Meet The Requirements

Luvon Sheppard At The Memorial Art Gallery

Rochester, New York

We spent years in the same office, but I did not know that Luvon Sheppard was a high school wrestler!  I did know that Luvon was born in Florida, but I did not know that his father was always away.. I do remember that we attended a memorial service for Luvon's mom after she passed, and that we have her edict "Meet The Requirements" pasted up on our refrigerator!

Three days ago, we went to "Meet The Artist" at The Memorial Art Gallery, and heard a wonderful interview with Luvon that was a real inspiration.

Interview with Luvon Sheppard in April 16, 2026

Mr. Sheppard has been teaching at Rochester Institute of Technology for over 50 years!  Today, his specialty is watercolor and he is also into collage.  Images of his artwork were projected onto the big screen as the interview progressed, and as the "Book of Luvon" opened, one could get a real sense of the contributions he has made to our community, and our country.

Luvon also owns the Joy Gallery on West Main Street, and there he has supported many exhibitions by other artists over the years.  This is a real factor in our area - to provide opportunities for artists to show their stuff!  It was pointed out in the interview that Luvon has been engaged for years beginning with his community based effort to establish "All Of Us", bringing arts to a wider audience here in Rochester.

 

A new venue has opened with Museo de Arte at 3495 Winton Place established by artist Kathy Clem

In the evening we attended the opening at the Museo de Arte, and we met with Kathy Clem who mingled with the crowd.  Her idea was to open a new space for the community and present a project that is a big group effort to create artwork for a building within the gallery space.  It is called the "Felted House" and not only is the little building wrapped in felt, but there is also artworks inside on the wall and ceiling that offer attractive felt work done by a large group of art volunteers.

Bravo!  Kathy Clem is inspired with a wide view of community engagement and she also has space to create new work and show this to the public.

Museo de Arte is conducting an open call for your art!

Applications are due by late August, 2026

There is still much work to do, and at The Museo de Arte there is an open call to the community to submit artworks for a show that will open in October of 2026.  So, get involved, applications are due by the end of August!