In celebration of the upcoming NFL Draft and the Jaguars' historic selection of the first overall pick, the team has joined together with local artists to commission one-of-a-kind painted footballs commemorating the occasion. Fans can now visit the online auction site (https://betterunite.com/moreartculture) to bid on their favorite football with proceeds benefiting the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. The balls will also be on display on Thursday night at the team's draft celebration at TIAA Bank Field. 

"We appreciate this unique opportunity to collaborate with the Jaguars and see it as the perfect kick off to our new 'Arts +' campaign," said Diana Donovan, executive director of the Cultural Council. "The Arts + Sports collaborative project showcases Jacksonville's creative economy, igniting a merger of artists and athletes, to bring a fresh perspective to a quality of life we all share, as well as a commitment to serving our city together as a team of innovators and placemakers."

Five different artists were commissioned to paint four footballs each with their only guidance to celebrate the Jaguars and Jacksonville. The artists include Heather Blanton, Tabitha Skye, Alma Ramirez, Ted Head and Dustin Harewood. Each football is also autographed by a Jaguars player including K Josh Lambo, WR DJ Chark Jr., P Logan Cooke, OL Andrew Norwell and WR Collin Johnson. 

Artist Ted Head took his inspiration from the Jacksonville Zoo's Range of the Jaguars exhibit. 

"Since 1993, the teams' name has symbolized strength, cunning, and a fighting spirit," said Head. "As an artist, I've painted many of the zoo's animals, including a majestic jaguar, sunning regally on a cliff. To me, nothing symbolizes our team more than these marvelous creatures painted in oils. As we move into a new and exciting phase, it's an honor to be part of the new season. After being constrained by the limits Covid placed on us, I, and the community, are ready to see the Jaguars regain their glory…with strength, cunning, and a fighting spirit!"

To learn more about the artists participating in the program, fans can follow them on Instagram at the following handles: @heatherblantonfineart, @iamtabithaskye, @AlmaRamirez_Art, @dustinharewood and @tedheadfineart. For more about The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, visit https://www.culturalcouncil.org/.