From Sotheby's to the Skylight with Mario Andres Robinson

Today, I stepped away from my normal administrative meetings to sit down with cultural activist Jacqui Woods, artist Che Baraka, and curator Cheryl Williams. They introduced me to Mario Robinson, an amazing portrait artist whose drawings reminded me of the 19^th and early 20^th century works that I might see in the Metropolitan Museum, only with more black faces.  Having lived in metropolitan cities, I loved the quick glimpses of the faces  and places in his paintings which captured more rural settings than I am used to. 

40 of his works will be exhibited in Restoration's Skylight Gallery.  The exhibit won't be mounted until February 17, but I came away so excited that I wanted to quickly share.  

Raised in Oklahoma before moving to coastal New Jersey at age 13, Robinson’s work was featured in 2011 Sotheby's American Paintings Auction,  "Mixing Metaphors,"  a Bank of  America traveling exhibition, and numerous other locations, including the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.

The Pratt graduate, who at 42 has made his living solely painting for nearly 20 years, is surely the envy of many a artist, both black and white.  Despite this, he exudes a humility and a longing for something more. The more is the opportunity to have his work seen and embraced by a community that looks like him.  

By the end of the month, we'll be sharing more about the exhibit and promoting through eblasts and press releases. In the meantime, I wanted to tip you off early so that you would plan on coming by and welcoming him to Bed Stuy.  This timeless exhibit will appeal to all....art collector, student or families, alike. From meetings like this, I’m reminded what an amazing gem Restoration is because of the many programs and assets like the Skylight Gallery as well as the many people that come through like you and Mario.  I hope to see you soon.

Agape: Mario Andres Robinson Exhibition

Skylight Gallery at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation’s

Center for Arts and Culture

1368 Fulton Street, 3^rd Floor

Brooklyn, NY 11216

718-636-6949

On display:  February 17, 2013- May 31, 2013

Public Programming:

Mario A. Robinson, Artist Talk and Slide Presentation

Saturday, March 9, 2013, 6PM-8PM

Live Model Class, with Mario A. Robinson

Saturday, April 6, 2013, 2PM-4PM

Youth Arts Workshop, Tuesday, April 30, 2013, 10PM-12PM

Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 11AM-6PM

Saturday, 1PM-6PM

For more information on Mario Andre Robinson, click here.

For more information the Skylight Gallery at Restoration's Center for Arts and Culture click here or call 718-636-6949.