February 13, 2023 is golf and art lover’s delight when First Tee Foundation Naples Collier hosts “Swing Fore the Future” Gala at Arthrex, Inc. in Naples.
Christopher “CR” Obetz has auctioned his 2 paintings and NFTs to help fund The First Tee Foundation Naples Collier's new learning center.
Exclusive Artist for the Bobby Jones Estate and First Tee – Naples/Collier Ambassador, Christopher “CR” Obetz.
His debut, an exclusive Golf Digest, Bobby Jones Fine Art and Fine Art NFT collection, was auctioned for $120,000 at the Gala.
As a special tribute to Anthony Ravielli, the most revered golf artist of all time, CR is donating an original, one-of- a-kind, Anthony Ravielli sketch. This sketch was created with Bobby Jones for their collaboration, Bobby Jones On Golf, 1966. The private relationship between Bobby Jones and Anthony Ravielli serves as the inspiration for CR’s mixed media painting and digital NFT.
Never before offered as a complete set, (original Ravielli sketch, Original CR mixed media painting and original one-of a-kind accompanying NFT), this rare auction item makes its first appearance at our Gala. These works of art will be featured in the February Golf Digest Issue making them the most desired collection of golf art ever offered and sold.
Read more about it on Golf Digest
Another original pixelated portrait of golf legend Jack Nicklaus sold for $50,000.
This Jack Nicklaus pixel portrait is the first of its kind. In a new modern series, Celebrity Golf Artist, CR explores the history of photography and its relationship to Pop Art and Pop Art movements. Through the use of exaggerated pixelation and hand colorization, these new works constantly change as the viewer moves their own point of view.
The inspiration of his father’s lifelong friendship with Jack or what he likes to call, “growing up with Jack,” makes this piece extra special. And Jack’s love of the game and his devotion to The First Tee were CR’s motivation behind creating this piece for the Swing Fore the Future Gala.
Giving back is of utmost importance to CR
Four generations of his family have treasured what golf has brought to their lives and families. His father’s memories of walking the fairways with Jack at Scioto CC, playing with him at Ohio State, being fraternity brothers or simply being kids shagging balls in their neighbourhood park, have deepened CR’s connection with golf and have helped him appreciate the importance of the role the First Tee plays in fostering the growth of the game and teaching Core Values to the next generation.
CR created this portrait as a tribute to Jack Nicklaus and his contributions to First Tee and was honored to have him sign it in support of the First Tee – Naples/Collier and its new learning center.
All proceeds will fund the new First Tee Learning Center
The Learning Center will allow First Tee to greatly expand its outreach by being able to offer both weekend and summer programs for children.“In the rainy season we won’t be washed anymore when we try to do a program,” Ann Bain, a First Tee board member and chair of the gala said. Within three years of its opening, First Tee projects will be able to effectively double its enrolment from 1,000 to 2,000.
There's "an opportunity to really make an impact on them in their lives,” Bain said. “It’s just going to be a perfect location for kids to have another out-of-school program."
