The Immaculate Reception is one of the most famous plays in the history of American football.
The Collection
"22 seconds remaining... Bradshaw running out of the pocket"
Background
2022 marks the 50th Anniversary of one of the greatest plays in sports history, the Immaculate Reception. With 22 seconds on the clock, Hall of Famer Franco Harris would ignite the spark that would help to create the Dynasty that became the Pittsburgh Steelers. Artist Dino Guarino decided to create a series of artwork that would capture the entire play with a series of Paintings. Dino worked with Franco Harris in 1995 when he created a painting of Harris' famous play. For the 50th Anniversary he felt that it was time to immortalize the historic event once again. He brought the project to Franco, along with his wife Dana and son Dok. As they talked about the play Dino said it was surreal to listen to Franco recount in his own words what happened that day down on the field, hear Dana's perspective as a live spectator, and Dok talk about his view of the play that he must have watched replayed a thousand times. After working with the Harris family Dino set brush to canvas and created, "The Immaculate Reception Collection- 22 seconds to a Dynasty."
The Artwork
We are pleased to announce the latest artwork release by Pittsburgh based artist Dino Guarino.
The collection consists of seven hand painted original canvases depicting the play from start to finish. The unique pieces are each 48" x 30" oil on canvas paintings created as a series. The original paintings were signed by both the Artist and Franco Harris upon the completion of the artwork. These pieces will be on display around Pittsburgh during the 2022 - 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers season. Dino has always felt that he creates his artwork for as many people as possible to enjoy. These original paintings will be offered for sale to a corporate or private collection with the hope that they can make their way to a public venue that will allow people to enjoy the famous play though fine art.
We will be producing a series of Limited Edition Canvas Reproductions of the paintings for sale. Each image will be produced as a Canvas Giclee with a limited edition size of 32 prints of each image. The dimensions of the pieces will be 40" x 25" and will be stretched and gallery wrapped. Each one of these pieces will be hand signed and numbered by both Dino and Franco. A limited number of these prints will be available as an entire set with matching numbers.
Additionally, there will be an edition of giclee prints on paper. The prints will have an image size of 32" x 20" with a paper size of 24" x 36" and be printed on an archival watercolor paper. These prints will be produced in an edition size of 100 prints per image and also hand signed by both Dino and Franco. A portion of this edition will also be available as an entire set with matching numbers.
Throughout his career and his post career in Pittsburgh Franco Harris has always been extremely philanthropic. His desire to give back to the community has never waned. As a result a portion of the proceeds of each of the print editions will be donated to the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation.
About Dino Guarino
About Franco Harris
About Franco Harris
Dino Guarino is a noted Pittsburgh artist and historian who truly enjoys nostalgia. Through his work, Dino delights in capturing the “heart” and “feel” of times long past. His early years were dedicated to studying ecclesiastic art at the Joseph Poli Art Studios of Pittsburgh. Incorporating all types of Roman Catholic and Byzantine iconology, he designed and executed wall murals, Stations of the Cross, and also refurbished statuary throughout Western Pennsylvania. Dino’s knowledge of iconology, coupled with his exactness for detail, resulted in his being commissioned to design hand-painted vestures for His Holiness Pope John Paul II during his second U.S. tour in 1987 in Columbia, South Carolina. Pope John Paul II wore these vestments depicting Saints Peter and Maximillian Kolbe during his tour of the South American missions.
With a background centered in and around Pittsburgh, it should come as no surprise that Dino is also a sports enthusiast. And this enthusiasm has inspired many of his works. Dino’s ability to blend artistry and history offers a fresh look to the American sports scene. In 1984, he conducted his first exhibits in cooperation with the National Football League and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dino was commissioned by the Pittsburgh Pirates over the years to paint several series of sport illustrations, including the 2000 Pittsburgh Pirate Season Tickets, the final season at Three Rivers Stadium. He has created pieces with some of PIttsburgh's great sports icons including golf legend Arnie Palmer, the Magnificent One, hockey great Mario Lemieux and Steeler Hall of Famer Franco Harris .
In 2015, Dino helped spearhead fundraising for the Gridiron Gold event, in cooperation with Joe Namath, Dan Marino, Joe Montana and others. He helped raise over $75,000 with his painting of the Western Pennsylvania Quarterback’s Club. In the summer of 2022, the Josh Gibson Heritage Park was opened at Station Square. Fully designed and constructed by Dino, the Josh Gibson Heritage Park consists of four bronze installations illustrating the images of Negro League stars. He continues to help raise money for local charities through his artwork including cancer research and diabetes.
About Franco Harris
About Franco Harris
About Franco Harris
Franco Harris is well known for his outstanding career in the National Football League, one so productive that it earned him a 1990 induction into The Pro Football Hall of Fame. Drafted in the first round of the 1972 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Franco went on to establish many team and league records, played in nine Pro Bowls, led the Steelers' charge to four Super Bowl victories and was named the MVP of Super Bowl IX. His "Immaculate Reception" in the final seconds of the 1972 AFC playoff game against the Oakland Raiders is considered to be the greatest individual play in NFL history. Franco was born in Ft. Dix, NJ, and grew up in Mt. Holly, NJ. He graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School, where he was a three-sport star and received a football scholarship to attend The Penn State University, where he played for legendary coach Joe Paterno. After his outstanding professional football career, Franco has focused on both business and serving his community, including being chairman of the Pittsburgh Promise as well as serving on The Heinz Endowments and Heinz History Center and several Pittsburgh charities.
The Chief Movie
The Immaculate Reception as seen in "The Chief" movie
Events pittsburgh steelers franco harris artwork
October 1, 2022
Preorders begin for the Immaculate Reception Collection
Event Details
October 1, 2022
Preorders begin for the Immaculate Reception Collection
We will begin to take pre orders for Limited Edition prints on paper and canvas. Entire sets with matching numbers will be available on a li...
December 24, 2022
Pittsburgh Steelers will retire Franco Harris No. 32 Jersey
8:15 pm
Acrisure Stadium PIttsburgh Pennsylvania
Event Details
December 24, 2022
Pittsburgh Steelers will retire Franco Harris No. 32 Jersey
During Halftime of the Pittsburgh Steelers Las Vegas Raiders game the Steelers will retire Franco's jersey. One day after the 50th annivers...
8:15 pm
Acrisure Stadium PIttsburgh Pennsylvania
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