CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have teamed up with Chicago-based multidisciplinary artist Sam Kirk on a limited-edition collection that promotes inclusivity, unity and equality in celebration of Pride Month. The limited-edition collection, which was inspired by the joy and energy of the LGBTQ community, includes a long-sleeve T-shirt, tank top and bucket hat which will be available for purchase starting tomorrow, June 30, while supplies last, with proceeds benefiting Center on Halsted.
Kirk, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Marketing from Columbia College Chicago and a BFA in Interior Design from the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT), is a biracial, queer woman who often includes vivid and powerful images of women, members of the LGBTQ community and those who have historically been underrepresented in her artwork as a way to celebrate differences and enact change. Her public murals, displayed throughout Chicago, New York and internationally, often address social issues as she intentionally uses the public space to spark dialogue around topics of equality and visibility for women, communities of color and the LGBTQ community. Across the collection, Kirk included similar design elements on each item, such as bright, bold rainbow-colored line work and symbolic elements to the game of baseball as a way to represent Pride and show her personal connection to the sport.
“In developing these designs, I thought about the intersection where Pride and baseball took place in my life,” said Kirk when asked to describe the collection. “I recalled beautiful memories of community and celebration throughout my adolescence and early adulthood. These moments inspired the artwork for the collection.”
The main visual on the front of the long-sleeve T-shirt and tank top features several figures bursting out of home plate in celebration with home plate lined in bright, bold rainbow-colored line work as a way to celebrate the monthlong annual Pride festivities and inspire others to always be proud of who they are. The sleeves of the long-sleeve T-shirt feature the phrases “Sweet Home” and “Proud!” with “Sweet Home” serving as a nod to Chicago, the game of baseball and a symbol of what individuals seek in the word “home” – family, love, self-love, acknowledgement and respect. The letters that make up the phrase “Proud!” feature the same figures from the main visual as a way to show the connection to one another while highlighting their individual expressions. The back of the long-sleeve T-shirt includes familiar symbols to the game of baseball – bats and a baseball – with rainbow-colored line work. All three items in the collection feature the Cubs’ “walking bear” logo designed with fluid colors without rigid lines of separation as a way to show unity.
“Pride Month is a special time to spotlight and celebrate the LGBTQ community and all of those who have helped pave the way so that we can be our true selves, fully out and proud,” said Chicago Cubs Board Member and Cubs Charities Board Chair Laura Ricketts. “I'm so proud to be part of an organization that celebrates LGBTQ Pride and champions diversity, equity and inclusion year-round.”
This limited-edition collection is the fifth in a series of collaborations the Cubs will launch this year created to amplify these important voices, foster a dialogue around societal and cultural topics and recognize significant moments in time. The first collection in the series launched in February with Hyde Park native Nikko Washington in celebration of Black History Month, the second collection launched in March with Logan Square resident Kate Lynn Lewis to celebrate women making history, the third collection launched in April with Chicago street artist Penny Pinch in celebration of Earth Day and the fourth collection launched in May with Brooklyn-based artist Efdot for Mental Health Awareness Month.
“We are so excited to be working with Sam on this Pride collection which is part of the RespeCt artist collaboration series,” said Cubs Vice President of Marketing Lauren Fritts. “We’re inspired by her work and proud to partner with her to support and celebrate the LGBTQ community.”
Proceeds from the limited-edition collection will benefit Center on Halsted, a community center in Lakeview dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the LGBTQ people of Chicagoland, with funds directly supporting their Youth Housing Initiative, a new program in collaboration with the Rebuild Foundation to provide housing to LGBTQ youth on Chicago's South Side. The beneficiary was selected by Kirk as she has supported the community center for years and appreciates the variety of programs they provide to the LGBTQ community.
Fans can purchase items from the limited-edition collection starting Wednesday, June 30, at 9 a.m. CDT, at www.cubs.com/samkirk while supplies last. The “Sweet Home” long-sleeve T-shirt is available for $39.99, the “Top Fly” tank top is available for $34.99 and the “Culture Cub” bucket hat is available for $37.99 (plus applicable taxes and fees).