Exhibiting Artist Frankie Greer
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Our current exhibiting artist, Frankie Greer, grew up in York, Pennsylvania. He has been close friends with Crispus Attucks’ CEO, Bobby Simpson, for many years and has donated a number of his works to the History & Culture Center’s permanent collection. His work primarily consists of paintings and drawings that focus on the spiritual coming together of one world. Visit the History & Culture Center’s Bob & Donna Pullo Art Gallery to view his work now!
Growing up, Greer would visit Crispus Attucks, often playing basketball, boxing, or performing in a local band where he “got a chance to be loved.” In two of his large canvas paintings, he depicts CA from the 1990s and the 1940s. In his painting titled Old Crispus Attucks, Greer explains that he had to hit the history books and consult many people from the area to accurately portray what CA looked like in the 1940s. These two large paintings are on view at the Crispus Attucks Community Center at 605 S Duke Street.
His works portray societal issues and happy moments within the larger community. Many of his paintings include children and the joy they experience while growing up in a close community. Greer says it is important to show children playing and having fun because “we raise children, it’s how we all grow up, and it’s how we learn – we’re all children.”
A community favorite of his is the drawing titled Arm & Arm. This piece was created when Greer was in high school and it depicts Bobby Simpson being led away from a fight by his brother Sonny when they were children. This drawing allows viewers to reminisce on their childhood and reflect on the lessons they learned from their community.
Greer draws inspiration from the world around him, whether seen on the news or directly in front of him. His paintings are “Frankie’s way of understanding the world.”
Many of his works depict intense scenes to show the ignorance of the world in hopes that the audience will open up their hearts to these issues. One of his paintings titled Back Stabbers showcases the fear and hatred that Black and Brown people have which divides each other. Through his work, Greer is able to express the issues he sees and open up conversations about these topics.
Currently, Greer lives in California where he continues to make art about similar subjects in large paintings and murals. His art also carries on through the music he makes as he creates “joyous noise for a one-world human nation.”
Be sure to stop by the Bob & Donna Pullo Art Gallery to see local talent on display!
