My Story
Hello! My name is Cary Michael Robinson, and I am a native of Mobile, AL, and I have resided in the Washington, DC metro area for 5 years. Within this time frame, I have been able to become affiliated with the arts community in this area by showcasing my work with one goal in mind: to promote social change and improve the overall quality of life of others through an effective utilization of art and design in all endeavors.

The Problem
My artwork has been featured in various venues and exhibits throughout the Washington, DC Metro area including the Howard Theatre, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and surrounding locations. However, most recently, my most prominent artwork entitled, “Purple REIGN”, which features a side profile of singer and pop icon Prince Rogers Nelson in a very distinct, abstract “purple rain” background was inexplicably featured in the 2016 BET Awards Show during a Prince Tribute performance. While the question still remains as to how or if this work was indeed my work (or a stolen/manipulated concept) and how it was obtained, the featured image bears a STRIKING resemblance to a work of art that I created and have since then copyrighted (Registration Number: VA2-019-497).

I certainly appreciate the acclaim by having my artwork recognized on such a prominent, nationally televised network such as Viacom (BET), and for all the praise received from everyone who was familiar with my work prior to the BET appearance. However, as an independent artist, it becomes very disappointing and discouraging not to receive the proper acknowledgement that you feel you should receive after exhausting so much time, energy and effort in developing a masterpiece. Beyond the notion of receiving financial compensation, it would be proper to at least receive credit for a work of art that you’ve derived from an idea to a tangible concept.

While we all want to use social media as a marketing tool to get our work noticed, the fact remains that once you put an image online, there’s nothing you can do to prevent it from being downloaded, copied and stolen.



Because of incidents like these, a number of artists (including myself) become stagnant and even lose their zeal and passion for the arts altogether. Furthermore, some even resort to permanently living a life that is totally not gratifying, working a 9-5 in an unrelated field and possibly never involving themselves in art again.

The Solution
In order to preserve my own passion for artistry, I’ve decided to curate and arrange my own visual arts showcase entitled, “Cirque du So 90s” (Circus of the 90’s) this upcoming January 2017.


In short, this exhibition will offer a combination of fine arts, dance, music and fashion, and highlights iconic moments and trends in pop culture occurring in the U.S. between 1989 to 2001. This showcase will also feature the works of other local, emerging and established artists with the attempt to develop a solid collaborative network of creatives, providing them opportunities to:

In turn, participating artists will also have the opportunity to compete for a Best in Show Award, so that they can all have a fair chance of receiving compensation and recognition for their valued artistic contributions.

Think of it as a “Party with a Purpose”, where audiences will be exposed to major talent and magnificent works of art and artists will gain vast exposure and also, membership into a local arts alliance, which should open the door to so many other creative opportunities.

Why I Need Your Support
In reviewing the logistics of developing this proposed showcase, I realize that in order to bring this vision into a reality, I really and truly need your support. I am reaching out to all friends, family members, art enthusiasts and those who just want to support a worthy cause, to provide a contribution in any dollar amount and also share this campaign to those whom you think would be willing to contribute and share as well.

Your generous contributions will allow me to unify artists of various disciplines in a collaborative environment, as well as build a strong sense of community and foundation for artistic growth. This showcase will also serve as a big step in my artistic career, as it will open the door to so many other opportunities that are only capable upon successful completion of this proposed event.

I have a little over two months to obtain the support needed for this endeavor, and receiving it sooner than later will ensure that I am fully capable of executing my vision.

…and as a special thank you, your donation will qualify you for the rewards listed in the body of this GoFundMe campaign. (Art will make GREAT gifts, especially for the upcoming Holiday Season!)

Thank you SO much in advance for your support, and please don’t be antisocial – Share, Share, Share!

Take care!

#CaryMichael
http://www.carymichael.com

*Special thanks to the following individuals for their help and support on helping me cultivate this vision:

-Maverick Lemons (Choreographer/Dancer) http://www.mavericklemons.com

-Rohaun (Fine Artist) http://www.beeloyalforever.com)