Celebrated Sports Artist Ted Dimond Presents US Open Gallery Exhibit, Trailblazers

Aug 20, 2025

Just days before the world’s tennis elite take the courts at the US Open, celebrated sports portrait artist Ted Dimond returns to Manhattan for his seventh year with his signature US Open Gallery Exhibition, Trailblazers: On & Off the Court, running August 18-28, 2025, at Detour Gallery in New York City located at 545 West 23rd Street.

Known for his bold oil paintings and timed to capture the energy and anticipation surrounding tennis’ biggest stage in the United States, Trailblazers, honors athletes who have redefined the sport, not only for their achievements on the court, but also for the cultural, social, and humanitarian impact they’ve made beyond the court. These are players who have used their platforms to break barriers, inspire change, and expand tennis’ global reach. The Trailblazers exhibition will feature more than 30 striking portraits that capture the spirit and artistry of the most dynamic tennis professionals today.

In addition, on August 22, there will be a Player Party where Dimond will unveil a powerful new series of five Player Portraits depicting Frances Tiafoe, Flavio Cobolli, Simone Bolelli, Andrea Vavassori, and Lorenzo Sonego. Each tennis star will be in attendance at Detour Gallery for this special evening’s event. These athletes have delighted audiences on the tennis court and have used their influence to push boundaries, promote inclusivity, and motivate the next generation.

Above: Daniil Medvedev with Ted Dimond. Photo(s) courtesy of Sarah Gargano Communications / Ted Dimond.

This year, the US Open is spotlighting tennis legend Althea Gibson to honor the 75th anniversary of her breaking tennis’ color barrier. A historic moment when she became the first Black player to compete in what later became the US Open in 1950, Gibson will be honored with a tribute inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 24 to coincide with the start of the main singles draw. Dimond has created a legacy portrait of Gibson to celebrate her pioneering role not just as a champion but as a symbol of progress and opportunity. Her courage helped open the sport to generations of players of color, permanently changing the game of tennis in profound ways.

Dimond has also created a legacy portrait to immortalize tennis phenomenon Arthur Ashe, whom he met at age 13 during a national tennis tournament in Flushing. An idol of the artist, and his grandfather’s favorite tennis player, Ashe was the first Black man to win the US Open in 1968, the Australian Open in 1970, and Wimbledon in 1975, making him the first, and still only, Black man to win singles titles at all three tournaments. Ashe used his voice to challenge racial barriers in tennis, advocating for the inclusion of Black players in tournaments that had long been closed to them. He also pushed for change in apartheid-era South Africa and became a tireless advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, breaking down the stigma by speaking openly about the illness.

In addition to the five Player Portraits, both Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe’s legacy portraits will also be unveiled during The Player Party on August 22.

Dimond explains, “As a former professional tennis player and coach, I know firsthand the dedication, sacrifice, and love for the game it takes to reach the top. These unveiling moments are deeply personal to me, not just as an artist, but as someone who understands what these players have endured and achieved. This isn’t just an art show, it’s a tribute to those who have shaped tennis on their own terms. I want people to walk in and feel the history, the grit, the greatness, captured on canvas”

A portion of the show’s proceeds, along with the two legacy portraits, will benefit each player’s respective foundation or chosen charity, helping to carry forward their work and impact for generations to come.

Trailblazers runs from August 18-28, 2025. The Player Party & Live Portrait Unveiling will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 6:00-9:00 PM at Detour Gallery in New York City located at 545 West 23rd Street.