Exhibition Overview

“Creativity In Color,” the inaugural exhibition in a series dedicated to contemporary artists at the Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Center, features the work of Rhonel Roberts. Co-presented by 111 Minna Gallery, the exhibition opened on February 12 amidst notable attendance, coinciding with Black History Month. Roberts expressed his excitement in a recent interview, stating, “It was awesome to be in this remarkable, historic venue, to be the first artist represented by 111 Minna.”

Artistic Influences and Style

Rhonel Roberts, whose artistic journey spans from French Impressionism to Black American folk art, explores a variety of subjects through his vibrant paintings. His repertoire includes representations of well-known Bay Area landmarks, jazz musicians, landscapes, and diverse cultural collections. He comments on the importance of color in his work: “Color is the bridge I use to encounter, engage and interact with my audience.” For Roberts, color serves as a means to express identity and foster acceptance among differences.

Featured Works

The exhibition showcases a range of pieces that highlight iconic San Francisco imagery, including:

• The Golden Gate Bridge
• The Palace of Fine Arts
• The Painted Ladies
• Sutro Tower
• A cable car against the Marina Green backdrop

In addition to these scenes, large-scale portraits of renowned jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday are prominently featured, capturing the essence of their artistry.

Impact and Legacy

One notable portrait from the exhibition is of Hugh Masekela, which was originally used for the 2011 Fillmore Jazz Festival poster. Roberts recalls that witnessing Masekela perform live profoundly influenced him, leading to a vibrant painting that he describes as a “clarion call” to celebrate beauty and unity. He mentions, “It released me to use color more vividly… [and] get on the radar to celebrate beauty.”

Presidio Theatre’s Transformation

The exhibit is located in the lobby and lower level of the Presidio Theatre, a historic venue originally built in 1939 and recently revitalized in 2019 after a $40 million renovation. This project, funded by Peggy Haas, has transformed the former movie theatre into a modern performing arts center that hosts live performances, films, and art exhibitions, aiming to attract a diverse audience.

Collaboration with 111 Minna Gallery

The partnership between the Presidio Theatre and 111 Minna Gallery marks an alignment of shared values, with the gallery boasting over 30 years of experience hosting various cultural events. Their collaboration seeks to foster community engagement and artistic expression through diverse mediums.

Visit ‘Creativity In Color’

“Creativity In Color” will be available for viewing at the Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Center until May 2025. The exhibit is open to the public on performance days with ticketed entry. For further details, visit presidiotheatre.org.