Dylan Cease is used to painting the corners on the mound and painting canvasses in his free time. Now, his creative exploits will be on display at a gallery for fans of art and baseball alike.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is partnering with the Toronto Blue Jays ace on an “AGO x Cease collection” launching Tuesday, the gallery announced Friday in a news release.
Cease’s piece, “Eve of Toronto,” will be on display in Walker Court on Tuesday, and visitors who pay AGO general admission will have an opportunity to take a photo of the hurler with his painting that morning at 10:30 a.m., the gallery said.
A limited-edition capsule collection featuring “Eve of Toronto” will also be available for purchase in the AGO shop. The “AGO x Cease” collection includes prints, postcards, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and totes, according to the gallery.
The stellar starting pitcher has shared several of his paintings on his Instagram account this summer, including one with the caption, “A night in Toronto,” in June.
He auctioned another Toronto-themed piece off with the Jays’ official charity earlier this month after sharing yet another one inspired by the city on Canada Day.
“Painting gives me joy,” Cease said in the release. “It relaxes me. I am happy creating my paintings and very happy that they have resonated with the incredible fans across the GTA. To know that people will be able to enjoy my art and take home this collection is a thrill.”
Cease has been one of the best pitchers in the major leagues in his first season with the Blue Jays. The 30-year-old right-hander came into Friday’s action tied for the American League lead with 201 strikeouts and leading the AL with 13.14 strikeouts per nine innings, to go along with a 2.42 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and a 7-5 record in 137 and two-thirds innings pitched.
He started the All-Star Game for the AL in July, earning the win while striking out three and walking one in one inning of work.
Toronto signed Cease to a seven-year, $210-million deal as a free agent on Dec. 2.
