Some represented his predictions for upcoming fights. The drawings range in size and quality, said Tara Zabor, curator of the Neiman Foundation collection.

The Ali originals â€” done in pastel, water colour, pen, marker and crayon â€” were created between 19. It will give fans of the champ a chance to size up his skills as an artist. The donated pieces will likely be showcased at a future special exhibit at the Ali Center, officials said. Neiman, who died in 2012, said the painting summed up “the quintessential, colorful, confident Ali.” Other items in the donated collection include two pieces by Ali’s father, Cassius Clay Sr., and one that Ali and a friend drew.Īli Center President and CEO Donald Lassere called it a “poignant, timely and prized gift” as the celebrated Ali’s birthday and legacy. The donated works include two Neiman paintings of the champ, including his famed “Athlete of the Century” piece that has been on loan and displayed at the cultural centre and museum since 2005. The three-time heavyweight champion and humanitarian died last June after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

On what would have been Ali’s 75th birthday, the LeRoy Neiman Foundation said Tuesday it will donate 21 Ali-related works of art valued at more than $500,000 to the Ali Center. Ali gave the artwork to Neiman, his longtime friend, as gifts. The Ali originals are coming from the foundation created by the artist LeRoy Neiman and his wife. Now, 15 drawings created by The Greatest are being donated to the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. â€” When Muhammad Ali wasn’t jabbing or dancing in the ring, he sometimes liked dabbling as an artist.

Muhammad ali centre