DAPHNE, Ala.—Fairhope artist John Rezner was honored Thursday during an art exhibit at the United States Sports Academy, and he officially received the American Sports Art Museum and Archives’ “Distinguished Service Award.”

Rezner completed three face jugs—made of clay—for the art museum’s Mr. Baseball campaign, which will name the greatest baseball player of all-time later this year.

The three face jugs Rezner finished and showcased at the art show were of baseball legends Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Hank Aaron.

Rezner said he’s not a big sports fan, but doing sports art was different and fresh for him.

“I played baseball growing up, and lately I’ve been coaching a lot of tee-ball,” he said.

“He uses local material (for his jugs), including Baldwin County clay dug out of his backyard,” Academy Vice President T.J. Rosandich said.

The art museum’s “Artist of the Year” for painting, Rick Rush of Tuscaloosa, also unveiled his painting of 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton at the event.