Home Plate Portrait of Luis "Martin Alicea" by Austin Crenshaw Shelley

From the artist Austin Crenshaw Shelley: Martin Alicea, whom many called “Face” because of his radiant smile, had a passion for baseball. This portrait depicts him smiling broadly while up to bat. According to his family, Martin was always smiling —and always grateful for his family and friends. From showing up to have breakfast every morning with his parents, Elsa and Victor, to laughing and joking with his five children, three siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins, Martin showed a deep love for his family.

Participating as an artist in the Souls Shot exhibit has been a moving experience. Talking with Martin’s cousin, The Rev. Jessie Alejandro Cruz, and drawing Martin’s portrait have been an honor. I feel connected to him, to his family, and to all whose lives have been tragically taken by gun violence. I wish I could have seen Martin’s smile in person as it is legendary—and I know that Martin’s family misses seeing that smile every day. It is my prayer that we will, with this exhibit, draw attention to the many injustices perpetrated through gun violence and join together to work toward common sense gun legislation that might prevent future deaths.

From the curator: This portrait holds a special place in my heart as I know that Austin had “help” from a very exuberant child. It must have made her all the more aware of the pain felt by the “Face’s” family. Austin’s style of fluctuating the marks and intensity of the color bring this portrait to life and Marin’s exuberance blends with that of her own child. Austin also created a portrait of Martin as a baby entitled “Elsa’s Baby”.

Home Plate Portrait of Luis “Martin” Alicea by Austin Crenshaw Shelley Prismacolor pencil 11.25” x 16.5” 2018

The Rev. Jessie Alejandro Cruz with Austin Crenshaw Shelley and her daughter Lillian in front of two portraits of Rev. Cruz’s nephew Luis “ Martin “ Alicea