Artist to sign JSU football poster, to donate proceeds to scholarship fund

By Jean Gordon Cook
601-979-1571
jean.g.cook@jsums.edu

"The Claw of the Tiger" by artist Willie F. Hobbs

(JACKSON, Miss.) – Professional sports and humanitarian artist Willie F. Hobbs of Pittsburgh will sign prints of his “The Claw of the Tiger” posters commemorating 100 years of Jackson State football from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, outside of the Jackson State University Book Store.

The posters cost $10. A portion of the proceeds will go to the “Humphrey Hero Book Fund” established by Jacqueline Humphrey, executive director of administrative services for JSU’s Office of Academic Affairs. Humphrey and Hobbs are both natives of Winona, Miss. The book fund is intended for JSU students who need help paying for books. For information about applying for the scholarship, visit: www.humanartamerica.com.

"Coach W.C. Gorden" by Willie F. Hobbs

Hobbs will also appear with Coach W.C. Gorden at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, to sign and sell “The Claw of the Tiger” posters and 250 limited edition posters Hobbs created of JSU’s winningest coach. Gorden will sign copies of the poster featuring him. The cost for both posters is $50.

Hobbs founded the organization, Humanitarian Artists of America, to raise money for charities and nonprofit groups through the sale and auction of original art and prints. His posters have raised funds for groups including the Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign, the Afro-American Music Institute of Pittsburgh, the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, Meals on Wheels, and for people affected by Hurricane Katrina. The Pennsylvania State Senate has honored Hobbs for his work.