Urban Blues was painted in 2016 by long-time Saint John’s employee Darron Reed. He painted the piece in response to the uprising in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park Neighborhood in 2016. Reed is a self-taught artist who brings a fresh perspective on African-American art. At age 12, Reed and his twin brother entered a local art contest winning first and second places respectively, igniting his passion for art. Urban Blues reflects three of his influences: Picasso for his daring, Van Gogh for his colors, and Basquiat for urban themes.

Reed has always seen his art as a hobby, engaging with it when he is in the mood to create or feels like he has something to express. Over time he has created a sizable collection of pieces. In addition to paintings, Reed designs and builds sculptural clocks in metal and wood. He started making clocks because he wanted to create something that was both functional and meaningful. Saint John’s owns two more of Darron’s pieces: a clock in the north lobby and a collage of the Saint John’s campus on the lower level. His work has been shown in our former Uihlein Peters Gallery as well as at other shows and galleries in Wisconsin.

Abstract building in autumn colors - greens, browns,rusts,golds, orange on medium green background.