Mark Tobin Moore | Patriot Collagist

In celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary, Gallery Eleven's Guest Artist for July is Mark Tobin Moore, whose mixed media collages are well known for their images of American life interspersed with patriotic icons. Mark was a “service brat” who grew up on Army and Air Force bases in the US and overseas, enlisting in the U.S Navy in 1972.

From making pencil drawings of Civil War battlefields at three years old, Mark spent some of his early years making his own comics with influences from British WWII comics, DC comics, or Marvel comics.

" I worked on art constantly to the detriment of my other studies,” Mark says.

After separating from the Navy, Mark went to graduate school at Marshall University, later earning an MFA degree from West Virginia University. He became an Instructor and Assistant Professor of Art for twenty years at a number of state colleges and universities.

Over the years, Mark has exhibited his many art works nationwide, in Germany and France, and in numerous galleries, universities, and museums in West Virginia.

"Making my art and growing it is what gives my life meaning. Also, sharing it through exhibitions, teaching or even sales so that someone may interact with my art in their own surroundings. Talking about it is more of a challenge because of the word “my” in its description. I never really think it is 'mine'.

The process of painting is a conversation with another presence, one that I respect and honor each time by giving nothing less than my best effort, insights, and empathy. When each process concludes I always feel blessed and lucky to have been a participant."

Don't miss the public reception for this exhibit on Friday, July 17 from 4-7 PM in Gallery Eleven, now at 205 W. Washington St. in Charleston WV. Enjoy wine and refreshments while you explore the latest West Virginia art works for sale. We offer a wide range of creative products from paintings and prints to sculpture, ceramics, glass and wood works, as well as jewelry, and more!