Collection: Darryl Matthews: PLAYING TO WIN August 1 – August 31, 2025

Darryl Matthews. Warrior's Gaze. Watercolor on cold press paper, 21"x30"

With the “Playing to Win” solo art exhibition, artist Darryl Matthews captures the spirit, grit, and determination of athletes across a wide range of sports genres. From the elegance of a figure skater mid-spin to the raw power of a boxer in the ring and a powerhouse baseball player on the field, each piece offers a unique perspective on the physical and emotional depths of sports.

Drawing inspiration from his personal connection to athleticism and martial arts, the artist blends vivid colors, expressive forms, and intricate details to honor the determination and artistry inherent in every sport. "Playing to Win” invites viewers to consider the stories behind the athletes, their triumphs, and the universal human drive to push beyond boundaries. This exhibition delivers a powerful tribute to the world of sports that will resonate with sports enthusiasts and art lovers. 

Location: Oberlin Regional Library, 1930 Clark Ave., Raleigh, NC 27605

Dates: August 1 through 31, 2025

Pictured Artwork: Darryl Matthews, Warrior's Gaze, Watercolor on cold press paper, 21"x30"

Associated Programming

Opening Reception & Artist Talk, August 5, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Join us for an engaging discussion with artist Darryl Matthews to learn more about his practice and the inspiration for his work. Location: Oberlin Regional Library, 1930 Clark Ave., Raleigh, NC 27605

Painting Demonstration with Artist Darryl Matthews, August 16, 2025, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Join artist Darryl Matthews for an inspiring watercolor painting demonstration. Explore the techniques that he has been using for more than 40 years to bring stunning portraits to life. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn and ask questions while watching the artist at work! Location: Oberlin Regional Library, 1930 Clark Ave., Raleigh, NC  27605

Movies at the Library, August 23, 2025, 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join artist Darryl Matthews and the exhibition curator for a film screening of 42: The Jackie Robinson Story, followed by an artist Q&A. Darryl's father Francis Oliver Matthews played in the Negro Leagues for the Newark Eagles between 1938 and 1945. Location: Oberlin Regional Library, 1930 Clark Ave., Raleigh, NC 27605

Jack Roosevelt Robinson

Born: January 31, 1919,Cairo, GA, Died: October 24, 1972, North Stamford, Stamford, CT

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was the son of sharecroppers. He attended John Muir High School in Pasadena, California, and Pasadena Junior College. In 1939, Robinson transferred from Pasadena Junior College to the University of California at Los Angeles on an athletic scholarship and became UCLA’s first student to earn varsity letters in four sports: football, track, basketball, and baseball. Unfortunately, financial hardship would lead to Robinson having to leave UCLA before he earned his degree. Athleticism ran in the Robinson family, and Jackie’s older brother, Matthew, was silver medalist at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Matthew finished just behind Jesse Owens in the 200-meter dash during the games, and he was an inspiration to his younger brother, Jackie. Robinson served as a second lieutenant in the United States Army from 1942 to 1944. While serving in the Army, he was arrested and court martialed for refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus. He was acquitted and honorably discharged.

In 1945, Robinson played with the Negro Leagues Kansas City Monarchs as a shortstop. In 1946, Robinson became part of the Montreal Royals, which was the Dodgers top farm team. His strong showing with the farm team earned him a spot with the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he made history with his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on April 15, 1947. As the first African-American to play in the major leagues, Robinson broke the color barrier, but racism remained prevalent. And Number 42 faced hostility and threats of physical violence on and off the field. Yet, he persisted and played for the Dodgers from 1947 to 1956. At the end of his rookie season with the Dodgers, he was named National League Rookie of the Year. Then in 1949, he was named National League Most Valuable Player.

After leaving baseball, Robison became a vice president at the Chock Full O' Nuts restaurant chain in 1957 and worked with the company until 1964. He was a civil rights advocate and was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) board of directors until 1967. Robinson helped found the minority-owned, Harlem, New York-based Freedom National Bank and also served as board chair of the bank. In 1997, the United States Postal Service honored Robinson with a commemorative postage stamp that featured his image. Robinson was the first MLB player to be honored with a postage stamp. Robinson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Each season, on April 15, major league teams celebrate Jackie Robinson Day in honor and recognition of Robinson’s major league debut.

Artwork: Portrait of Jackie Robinson by Darryl Matthews

Francis Oliver “Fran” Matthews

Born: November 2, 1916, Barbados, West Indies Died: August 24, 1999, Los Angeles, CA

Francis Oliver Matthews was born in Barbados, West Indies on November 2, 1916. Matthews attended an integrated high school called Rindge Technical School. Left-handed hitting Matthews was a standout on the baseball field at Rindge and excelled as a first baseman and batter. After high school, Matthews played alongside Will “Cannonball” Jackman for the segregated semi-pro Philadelphia Giants. Known to teammates as “Fran” or “Frannie”, Matthews played with the Newark Eagles between 1938 and 1945 as a part of the Negro National League. Matthews got the opportunity to play a few games in Yankee Stadium when the Newark Eagles were able to use the venue while the Yankees were on the road. He also had a short stint with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League and played with Boston’s Colored Giants until 1950. In that same year, Matthews enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the military for more than 20 years and did a tour of duty in Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals for his service. Matthews retired from the military in 1972 at the rank of 1st Sgt.

After retirement, Matthews moved to Los Angeles, California. In 1993, he threw out the first pitch before a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Matthews was on hand as part of a ceremony to honor the 50th anniversary of the first integrated baseball game to be played at Fenway in 1943. It was in that year that Matthews played his one and only game with the Kansas City Monarchs.

Artwork: Portrait of Francis Oliver Matthews by Darryl Matthews

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