Artist James Fiorentino to be recognized at 29^th annual Siro’s Cup

Flemington, NJ (July 7, 2022) –

Siro’s Cup, which benefits the Center for Disability Services, is the unofficial kick off to the Saratoga racing season. Held on the eve of opening day and attended by more than 1,000 guests including notables from the horse racing industry, the event features a summer buffet, open bar, live music, dancing and a silent auction.

This year marks the 20^th consecutive year of honoring a distinguished jockey, owner or trainer with the presentation of an original watercolor by renowned artist James Fiorentino, who will be recognized at the July 13, 2022 event for his contributions and years of service in support of the Center for Disability Services.

“James has become a tradition within a tradition,” said Anne Schneider Costigan, Senior Vice President of Development and Communications for Center for Disability Services, adding, “Siro’s Cup wouldn’t be Siro’s Cup without the presentation ceremony and unveiling of James’ work…all the folks in the field know that someone is getting a painting and it’s always  a big day.”

Past recipients of Fiorentino originals include some of the most notable in the world of racing, from Nick Zito and Todd Pletcher to Mary Lou Whitney and Jockeys like Jerry Bailey, Angel Cordero, John Velazquez, as well as Irad Ortiz Jr. and Jose Ortiz.

“The most important thing about this event is that it benefits the Center for Disability Services in Albany, which is an incredible organization,” said James Fiorentino. “I’m so proud to be supporting them every year and to be involved with presenting these amazing athletes owners and trainers with my artwork.”

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About James Fiorentino

James Fiorentino (b.1977) is an American watercolor artist and illustrator who currently makes his home in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. A master in watercolor, Fiorentino’s artwork has hung in galleries and museums across North America and Europe as well as in private collections worldwide.

His professional career taking off while still in high school, Fiorentino became the youngest artist ever featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for his likeness of Reggie Jackson. In 1998, while still a student at Drew University (where he was the starting shortstop for the baseball team all four years of college), Fiorentino earned the designation of being the youngest artist to be inducted into the prestigious New York Society of Illustrators, where he joined the ranks of American icons Norman Rockwell and Andrew Wyeth.

Fiorentino, often at the athlete’s request, has painted numerous sports legends including Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Cal Ripken Jr., Arnold Palmer, Muhammad Ali, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Julius Erving, and Tiger Woods. Topps, Upper Deck, and Kelloggs Sports Cards have all featured Fiorentino’s artwork, and Fiorentino has launched his own line of iconic sports card artwork titled “There Is Only One.”

Related Links and articles:

• James Fiorentino Horse Racing Gallery: https://www.jamesfiorentino.com/horse-racing-gallery
• https://fb.watch/dQdIWi-OCq/
• https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/25th-annual-siros-cup-supports-center-for-disability-services
• https://saratogaliving.com/artist-james-fiorentinos-hyper-realistic-paintings-strike-a-saratoga-chord/