CPS instructor takes care of Aminah Robinson estate

Artist and longtime CCAD Continuing & Professional Studies Instructor Bryan Moss can add another title to his already impressive resume: caretaker of Aminah Robinson’s longtime home and studio in Columbus’ East Side. Robinson, a Columbus College of Art & Design alumna, was a MacArthur Genius Grant winner who donated her property to the Columbus Museum of Art upon her death at age 75, in 2015.

Robinson painted, sculpted, and used found materials and fabrics to create her works, many of which tell the stories of the historically Black East Side neighborhoods where she grew up and worked. The 1920s residence was Robinson’s home and workspace since 1974 and was full of her artworks, journals, and books when she died. Several of her art pieces remain in the home and are expected to serve as inspiration for visiting contemporary artists.

CMA used a $200,000 grant from The Columbus Foundation to renovate the building, which will be home to a new museum artist-in-residence program scheduled to start in summer 2020, reported The Columbus Dispatch. Moss, who has worked at the art museum in various capacities since 2001, and who was mentored by Robinson, will officially be the space’s “house manager,” reported The Dispatch. 

“(The appointment as manager) is something I hold really dear,” Moss told The Dispatch. “I have to get acclimated to the space and not disrespect the spirit of Aminah’s presence. It’s a very sacred place.”

Memphis artist Johnathan Payne was scheduled to be the first artist-in-residence in August 2020. That has been delayed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A virtual housewarming, ribbon-cutting, and tour for the public was held Friday, July 31, 2020. Watch it here. 

Carole Genshaft and Deidre Hamlar have co-curated Raggin On, an exhibition composed entirely of art and objects from Robinson’s home. The exhibition will open at CMA in November 2020.