See & Do

Paul Robeson Galleries curates thematic exhibitions at Express Newark and across the campus of Rutgers University – Newark. As well, guest curators are invited to contribute to our program. You can view upcoming, current and past exhibitions on our Exhibitions page and learn about any open calls on our Opportunities page. 

The Paul Robeson Galleries strives to bring high-quality, free, and accessible public programming, detailed below, to help enrich the lives of those who are part of the Rutgers, Newark, and Greater Newark communities. All programs are free and open to the public. If you have an idea for a public program, contact our Gallery Administrator, Bryant Lebron at 973-353-0707 or blebron@newark.rutgers.edu.

Artist Talks

For each exhibition, we invite participating exhibition artists to speak about their work, philosophies, and processes. Each artist talk may also include an introduction and exhibition overview by the Director/Curator of the Paul Robeson Galleries, and is followed by a question-and-answer session. These talks are scheduled according to level of interest and speaker availability.

Exhibition Tours

The Robeson Galleries offer free exhibition tours. School groups and community organizations are invited to schedule a free exhibition tour with the curator. Learn about the rationale, artists, themes, and history behind each exhibition. Tours may be scheduled by reaching out to Bryant Lebron at 973-353-0707 or blebron@newark.rutgers.edu. For walk-in tours, inquire at the front desk. If a member of the gallery staff is available, we would be happy to show you around!

Concerts & Performances

The Paul Robeson Galleries frequently hosts and co-sponsors concerts that are open to the public. Musicians who have performed in PRG events include: NJ Symphony Orchestra Brass Quartet, Stanley Cowell Jazz Trio, Eco del Sur, Momenta Quartet, Caitlin Warbelow, Hassan Anderson, Leighann Narum, Akua Dixon’s Quartette Indigo, Siren Baroque, and more.

Art Biz

A series of lectures and events designed to provide artists with the skills necessary to negotiate their careers in the art world. Programs are free of charge and open to the public.

Art Break

In this series of workshops, artists discuss their take on portraiture and lead participants in hands-on art making activities inspired by the materials, methods, and perspectives of their own practice.

Artist in Residence

The Artist in Residence is selected by a jury of art professionals. During their six-month tenure, a Newark artist works in a studio located in the former Hahne Department Store and participates in the dynamic cultural community of Express Newark. The artist receives a stipend and the residency ends with an exhibition at the Paul Robeson Galleries.

The Hive

The Hive resource library, located just outside the gallery offices at Express Newark, contains books and related materials and is open during regular office hours. We are not a lending library but everyone is welcome to peruse our materials during our open hours. The books cover issues of being an artist, including overviews of how to manage your career, living a creative life, art history & theory, and sources of inspiration. Click here to view the list of available materials.

We live in a world mediated by images, goading us toward certain desires and consumer behavior. Understanding art and its construction helps us appreciate and critically evaluate not only art and the pleasures associated with it, but also the society that makes them possible. We organize educational programming for all ages that takes place at the galleries and offsite. Visit our Education page to learn more.