Tommie Robinson

Described as the “first black artist in the Guild of Charlotte Artists,” Robinson works in oil, acrylic, water color, egg tempura and graphite. His art addresses a wide range of issues, from the experience of the Africa-descended population in the United States to urban life, the environment, racism and sexism. 

 

A self-taught artist, Robinson recalled his interest in art began around age 8 following his father’s death. He explained that as part of the grieving process, he tried to do a portrait of his father. “I finally got a likeness about age 13,” he added.

He joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, Robinson enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College on the GI Bill to pursue an arts degree. He was later hired by the college to teach painting and ceramics.

 

 

Since then, Robinson has exhibited nationally. In Charlotte, his paintings have been displayed at the Mint Museum, the Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture and the McColl Center. His work also has been shown at UNC Chapel Hill, Pfeiffer College, Davidson College and North Carolina Central University.