Shades of Greatness | Feb 25 – May 7, 2023

“Willie Foster & Young Fans,” Kadir Nelson, Oil on canvas
Experience the traveling art exhibit from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Shades of Greatness February 25 – May 7, 2023, in the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery. The critically-acclaimed exhibit features 35 original works of art produced by 28 diverse professional artists from across the country who interpret the Negro Leagues experience on-and-off the playing field. Renowned artist Kadir Nelson headlines the talented roster of artists in Shades of Greatness.
Kadir Nelson’s paintings are in the permanent collections of several notable institutions including The National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Nelson is the recipient of multiple awards including the 2020 recipient of the Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott King Award for illustration, New York Times Best Illustrated Book Awards and several NAACP Image Awards.
This exhibit is made possible by The Library Foundation through contributions from The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Featured Artists
For this exhibit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum worked with artists to explore deeper stories and themes within the history of Negro League baseball. Shades of Greatness honors and celebrates African American history and sports.

“Catch Me A Ball Player,” Bonnye Brown, Oil on canvas
Larry Allen | Norm Barrister | Terry Beavers | NedRa Bonds | Eric Brace | Bonnye Brown | Henry Dixon | John Ferry | Raelee Frazier | Rob Hatem | Anthony High | Ed Hogar | Kevin Hosley | Robert Hurst | Jared Kraus | George Merris | Steve Musgrave | Kadir Nelson | Frank Norfleet | Ramon Olivera |Lonnie Powell | Johne Richardson |Keith Shepherd | Kenneth Stanford | Veronica Sublett | Cortney Wall | Larry Welo | Steve Wilson
Related Events
Opening Reception
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
March 4 | Sat
Join us for a day full of baseball fun! Come for one event or stay for all! Show us your team spirit by wearing your little league jersey, school jersey, or favorite team apparel!
Legacy: the Enduring Impact of the Negro Leagues
Opening Day at the K
The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime
Marvin Auditorium 101 BC
(Dugout edition!) Intro to Audio & Video Recording – Level 2 Tech Center Orientation Class
Thursday, April 13 | 4pm – 5pm
Recording Studio A (audio) & Recording Studio B (audio+video)
Learn the basics of audio and video recording in the Recording Studios of the Level 2 Tech Center. This class is required before booking recording studio time. Registration is required.
Stories from former KC Royals announcer Steve Physioc
Apr 19 | Wed | 6:30 – 8pm
Learning Center
Retired Kansas City Royals announcer Steve Physioc will talk about his experiences as a play-by-play announcer for baseball, football and basketball for both college and the pros.
Curious Kids—Baseball
Mar 21 | Mar 23 | Mar 28 | Mar 30 | Apr 4
3:45 – 4:45pm | Learning Center
Baseball has the best snacks, the coolest pennants and it’s fun to play! Join us for all things baseball. Don’t
forget to visit the Shades of Greatness exhibit for more baseball fun!
CANCELLED – Shades of Greatness and the Modern MLB: Racial Justice Facilitated Conversation
This event has been cancelled.
April 26 | 6 – 7:30pm
Sabatini Gallery
Read 6 articles & discuss. A facilitator will allow participants to share stories & experiences through face-to-face communication, navigating through difficult conversations about race & racism. Registration is required