Dylan Cease was into theater, not art, during his high school days. However, the Toronto Blue Jays’ standout pitcher has made a name for himself in the art world, landing a spot at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
The AGO shop introduced a limited edition collection of Cease’s artwork – featuring a painting inspired by Toronto on display in Walker Court – on Tuesday. The collection offers prints, postcards, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and totes, with proceeds benefiting the AGO’s charitable initiatives.
“I never took art in high school; I did theater instead, so I’m not sure,” Cease remarked when asked about what his teachers might think of his creations. “They probably have plenty to critique, but it is what it is.”
Children from summer camps were invited to sit as Cease discussed his artistic journey.
Fans wait in line to meet Toronto Blue Jays star pitcher Dylan Cease while he displays his art at the Art Gallery of Ontario on Tuesday. (Cole Burston/The Canadian Press)
Meanwhile, a line of Blue Jays fans stretched nearly two blocks long. “It’s pretty mind-blowing to see this line and all the media,” he said. “It feels much bigger than I expected.”
“Honestly, I never would have thought I’d be doing anything like this.”
Cease started painting in 2022 and has created works for former San Diego teammate Michael King’s charity; this Toronto piece is even framed in Jays manager John Schneider’s office.
“It’s funny; a lot of my teammates say ‘why don’t you paint yourself pitching’ and things like that. And I’m like, you guys know I can’t draw,” Cease explained. “I have to stick with something really abstract since my skills are somewhat limited, but I make it work.”
Cease shared that he was motivated by spending most of his 30s in Toronto. The 30-year-old signed a seven-year deal worth $210 million US during free agency last winter.
He mentioned he’s been learning about Canadian culture, history, and politics but didn’t offer any comments on the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the U. S.
After finishing this painting using acrylics, he’s planning to try oil painting next without putting any pressure on himself.
“It genuinely makes me happy; it helps me feel good about life and gives me something that’s quite different from baseball since baseball can be more intense,” he said.
“Painting is more forgiving; I can put whatever I want down without worrying about being perfect-I’m just having fun with it-and I think it helps me find balance in my life.”
“Ultimately, whether it’s displayed here or hangs out in my bathroom, I’ll enjoy creating it,” he added.
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