A New Story Behind a Classic Legend:

Flemington, NJ: Legends continue to inspire, and it often takes a very talented artist to bring one to life.

Award-winning and nationally recognized watercolorist James Fiorentino recently painted a portrait of Thoroughbred legend Man o’ War for a unique purpose: to raise money for a Flemington, NJ charity that helps children ages 5-12 overcome trauma through clinical equine therapy.

Mr. Fiorentino explained:

“ I am very excited to have painted the legendary horse Man o’ War to help benefit Team Velvet Inc. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to paint some of the greatest racehorses and had the opportunity to present them to some of the most legendary owners, trainers, and jockeys in Sarasota for the Siros Cup. What Team Velvet does for children is amazing.”

His Man o’ War original 22 x 30 watercolor is available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit Team Velvet Inc., a 501 c-3 providing nonmounted horse therapy to children who have experienced profound trauma.

Such children may have witnessed the death of a parent; experienced violence or traumatic accidents through no fault of their own and still others, overwhelmed by loss, may have expressed a desire to die and were plagued by flashbacks from any of the above. Team Velvet Inc. offers a charity serving these children at no cost to families.

“What James Fiorentino has done for us is no less than amazing,” said Dr. Susan Edwards, Psychologist/Director of Team Velvet Inc. The combination of psychology and horse therapy offers a powerful avenue of treatment, but one which is very expensive to provide.

When I saw his amazing painting of the legendary Man o’ War, I was overwhelmed with the beauty and power of his painting. The work of artist James Fiorentino inspires me.”

Dr. Edwards continued, “At Team Velvet Inc., we have created a high-impact organization that significantly changes children’s response to their individual trauma. We are always challenged to meet our expenses since our services are provided at no charge. There are no words to express the profound gratitude we feel for the Man o’ War painting by James Fiorentino, a nationally known, award-winning artist whose career itself is inspiring.”

Artist James Fiorentino turned professional at age 15 when his painting of Reggie Jackson was featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Among others, his professional work has encompassed paintings of many sports legends, famous individuals, wildlife scenes, and thoroughbred racers. His work graces the walls of notable museums, galleries, universities, corporations, and private collectors. An American watercolor artist who lives in Hunterdon, James serves on the board of several trusts and has been active in both sports and philanthropy his entire life. His recent decision to use his art to help Team Velvet therapy horses help kids coincides with the national Horses for Mental Health Campaign to increase public awareness and fundraising for equine mental health therapy programs.

For more information, go to https://sth2025.raiselysite.com/t/team-velvet-inc and www.teamvelvet.com

To hear James’ WDVR radio interview on Monday, May 19 from 4-5 pm at https://wdvrfm.org

To find out more information on purchase options for the Man o’ War painting, contact Visionary Art Inc. at

www.jamesfiorentino.com or complete the Contact form at www.teamvelvet.com