MILWAUKEE — Greenwood Park Gallery and Framing is keeping African American culture alive with its unique exhibits. It’s also helping local artists showcase their work.
Fred Robinson, Jr. and his father, Fred Robinson, Sr., started the business 20 years ago. Their goal was to offer affordable framing for artists in Milwaukee.
Robinson said they offer more than just custom framing. It’s a space for artists to get connected and inspired.
The art gallery showcases work from both local and international artists. It displays contemporary Black artwork, like African masks, statues and fabrics. Robinson said there is no charge for artists to showcase their art in the gallery.
He said he supports local artists by buying their artwork, which he displays and sells.
He said they’re located in a prime area in the city, which Robinson said he hopes can receive a more positive spotlight.
“Sherman Park area is a historic area,” said Robinson. “We had some issues years ago with the riot, but we’re on the move to bring this area back up. To bring culture over here, to make it safe and make it an area that people want to come to.”
It’s giving artist Virginia Gipson a place to showcase her work and get her name out in the community.
Gipson specializes in texture painting. It’s a skill she uses to not only make beautiful art, but as a way to express herself.
“It was originally out of pain and health issues that brought on depression, but this was my way of not being defeated by that,” said Gipson.
She said the possibilities are endless when she starts on a blank canvas. Gipson said painting and creating has brought her peace for years.
“I got a sketch book and every time I was in the hospital or I was sick, I just kept sketching,” she said. “It brought so much order and less chaos.”
Gipson said Greenwood helped her become inspired again, especially after she lost all of her artwork in a house fire during the pandemic.
“Greenwood came and has been like a catapult,” she said. “They want local artists to be out in the front, be in the community, to not be scared to show who they are and not be scared to show their work.”
She said the support has brought her further than she could ever imagine. Now, as an employee of Greenwood, she’s excited to extend that same support to other artists in the city for days to come.
“Greenwood Park is definitely a blessed part of my journey,” said Gipson.