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When Caleb Brown was asked to help the Mercer Athletic Foundation with a project that required his unique skill set, there wasn't a chance he was going to refuse. Brown is a former Mercer football running back -- an original "day one" player who helped usher in the Bears' return to the gridiron in 2012 -- and recent spring 2016 graduate with a psychology degree and art minor. The art classes at Mercer have paid off, as he's become a rising artist in Middle Georgia, creating original work at a studio in downtown Macon.
Together, Brown and the MAF teamed up to create and display 32 portraits of current Mercer student-athletes. The student-athletes, ranging from Brown's former teammates to members of the men's and women's golf teams, are part of the 400 Fund -- a newly established program focused on helping defray the cost of athletic scholarships. Participation in this program provides the path to becoming a stakeholder in an individual athlete's Mercer experience.
Brown's artwork was on display at Drake Field House at Five Star Stadium during Mercer's season-opening football game against The Citadel on Sept. 1.
For Brown, the chance to give back to his alma mater through doing something he loves was an incredible opportunity.
Brown's hard work doesn't go unnoticed, either. The countless hours spent mastering his skills and unique take on portraits have started have started to pay off, with projects such as this.
"Caleb's paintings were a huge hit with our 400 Fund donors and fans in attendance at our home opener," said Brian Gerrity, senior associate athletic director and executive director of the MAF. "I'm very proud that we were able to showcase the incredible talent of one of our former athletes."
As far as where Brown thinks art can take him, the answer is simple: "to the stratosphere", so to speak. In his mind, the best is yet to come with his artwork and how he can inspire others with it.
For more information on the 400 Fund and ways you can contribute to and impact Mercer student-athletes, visit www.supportmaf.com.
