If you visit St. Francis College's Aquatics Center and Pope Physical Education Center, it's impossible to miss two one-of-a-kind murals that represent the institution's spirit and celebrate its location. Perhaps, no other NCAA program can match the creativity that the Terrier athletic facilities now exhibit.
On March 27
th, 1998, famed painter LeRoy Neiman donated a 24' x 12' foot ink jet process reproduction titled "Brooklyn Bridge." The only one of its size reproduction was permanently installed in the pool area of the College. And just this past November, Tats Cru made the Pope P.E. Center pop with a graffiti painting titled "Brooklyn Tough," a slogan coined by the athletics' department this year.
"LeRoy Neiman is an extraordinary artist of the first rank," said Dr. Frank Macchiarola back in 1998. "His art, which is so magnificent, makes a statement about the quality of St. Francis College and is an inspiration to our athletes."
Just like the Brooklyn Bridge has served people in their pursuit of happiness for over 100 years, St. Francis College has been the bridge for the children of immigrants to become a more influential part of society," said water polo alum Janko Gogoljia '98. "And all of us at SFC are offered this chance, this bridge, to bigger and better lives to become men and women who can make a difference. A difference in our children's lives, or a difference in all of our lives, and the lives of generations to come."
The "Brooklyn Tough" mural now serves as a constant reminder and mindset for Terrier student-athletes who pass through the Pope nearly every day. New York City landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty along with more close to home items such as the brownstones, subway and even the school's entrance are incorporated in the mostly black & white image. Of course, "Rocky the Terrier" is the focal point and brings everything together.
"To watch it go up was incredible," said Terriers' Director of Athletics
Irma Garcia. "Graffiti will always be a part of Brooklyn and we thought why not bring some of that history to our gym."
"A lot of institutions are closed minded and not open to different types of art in their facilities," said Nicer of Tats Cru. "When we got asked to do this project I was extremely excited and I think people will enjoy the result."
So the next time you are in Brooklyn Heights, be sure to stop by St. Francis College and take a look at these two extraordinary pieces of art.
