Reb Roberts is an artist, educator, and collaborator who remains active and involved in the Grand Rapids community and local art scene. Born and raised in New Orleans, Reb arrived in West Michigan in 1972 and enrolled at Grand Valley’s William James College. He spent over 20 years working in early childhood education, a passion that continues to this day through partnerships and artist residencies. In the mid-1990’s Reb began to intentionally focus on creating art, and increasingly, works in public spaces. Then, in 1999 he and his wife, Carmella Loftis opened The Sanctuary Folk Art Gallery in the Heartside neighborhood of downtown Grand Rapids. For 18 years, their space was a hub for artists and art that embraced authenticity, inspiration, and collaboration.

“My paintings and sculptures are both complimentary and contrary to nature. They are not always within the realm of being normal. We should be suspicious of anything that is normal.”

Passionate about art and its power, Reb’s distinctive painting style is found in many public and private collections as well as in various urban settings. He spontaneously creates a style of visual and verbal graffiti using any combination of house paint, cardboard, paper, wood, metal, and other found materials.