The Robert Martinez Art Exhibit, “The Mix,” features works by acclaimed Wyoming artist Robert Martinez on display through Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Casper College Alumni Association Art Gallery.
Robert Martinez Art Exhibit on Display at Casper College
“Having grown up on the Wind River Reservation as a part of many different cultures: Northern Arapaho, Chicano, and Anglo. Those differences and similarities have shaped the ideas and the subject matter of my paintings,” said Martinez.
According to his biography, Martinez’s current work combines historical imagery, myths, and stories of the West with modern themes to create images that make a statement about today’s issues.
The Robert Martinez Art Exhibit, “The Mix,” highlights pieces combining historical imagery and Western myths with modern social commentary. A recipient of the prestigious Wyoming Governor’s Arts Award in 2019, Martinez uses intense, vibrant color and contrasting shades of light and dark. He paints and draws striking forms that are confronting and engage the viewer.
“(I am) deeply influenced by the Renaissance masters and their effectiveness with the figure; I strive to capture the ‘character’ of my subjects and even draw upon fantasy illustration to draw your eye to my point … the person. Many of my works depict ideas of beauty, culture, or most often the kinds of people I know. Native Americans, Cowboys, trappers. I live in the ‘West’ and so, most often, I paint what I know,” he said.
Martinez graduated from Riverton High School in Riverton at 17. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and drawing, with a minor in sculpture, in three years, graduating at 19 and becoming one of the youngest to graduate from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design at the time.
His paintings and drawings have been exhibited across the country, and his works are held in the permanent collections of the Wyoming State Museum, The Brinton Museum, The Plains Indian Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
Visitors can view the Robert Martinez Art Exhibit, “The Mix,” at no cost during regular gallery hours. The Casper College Alumni Association Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is located in the Dick and Marialyce Tobin Visual Arts Center on the Casper College campus.
At a Glance:
- Event Focus
- Solo art exhibition showcasing historical imagery, Western mythology, and contemporary social themes by contemporary Northern Arapaho and Chicano artist Robert Martinez
- Key Participants
- Robert Martinez, 2019 Wyoming Governor’s Arts Award recipient and featured artist
- Casper College Alumni Association Art Gallery, host venue
- Logistics: Dates, Times, and Locations
- Exhibition on display through Dec. 3, 2026
- Gallery Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Location: Casper College Alumni Association Art Gallery, Dick and Marialyce Tobin Visual Arts Center, Casper College campus
- Admission and Registration
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Registration: No advance registration or tickets required
