Legacy and Emergence: A Community Dialogue
We are honored to present an exhibition of Rae Robinson’s artwork in the Lacey Gallery, featuring selected pieces from her estate that celebrate her legacy as a gifted artist and mentor. Join us in experiencing the spirit of her vision and creativity through these cherished works.
Opening Reception: Friday, June 27 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Gallery Hours: Saturdays & Sundays | 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM through Sunday, July 20
Rae Kroncke–Robinson
Born in the Bronx, New York, Rae resides in Southington, Connecticut.
She studied at the former Art School of Fashion and Design, Hartford, CT; Fine Arts at Central Connecticut State University; and privately with Sr. Mary Magdeline in New Britain, CT. She was awarded an honorary scholarship to attend the Paier Art School, Hamden, CT.
I feel that my early life in New York was the impetus that now influences my work, as well as Faith in my inner Spirit voice. I work with background music, in an improvisational and interpretive style using many media. Unaware at first in which direction the Spirit is leading me, I allow time and space to pass until a connection is made that results in visual art.
In much of my work, I like to leave out a small amount so that you, the viewer, can visually fill‑in areas by using your own imagination… In this way, you become a part of, and are able to share, an art experience… a creative process with me.
Art education via mentoring plays a major role in my life. I believe everyone is “creative.” In discovering availabilities, a choice of methods, and an area of interest that expresses themselves, they would discover a new and exciting world opening up to them.
An art mentor for children and adults from throughout the Central Connecticut area, Rae has conducted workshops on “Art for Children” as a symposium for Lutheran teachers from Connecticut and on “Creative Arts” at St. Paul’s High School, Bristol, CT. She is the recipient of many art awards for her work, a juror for many art shows, and has been an invited guest panelist and speaker for Congresswoman Nancy Johnson’s Small Business Seminar, held at the Briarwood College, Southington, CT. Rae is an independent coordinator and promoter of visual arts shows and is a member of several art associations. Presently, Rae is an Art Director and advisor for Media & Company, ARTS4U. Her work is internationally represented in many private collections.
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My Life Has Been a Weaving Between My God and Me
“In September of 1950, I attended the Art School of Fashion and Design in Hartford, Connecticut. I graduated and worked as a freelance fashion illustrator for Raphael’s, Jartman’s, and Davidson and Leventhal stores in New Britain. Years later, I was an assistant advertising manager for Davidson and Leventhal. I was employed by Sage Allen’s store in Hartford in their advertising department designing layout ads when I decided to leave and become a missionary. In 1954, I went to Maine and served the Episcopal Diocese by teaching in their mission schools, realizing afterward that God was calling me to use His gift of art instead. As my life unfolds, I have seen His purpose.
After returning from Maine, I began dating Bill, whom I had known since we were 14 years old. We soon became engaged. I started working again as a copywriter and program coordinator for radio station WHAY in New Britain. I later worked as a layout artist for the Cronin Advertising Agency in Hartford. In 1956 Bill and I were married.
In time our blessed daughter Dale Anne was born (she also graduated from MIA, my alma mater). While at home with Dale, I went back to freelancing and attended Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, studying Fine Arts and other courses. It was during this time I heard about a very special art mentor that interested me, so I made an appointment to meet her. This precipitated a return to Mary Immaculate Academy (MIA) once more, becoming a private student of Sister Mary Magdeline, a very talented and dedicated artist. She was the spark that ignited my whole future life through her “special” spiritual creative direction. In time, I applied this special gift to all my students, many of whom, I am proud to write, have become very successful and recognized in the Arts.
A few years later, after studying with Sister Magdeline, I received an honorary scholarship for advanced studies from the Paier Art School in Hamden. This was 1960 and I was a part‑time employee of B. C. Porter’s furniture store as their advertising manager. In addition, I devoted a few hours a week at St. Matthew’s Lutheran School in New Britain, creating their art curriculum as well as teaching. Additionally, I opened up my workshop to art lessons for many children, teens, and adults. I was extremely busy and decided to leave my two afore‑mentioned positions to concentrate only on my students, a commitment to enrich and develop, lasting for more than 40 years.
During this time my own art began to become recognized through awards, in international collections, and special honors. I was invited by special invitation to create ten 30″ by 40″ charcoal drawings of Immigrants who entered through Ellis Island and settled in Connecticut. These drawings were exhibited in the Museum of Immigration in the Statue of Liberty in 1985 as a part of the Ellis Island restoration and “Connecticut Day.” Three months later, a portion of these drawings were displayed in the National Capital in Washington, D.C.
Other exhibitions I was invited to display my artwork were at the Hartford State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion, the Museum of American Art, CCSU, and Greenwich Village, New York City. My work has also been displayed at many art gallery shows and other exhibits throughout New England. I was also invited to display my art alongside my adult students and art colleagues during a two‑week show at the Hartford Civic Center. In addition, I have been an art coordinator for prominent Connecticut artists for many shows in my hometown of Southington. I have also conducted art seminars, been guest artist at schools, a speaker at Congresswoman Nancy Johnson’s Small Business Seminar and proudly served as Vice President for Southington’s Art Council. I am represented by and am Art Director for MEDIA & COMPANY of International Artist.
In between time, Bill and I have become grandparents to two wonderful boys, James and Thomas, and great‑grandparent to Finnegan. We have traveled to Italy, Egypt, England, and to visit former students in California and Seattle, Washington. We also share interests in Music, Theater, History, Genealogy, and Antiques.
Currently I am devoting my full time to projecting new art shows for the year 2001. One show will be very special to me, a “potpourri” of my total Art Life with an emphasis on educating viewers, so that they might become aware of their own hidden creative abilities.”
(Addendum: Rae was accepted into the “The Connecticut Women Artists” after a acceptance‑stringent period.)
School Memories:
“My fondest memories of Mary Immaculate Academy were of the high‑quality education I received through our dedicated teachers. They imparted individual development, attention and encouragement that was an integral part of my gaining confidence throughout my life. Those “Minstrel Shows” were great and gave us the opportunity to show off! Oh, how well I remember my piano solos and the stage fright while performing. Our trip to the Governor’s Mansion and the pretty molded ice cream served to us students. Those “pranks” and the fun we all shared. The time someone took a snake out of its tank during study period in the library with Sister Hildegarde; the minor explosion in Chemistry class which sent a fur odor throughout the school; the exciting stories of her early days in the convent during Sister Ambrosia’s English class, and who could ever replace Father Pietrus, the Crowning Ceremonies at the Grotto, our beautiful school; and finally, our special GRADUATION DAY – many, many years ago!
P.S. One more memory, of a morning auditorium that was called for the entire student body, to find the culprit responsible for tagging the backs of some students with postal labels, causing a “laughable” ruckus in the hall. It was announced the girl responsible would remain anonymous, but was assigned a disciplinary essay on “What it Means to be a Roman Catholic Girl.” Now, the truth be told, this essay was written and submitted by the only non‑Roman Catholic girl at MIA….guess who??!!”
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Rae was proud of her family. She wanted to instill into her family most importantly the appreciation for the arts, the culture, and the places from which they came from. She proudly inspired her grandsons to reach for the stars, to be the best they can be, learn as much as they can, to travel, learn and appreciate cultures. Her grandsons recalled her upbeat perspective on life, and the ability to brush off silly situations in which they would enjoy a good laugh afterward. Cherished memories are trips to New York City with her daughter, husband, and grandsons. One such memory was the time Nana Rae and Pappa Bill took the boys on a train ride to “the City” the day after Thanksgiving. They visited FAO Schwartz, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other venues. It was their special day especially when they got to meet Macy’s Santa. Fun fact: Rae, as a youngster, met Edwin Gwynn, the original Santa in the movie “Miracle on 34th Street” while attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He was also the original Santa in Macy’s famous parade. She wanted her grandsons to feel the same excitement she felt that day long ago. This “day after Thanksgiving” sojourn became a cherished yearly event.
An amusing story during one of the post‑Thanksgiving trips was while staying at the Marriott in one of the twin towers, pre‑2001. Rae was on a time schedule to see Macy’s Santa; however, her grandson wanted to go to the top of the twin towers. But no, Rae overruled and they went to Macy’s instead. Lo and behold, right after 9/11 the grandson lamented the fact that they missed the chance to go to the top of the twin towers.
Her daughter Dale labeled her mother as the “Artisan of All Arts” – multi‑talented in music, drawing, cooking, you name it Rae could do everything, and everything well! Gifted in all media of arts. Rae and Bill always wanted Dale to be a fashion icon – she was not allowed to leave the house in cords and jeans. And don’t ever forget makeup and lipstick because you never know who you would encounter out in public. Proper public appearance was instilled in the grandchildren. Etiquette was also an important edict – such as manners and how to throw a good dinner party. Rae would say, “you never know, you might meet the queen someday!” Most importantly, Rae always tried to instill faith, spirituality, to be in tune and pay attention to what is around you, and to be open to the possibilities. Dale told her mom how blessed she was to have grown up in the Art World that left her with amazing friends. She appreciated the support and encouragement her mom gave her to be creative.
On traveling: Rae and Bill would inadvertently stumble upon and not recognize famous people while on their trips. One such time was at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Rae, noticing a crowd was assembling, inquired what was going on. The organizers proceeded to place Rae and Bill in the front row during the ceremony. The actor was Bruce Willis. Bill and Rae did not even recognize him until they got home! “Oh, he was the actor from Moonlighting with Cybill Shepherd!” Another time was in New York City when Bill, always the gentleman, graciously opened a cocktail lounge door to a stunning lady while Rae and her friend were behind, dying of laughter. Again, Bill did not recognize her as his favorite actress, Zsa Zsa Gabor.
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From Liz Larson – Creative, energetic, and mysterious, Rae was unique. My late husband, Kenneth A. Larson, had known Rae from as far back as Sunday School at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, when he was about in the second grade. I, Liz Winchester‑Larson, was introduced to Rae and her family later on, after our studies at Pratt Institute. Ken and I were working on the Walnut Hill Historic District project, and Rae re‑connected with Ken.
Rae, along with her husband Bill, daughter Dale Anne, and then also Dale’s husband John Whalen, participated enthusiastically in many of our projects. In addition, Rae and Bill hosted very interesting themed costume parties at their home in Southington. Part art and literature, everyone did lots of research into the design of their costumes and props. One of them was with an Egyptian theme; both Ken and Rae were interested in Egyptian civilization. It wasn’t just a party; it was a memorable event that generated further ideas for new artworks and exhibitions.
From Kevin Altieri, Los Angeles animation director and former student:
“Here’s to you Mrs. Robinson…Thank you for taking me under your wing when I was a confused teenager aspiring to be an artist…and taking an interest in me becoming that artist. Thank you for the free lessons when I was poor. Thank you for looking at my drawings of people and with kindness, telling me that people’s faces are the same size as their open hands…
Thank you for forcing me to draw feet and hands when I complained that feet and hands are hard to draw, saying ‘Then that’s why you are going to draw feet and hands until it is second nature!’ Thank you for making me sit on the floor and ‘Look,’ then making me stand on a chair and ‘Look,’ and explaining the simple fact that where my eyeballs are, that is where the horizon is…and that is how perspective works!
Thank you for listening to my complaints when my High School teachers and guidance counselor insisted that I could never have a career as an artist…Rae, with that simple comment, ‘They’re only saying that because they’re stupid. They think art is just a bunch of pictures of barns and covered bridges’…
Thank you for your praise of my good drawings, and your stern critique of my failures…Thank you for having me drive you to Art Shows so that I could help you with your physical art, and presentation set‑up…but mainly so that I could meet other artists and learn from their varied experience.
Thank you for your upside‑down smile…if you held some piece of art I had just finished at arm’s length, and your eyebrows went up and both corners of your mouth went down…I knew I had done good. It is why I have since felt like a New York Native.
And thank you for being such a good teacher. You showed me how a good instructor behaves and acts. So that when I attended Art School, I knew the good teachers from the bad. The good you embrace, the bad you ignore. Take the low grade from the bad ones, it’s better than “learning their lessons which are only meant to keep you down”…thank you Mrs. Robinson.
Thank you for being my friend…my family…Art Mom…and so…
Here’s to you Mrs. Robinson…
Please say hello for me to Pyle, to Wyeth, to Homer, to Rockwell, to Sargent, to Whistler…Please save a place for me at the table in Artist’s Valhalla…”
For me, Rae was an amazing mentor, caring friend, and mother figure. Palpable memories were her New Yorker inverted smile, the cadence of her speech, her piercing, yet kind blue eyes, the pastel smudges on her fingertips, her light pink nail polish. She was forthright and honest, never cross; she guided and inspired; yet allowed us to figure things out and find our artistic style. She had immense talent and I know I will greatly miss her.
Rae proudly mentored art students that became a well‑known animation director, a sculptor lauded as the present‑day Michelangelo, a hallmark card illustrator, a set designer in Washington State, and a well‑respected graphic designer to name a few.
Rae Robinson leaves behind a legacy of creativity, a high level of enlightenment and spirituality as well as respected friends, family, students, and colleagues. I see her now setting up her easel alongside the likes of Leonardo, Vincent, Henri, Pablo, Georgia, Raphael…and holding her own! Rest easily, teacher. You will be greatly missed.