MANCHESTER, N.H. — The New England Patriots recently showcased artwork for social media created by a local artist, highlighting the intersection of professional sports and New Hampshire’s vibrant arts scene.
Blending Art and Athletics: Patriots Tap Local Talent
A New Hampshire professor is bringing a unique educational approach to professional sports design.
- Rich Pellegrino, a professor at New England College, created the artwork.
- He actively involves his students in the professional design process.
- Pellegrino has also contributed artwork to the Boston Celtics.
Rich Pellegrino, an illustration and comic arts professor at New England College’s Institute of Art and Design, is the artist behind the new Patriots visuals. He believes in a hands-on learning experience for his students, and frequently incorporates real-world projects into his curriculum. “I will have Zoom calls with teams and take them in front of the class, which is a bizarre way to negotiate projects and pay scopes and all that, and timelines behind the camera,” Pellegrino said. “But I feel like that kind of stuff is super valuable to kind of pass on to the next generation.”
A Unique Classroom Experience
Pellegrino’s teaching method offers students invaluable exposure to the practicalities of working with professional organizations. He explained that these interactions provide a realistic understanding of project negotiation, budgeting, and time management – skills often absent from traditional art education. This approach allows aspiring artists to navigate the complexities of the creative industry with greater confidence.
Beyond his work with the Patriots, Pellegrino has also created artwork for other prominent sports franchises, including the Boston Celtics, demonstrating his versatility and demand within the professional sports landscape. He views these opportunities as a way to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, offering his students a glimpse into potential career paths.
