Arts & Letters Live Presents: LJ Rader

Celebrate FIFA World Cup 2026 with LJ Rader, whose new book "Art But Make It Sports: Epic Matchups Where Art and Sports Collide" is a clever, laugh-out-loud art history twist on epic moments in modern sports, masterfully paired by Rader with their fine art doppelgängers. This fascinating compilation of side-by-side sports and art images features photographs from basketball, baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis, hockey, golf, the Olympics, and more, matched with paintings and other pieces of historical art that mirror them. The undeniable similarities presented in this book create surprising and sometimes eerie comparisons, making an unbeatable gift for sports fans and art history lovers alike.
LJ Rader is an American sports analyst and art enthusiast who launched "Art But Make It Sports" on Instagram (@artbutmakeitsports) in 2019. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, he started his career at NBC Sports, where he won an Emmy Award for his work covering the XXII Olympic Winter Games.
POST-EVENT WORKSHOP 3:15–3:45 PM
Join us for a post-event workshop in the galleries with LJ Rader as we explore the DMA’s collection through a sports lens. Space is limited; advance registration is strongly recommended and a tour ticket is required to participate.
POST-EVENT SIGNING 4:00 PM
Meet LJ and get your book personalized in the Concourse in front of the DMA Store.