Artist Talk: Robert Henry — Working in Series

Friday, January 9, 4:00 pm, in the Hope-McClennen Gallery

Join Robert Henry, acclaimed Provincetown artist and educator, for a special conversation with Director of Art Benton Jones about his unique approach to creating artwork in series—a method where multiple pieces are connected by theme, subject, or style.

Henry will share insights from his seven-decade career, his artistic process, and his connection to the teachings of Hans Hofmann. The talk will be followed by a brief audience Q&A.

Robert Henry (b. 1933, Brooklyn, NY) is a distinguished American painter, educator, and arts leader whose work is deeply rooted in the Modernist tradition. With a career spanning over six decades, Henry has become a central figure in the Provincetown art community and a major influence on generations of artists through both his practice and teaching.

Henry’s formal art education began at the Brooklyn Museum Art School, followed by Brooklyn College, where he developed a strong foundation in traditional and contemporary techniques. A pivotal moment in his artistic journey came when he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Hans Hofmann School of Fine Arts in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Hofmann, a towering figure in 20th-century art and a key proponent of Abstract Expressionism, became a formative influence on Henry’s approach to color, composition, and the expressive power of form.

Known for his deep exploration of the human figure and urban environment, Henry frequently works in series, producing multiple interrelated works that investigate a single subject, theme, or technique over time. These series allow him to push the boundaries of representation and abstraction, often emphasizing psychological depth, bold color, and a dynamic use of space. Whether in portraiture, street scenes, or abstract compositions, his work reveals a keen observational eye and a commitment to visual storytelling.

His influence is also seen in the work of contemporary artists such as Laura Shabott, who studied with him and carries forward the lineage of the Hofmann School through her own bold, expressive figurative works.

Henry has exhibited extensively in both solo and group shows throughout the United States and internationally, with exhibitions in London, Paris, Oslo, and numerous venues across Cape Cod and New York City. His work is held in private and public collections, and he continues to be represented by the Berta Walker Gallery in Provincetown.

This event is presented in conjunction with:

You Only Get One Body: Art by Laura Shabott

On view October 9, 2025 – January 25, 2026

Cancellation policy: CCMoA must be notified 1 week prior for a refund.