GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - s4story -- Following a serious Christmas Day 2025 injury and surgery, Anthony M. T. Majewski turned to painting as part of his ongoing recovery, using a paintbrush to rebuild fine-motor skills and focus during a difficult period.

Majewski had no formal art training or intention of becoming an artist. Just months later, his painting The Finish – Butterfly is on exhibit at The B.O.B. during ArtPrize 2026 as Entry #14252.

His recovery continues.

One stroke at a time.

The Meaning Behind The Finish – Butterfly

The Finish – Butterfly was inspired by Majewski's twin sons, both competitive swimmers, and created during a period when his recovery prevented him from watching them compete in person. Painting became a way to remain connected.

Majewski captured one of swimming's most demanding moments: the final stretch of the butterfly.

The swimmer has given nearly everything. His body is exhausted. The wall is right there.

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But he hasn't reached it.

The distance between finishing and being defeated can feel as small as one breath, one reach, one final stroke.

Majewski leaves the outcome unresolved. There is no scoreboard, medal or celebration—only an athlete reaching forward when his body is telling him he has nothing left to give.

While his sons faced exhaustion and pressure in the water, Majewski confronted a different challenge during recovery. In painting their struggle, he discovered emotions that reflected his own.

"I wanted to capture that moment when a swimmer is almost out of everything—strength, breath, time—but the wall is still in front of him," Majewski said. "Do you let exhaustion define the race, or do you find something you didn't know you had and make one more stroke? During recovery, I began to understand that feeling differently."

A "Wow Moment" for His Family

"The wow moment was realizing Anthony hadn't simply painted a swimmer," said Julie Majewski, his spouse and Managing Director of Anthony Majewski Studio. "It came from knowing our boys and what they endure in the water, but somehow Anthony also captured what he was enduring."

"His recovery isn't finished. The swimmer's race isn't finished. That's what makes the painting so emotional for our family. Both are still reaching."

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26 Years Later

ArtPrize also marks a meaningful return to West Michigan for Majewski, 26 years after graduating from Western Michigan University.

"I never imagined returning with my family and seeing my artwork at The B.O.B.," Majewski said. "I created memories at The BOB in my college years and today it's one of those moments that makes you realize how unpredictable life can be."

Majewski hopes viewers see their own challenges in The Finish – Butterfly.

"Recovery is why I picked up the brush. My sons inspired The Finish," Majewski said. "Everyone eventually has a wall they're trying to reach."

One breath. One reach. One more stroke.

Experience The Finish – Butterfly

Artist: Anthony M. T. Majewski
Artwork: The Finish – Butterfly
ArtPrize Entry / Vote ID: #14252
Category: 2D
Venue: The B.O.B. | Grand Rapids, Michigan

ArtPrize visitors who connect with the work are encouraged to support Entry #14252 in the public vote.

View and vote for The Finish – Butterfly — Entry #14252

Recovery put the brush in his hand. His sons inspired the canvas. The journey continues—one stroke at a time.