GRAND RAPIDS, MI— A painting blending sports, history and symbolism, featuring the Detroit Lions crossing a stormy Lake Michigan is currently on display at ArtPrize.
Ramon Corona’s 2D oil painting “Campbell Crossing Lake Michigan” draws direct inspiration from the 1851 painting “Washington Crossing the Delaware,” by Emanuel Leutze.
The painting depicts a bevy of Lions players “depicted as warriors on a mission—taking the fight to conquer the NFC North division,” the artist’s statement said.
Well-known Lions players, dressed in their white away jerseys— Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Alex Anzalone, Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph and Jared Goff can be spotted in the wooden row boat surrounded by icebergs heading toward a sand dune shore.
ArtPrize 2025: Your guide to the sights and sounds in Grand Rapids
Lions’ new offensive and defensive coordinators John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard are also aboard as head coach Campbell stands near the bow of the small vessel, mirroring George Washington in the painting.
The piece symbolizes Campbell’s “unyielding leadership, determination, and vision, poised at the helm of a team seeking to transform destiny,” according to Corona’s artist statement.
Corona paired this symbolism with Campbell’s rallying cry, “If you’re hunting us, you don’t have to look far. We’re going to be on your front porch when you open the door.”
The Grand Junction artist’s painting will be on display at the Courtyard Downtown Grand Rapids through the duration of ArtPrize.
ArtPrize 2025, the citywide art contest features entries from 930 artists across 155 venues. The multi-week art showcase began Sept. 18 running through Oct. 4. The winners will be announced on Friday, Oct. 3.