Gary RobertsService · Vision · Family · Legacy

Artist · Curator · Community Builder

Soulard Art Gallery

Gary is the longest-standing member of Soulard Art Gallery and was its first artist member. The gallery describes him as a central figure in its operations and culture — the person others turn to when something needs to be done.

A newspaper feature headlined “Soulard Art Gallery co-founder builds beauty from oddities,” with photographs of Gary Roberts' lamps, clocks and assemblage art.
Feature coverage of Gary’s work and his role in the Soulard art community — “Made in St. Louis,” from the Roberts family archive.

At the gallery, Gary hangs every show, helps facilitate live music for events, participates in exhibitions, and curates the annual Art of Darkness exhibit. His role extends well beyond displaying his own work. He helps create the environment in which other artists can present their work and visitors can experience the gallery as a living community.

An Artist and a Builder of Community

Gary's contribution to Soulard Art Gallery combines artistic participation, institutional memory, technical work, event support, and curatorial leadership. His long involvement has made him part of the gallery's history and one of the people most responsible for its continuity.

Soulard Art Gallery is located at 2028 South 12th Street in St. Louis. The gallery has received repeated recognition as one of the city's best galleries, including St. Louis Magazine A-List awards and honors from the Riverfront Times.

Gallery Role Summary

  • Longest-standing member of Soulard Art Gallery
  • First artist member of the gallery
  • Participates in exhibitions throughout the year
  • Hangs and prepares gallery shows
  • Helps coordinate live music for gallery events
  • Curates the annual Art of Darkness exhibition
  • Serves as a trusted source of gallery knowledge and continuity
Gary Roberts smiling and holding a young boy in a striped jacket inside Soulard Art Gallery, with paintings on the walls behind them.
Gary with a young family member inside Soulard Art Gallery, from the Roberts family archive.