From having his artwork published in a citywide newspaper at 16 years old to having his artwork in 20 TTC subway locations as an adult, artist Robert Small’s artistic accomplishments continue to grow each year. As a 2016 Harry Jerome Award winner and recent recipient of the Jackie Robinson Fortitude Award in 2017, Small is constantly being recognized for playing a significant role in promoting African-Canadian art.

Small was the first African-Canadian visual artist in history to appear on mainstream media outlets. He has also been prominently featured in The Toronto Star, The Toronto Sun and other local newspapers. His artwork, through the LEGACY poster is the centerpiece of Black History month celebrations. Small focuses on creating new work using oil and acrylic paint. He excels in drawing and painting portraits, seascapes and landscape paintings.

Robert is a self-taught artist and graduate of the University of Windsor. He is also a certified teacher and co-founder of the Durham Black Artists Collective. Small is a sought after speaker on the arts and conducts several art workshops for youth. Past organizations and school boards Small has facilitated workshops such as Durham District School Board, San Romanoway Revitalization Association, UrbanArts Toronto and Toronto District School Board. Small regularly mentors younger African-Canadian artists and talks to young people about the growing need for the creativity artist’s possess in the age of technology. As an entrepreneur, Small conducts “BOSS Life” workshops for aspiring African-Canadian entrepreneurs. He is also the author of two activity books for youth that focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math.