Learn about the artists involved in our Celebration of Black Hockey History!
Rob Zilla III Freeman Sierato Swaggy Picasso Dez

MEET THE ARTISTS

Robert Generette III - "Rob Zilla III" - Waldorf, MD

Robert Generette III , also known as Rob Zilla III, is an award winning illustrator, educator and self-proclaimed "vector art monster" based in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. He uses an iPad Pro to create compelling sport illustrations and portraitures for clients ranging from Nike Baseball, NASCAR, NBA (Wizards & Warriors), Major League Soccer (L.A. Galaxy & D.C. United), Wacom and Adobe. Rob attributes his success to traditional art experiences, layer management and his willingness to try new things with mobile applications.

Zilla has worked on multiple projects with the Capitals, including the 2023 Black History Jersey, the "Caps 11" Alumni artwork and Rally Towel, and more.

J. Freeman Robinson – “Freeman”

Washington, D.C., based illustrator and art director J. Freeman Robinson was born on Long Island, New York, and was heavily motivated by the culture, energy and art of New York City. He received a bachelors in fine arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Since then, he has spent 20 years with in-house design teams and various agencies, working to create interesting and functional designs utilizing his illustration background. Past clients include Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks, the New York Liberty, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, D.C. United, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Navy Federal Credit Union, and Fannie Mae, and others. Robinson currently works at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as their Advertising Design Manager, helping to lead the design team and further the vision of the nation’s cultural center.

Freeman is the designer of the 2024 Black History Jersey.

Cory Bailey – “SIERATO” - Baltimore, MD

Cory Bailey, also known as Sierato, is an acclaimed artist celebrated for his one-of-a-kind sneaker designs and artwork. He frequently uses his Instagram and YouTube presence to showcase his ability to transform regular sneakers into wearable works of art. His techniques include painting, airbrushing and various other methods geared towards creating custom pieces. His specialties include intricate anime portraits, unique color palettes and his distinctive "air max drip" style. Bailey has crafted footwear for an array of notable personalities including Tom Holland, J Balvin, NFL and NBA stars and prominent figures in the hip-hop scene, such as Fetty Wap, Rich Homie Quan and The Migos.

For this year's auction, Sierato painted a pair of Black and Gold Nike Air Force 1s as well as a pair of Tom Wilson Game-Worn skates.

Lloyd Ferguson – “Swaggy Picasso” - Hanover, MD

Lloyd Ferguson, also known as Swaggy Picasso, is a custom sneaker artist based in Maryland. Swaggy Picasso’s interest in art developed as a child and grew into the creation of his first custom shoe. His work focuses on using his artistic ability to ensure all clients have a unique pair of shoes. Swaggy Picasso has completed past projects with the Washington Wizards and Washington Commanders, as well as the University of Maryland football and basketball teams. A Monumental Sports Network feature on Swaggy Picasso, ‘Swaggy Picasso | Portrait of a Sneaker Artist,’ was nominated for an Emmy in the 61st Annual National Capital Emmys.

For this year's auction , Swaggy Picasso painted 2 pairs of Nike Air Force 1s, as well as 2 pairs of game-worn skates, worn by Tom Wilson and John Carlson.

David Zambrano – “DEZ” - Gaithersburg, MD

David ‘DEZ’ Zambrano has made his mark in the sneaker community as one of the best custom sneaker artists in the world, having worked with professional athletes and companies including Adidas, Under Armour, MLB, NFLPA, and NBAPA. DEZ, who is based in the D.C. region, specializes in canvas art, murals and more. His passion for art began at an early age with inspiration from the movie “Beat Street.” The film inspired a love for graffiti, urban art, bright colors and passionate statements through color and contrast that further developed as he grew up in Virginia and was exposed to street art in the region. Dez has no formal training in art and is almost entirely self-taught.

For this year's auction, Dez has painted 3 pairs of custom Chuck Taylor Converse Sneakers as well as 3 pairs of game-worn skates worn by John Carlson, T.J. Oshie, and Tom Wilson.