| Located
on the face of the main building, the mural entitled “A
Tribute to the Human Spirit” is an exceptional contribution
by Cristóbal Gabarrón, the great Spanish artist.
It was painted for the Academy’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
in 1998.
The mural is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Jackie
Robinson breaking the color barrier in professional baseball.
It is one of the largest public offerings of art in the United
States and it is seen by millions every year as they pass
along Highway 98. The mural stands 27 feet (two stories) high
and 12 feet wide and has been valued by the European Cultural
Commission in excess of $2 million. The scale and content
of the unique mural, coupled with its accessibility to the
public, make it a unique cultural attraction for the Mobile
Bay region. Few cities in the country have public art of this
magnitude to share with the community.
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While looking at “A Tribute
to the Human Spirit,” you are standing in the Heritage
Plaza. At your feet is the twenty-five-year history of the
institution. Over 2,000 engraved bricks represent the names
and places that were fundamental in the development and rapid
growth of the Academy and American Sport Art Museum and Archives
(ASAMA). As part of the institution’s 25th anniversary
celebration, the Academy constructed this plaza of red bricks
to depict the storied history of the Academy. The Plaza’s
focal point is the Bahrain Mediation Bench. This international
commemoration reflects the Academy’s first major international
program in the State of Bahrain. Today, the institution continues
its work in Bahrain, building sport programs and developing
coaches to better promote sport in the country.
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|  The
ASAMA Walk of Fame continues from the Heritage Plaza. The
Walk of Fame continues to grow each year. This endeavor is
made possible by the many friends of ASAMA from around the
world through membership donations. If you choose, you can
leave your “mark” on the Walk of Fame and join the
likes of Steve Spurrier, George Steinbrenner, Kerri Strug,
Carl Lewis and Prince Albert of Monaco.
Purchase a pathway brick online |
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