Former Team USA Track & Field Long Jumper Norris Frederick Turns Art Dreams Into Reality

Norris Frederick, who was part of the Team USA Track and Field before retiring, has found happiness away from the track. Washington State’s most decorated athlete has found a passion for videography, photography, and film. Norris started looking for help with collaboration in his ongoing promotional and brand campaigns. Then he began teaching himself how to become a professional photographer & videographer and decided to invest in editing software and camera equipment in 2013. After hours of dedication, it would become a hobby for him and second nature.

Frederick has developed an affection for art and has documented his journey of constructing his dream art gallery on FrederickCollection.com.

“Building a gallery from scratch is no small feat, and I’m grateful to have a dedicated team of friends and family by my side to lend their support. Today, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work, clearing out debris, painting walls, and laying the groundwork for what will soon become a vibrant showcase of creativity. Their enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in remind me that I’m not alone on this journey, and together, we can accomplish anything,” wrote Frederick.

Frederick’s interest in art and passion for art galleries led PlayersTV to contact him to inquire about the backstory. In addition, asked Frederick how his experiences as a long jumper influenced your artistic expressions.

“I showed up to Vegas for a few times and I bumped into a gallery down in Caesars Palace. And I walked in and I was like, it is beautiful in here. And I couldn’t understand the difference between the photos that the photographer had taken versus the versus the photos, that I have been taking,” said Frederick.

“So every single time that we would get contracted to go to Vegas, I would go into these different galleries, and I would look at the floors. I would look at the lights, and I will look at the paint on the walls.  I would look and figure out how long it would take someone to come up to me and try to sell me on something, and I would try to encompass this entire experience.”

He added, “So in at towards the end of February this year, we got keys to a building. People know that I don’t do anything slow. So within the first week, we had all the carpet in the gallery rooms ripped up, we had flooring put in. [Then] we had lights put in and we [had the] paint done all within five days.”

Norris emphasized that he had a tough and rough background, but he persevered and succeeded in overcoming his struggles. He refuses to be defined by his environment as a person. And now being able to enjoy the fruits of his labor has given Fredrick a different outlook on life.

“It is such a difference in perspective on being in such a rough area and growing up in such a rough background. And then now being in this peer, like experience every single day. It changes the way that I look at stuff,” Frederick shared.

“I can find the beauty in most things and then walk into a gallery every single morning, that I put my blood, sweat, and tears in it does something to me. So I’m living proof that you don’t have to be a product of your environment. Like the potential is limitless. And, that’s what I love about this space.”

Frederick has ambitious plans for his art gallery in the future. His vision involves not just a personal triumph, but also a community hub for creativity and inspiration to flourish.

Frederick is still grounded in his roots and driven by a desire to give back to his community while building his dream. The power of resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of ones dreams is exemplified by his story. By exhibiting art, he aims to create a lasting legacy that acknowledges creativity, community, and the belief that hard work and dedication can make anything possible.

FrederickCollection.com is where you can stay up-to-date on his journey and upcoming exhibitions. You’ll be able to find not only his most recent works, but also other artists’ stories, event schedules, and opportunities to get involved. Norris Frederick’s transition from the track to the art world is a compelling instance of how pursuing one’s interests can lead to unexpected and fulfilling new paths.