Art of the Olympians Gallery Opens in Fort Myers

The Journey: Unique Exhibit to Permanent Gallery

Oerter worked with fellow Olympian and artist Liston Bochette (a Fort Myers resident who represented Puerto Rico) to put together the region’s first display of Olympian art. The exhibit, which included the works of 12 international athlete-artists, was held at Fort Myers’ Alliance of the Arts in conjunction with the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy.

They envisioned a permanent home for the growing collection and chose Fort Myers, then began planning and fundraising. According to Bochette, Oerter thought of the gallery as a “small diamond” and wanted its permanent home to be a place where people would want to come see it.

After Oerter passed away, family and fellow athletes carried the torch, making a presence and garnering attention with an exhibit at the 2009 Summer Games in Beijing. The Olympic community embraced the idea. Gold medalist figure skater Peggy Fleming narrated an hour-long documentary about the gallery that aired nationwide. Another famous former Olympian, bobsledder Prince Albert of Monaco, has pledged international fundraising support. With the backing of the Olympic community, AOTO directors expect to draw 300,000 visitors a year to the Fort Myers art attraction.

The Victory: A Winning Message

Cathy Oerter says her husband had a commitment to fusing body, mind and spirit. “He always said art and athletics are quite the same, except art is a lot easier on the shoulders and knees,” she said. Her husband decried egotism in sports and worked hard to educate future athletes about Olympic values, seeking to promote athletic social responsibility in the modern world.

One of Al Oerter’s most notable quotes is: “I didn’t set out to beat the world; I just set out to do my absolute best.” The Art of the Olympians gallery and its Center for Excellence offer a fitting, lasting tribute to Oerter – and a world of inspiration for anyone who visits.