and shot over 300 covers.

This family-friendly exhibit enables viewers, regardless of if they have a background playing or watching sports, to relate to the emotions and drama unveiled in the photographs.

 The Perfect Shot: Walter Iooss Jr., and the Art of Sports Photography is organized by ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Special thanks to  the Friends of Chelsea District Library for their sponsorship of this exhibition.

Photography by Walter Iooss Jr.

CDL Celebrates Sports This Fall!

Sports hold a significant place in American culture, serving as a unifying force and a source of national pride. They offer a shared experience that brings together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering community and camaraderie. Iconic events like the Super Bowl, the World Series, and the Olympics capture the collective imagination, becoming cultural touchstones that transcend the games themselves. For our youth community, sports promote values such as teamwork, perseverance, and fair play, shaping character and teaching important life lessons. Additionally, sports play a critical role in local economies and contribute to the national identity, celebrating the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence.

Join us for these engaging programs to complement The Perfect Shot exhibition!

Martin Bandyke’s Music & Movies: Set Apart: The Jim Abbott Story
Wednesday, Sep. 11 | 5:30–7:30pm | Chelsea First United Methodist Church | 128 Park St. | All Ages | Drop-In

Former 107one radio host Martin Bandyke discusses Set Apart: The Jim Abbott Story with the documentary’s director, Mike Ramsdell. The film begins screening at 5:30pm, followed by a discussion between Bandyke and Ramsdell and Q&A from the audience.

Triumph Over Adversity: Reflections with Jim Abbott
Wednesday, Sep. 18 | 7–9pm | Chelsea High School Auditorium | 740 N Freer Rd | All Ages | Drop-in

All are welcome to attend this live and in-person conversation with Jim Abbott. Mike Ramsdell, director of Set Apart, a documentary featuring Jim Abbott’s career and life journey, will interview Abbott. Hear firsthand how Abbott’s firm belief in perseverance and adaptability propelled him into the Major Leagues. Ramsdell and Abbott will talk about Abbott’s life beyond the dugout, followed by a Q&A with the audience.

The Detroit Lions and the Early NFL
Wednesday, Oct. 9 | 6:30–7:30pm | KidSpot | Registration required

Learn how the Lions (and professional football) won the hearts of Detroiters to become the institution they are today, tracking the team from its small town roots, through its golden age in the 1950s, and into the present. Presented by Jeremy Dimick, Director of Collections and Curatorial at the Detroit Historical Society.

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