Will Duck
Cleveland: The Tiger of Champions
Sponsor: Custom Rubber

Willie is a freelance artist noted primarily for his portraiture and sports images. Commissioned as one of the “penguin” artists for YSU’s “Parade of the Penguins,” his theme was “Home Grown” recognizing sports legends with Mahoning Valley connections (including portraits of Bernie kosar, Ray Mancini, and Jim Tressel). Willie, himself, Is “home Grown”- a Youngstown native and graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

His long-term goal is to have a studio/gallery in Youngstown that features not only his work, but those of other struggling artists. Willie wants to “get the community more excited about art, especially with all the talent we have in our community.”

Involved in the Crandell Park Business Round Table, he likes to bring recognition to local “heroes” through his art. (One of his dreams is to paint a big, big mural for the city of Youngstown.) His many portraits, include those of Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams and WKBN newsman Tom Holden/