Renowned artist Robert Verrier gives from the heart

Bubbles Girl, one of Robert Verrier’s Haitian portraits. Proceeds from an auction of his fine art prints will go to helping the people of Haiti.

By Trudy Bazemore

Having lived all over the world, renowned artist, Robert Verrier was looking for a new place to call home, and upon arriving in Georgetown, S.C., he felt as though he was where he was supposed to be. After giving much consideration to other parts of the country, Georgetown felt like it could very well be the destination for which he had been searching. On Saturday, March 6, at 7 p.m., visitors to the Georgetown County Library will have an opportunity to meet this remarkable man, take home a sampling of his extraordinary work, and at the same time contribute to a most worthwhile cause. Proceeds from an art auction held at the library and sponsored by the Friends of the Georgetown Library, will go towards helping people in Haiti who are suffering the devastating aftermath of the earthquake that occurred there on January 12.

Verrier had his first art lesson in 1936. His teacher instructed him to examine a model of a human ear. After much pondering and some consternation, Verrier became bored. “Why am I spending time sketching this ear when there are so many other things I want to draw,” he wondered. When he enrolled in the “Art Students League” in 1950, Verrier’s brush and palette finally received the freedom they had been seeking.

Since then Verrier has painted all over the world including Europe and the United States. And all the while his life has been an amazing journey filled with different vocations and avocations including educator, restaurateur, and even ski instructor. For several years, while living in Germany, Verrier taught students the techniques of skiing, until a broken leg ended that endeavor. But, Verrier, undaunted, moved on to other interests. Over the years, he has pursued commercial art, wood working, metal sculpting, and photography.

Verrier is also a husband and a father. His wife, Alta, shares his love of art, his son owns a design firm, his daughter is a wrangler in Wyoming, and his granddaughter is a student, currently completing studies at Syracuse University. He is also step-father to two step-sons and a step-daughter along with several step-grandchildren.

Girl With Hat by Robert Verrier

Verrier’s greatest livelihood was in the field of public relations … especially advertising. He enjoyed it most because “it dealt with current events.” Always fresh and constantly changing, it gave his creativity free-reign. Through the years, he managed several hugely successful campaigns in a variety of venues.

Then, for eighteen years, Verrier’s life was spent in “flat racing” with thoroughbred horses. He managed every aspect of “Scarborough Downs,” the fastest half-mile track in New England. Located just eight miles from Portland, Maine, harness racing has been a staple there for over 50 years.

And, he is a self-taught chef. Verrier made certain that his time in the restaurant business did not lack innovation. He created numerous recipes – his favorites included seafood - conch chowder with 22 ingredients, “Oysters Verrier,” and other delectable dishes. But, surprisingly, in spite of the fact that his taste buds leaned towards shellfish, his culinary masterpiece was in the dessert department with a stunning interpretation of key lime pie.

Mink Island by Robert Verrier

But, painting was always a passion, and in 1978, Verrier was commissioned by the Cultural Attaché of Haiti and the United States State

Renowned Georgetown, S.C., artist Robert Verrier will be at the March 6 fundraising event at the Georgetown County Library. Shown: Andre.

Department to paint portraits of Haitian children. He completed 50 portraits which were shown at the National Gallery in Haiti as well as in Washington, D.C. The portraits are rich with color and vibrant energy. Verrier captured the emotional essence of each of his subjects and their spirits are reflected on his canvases. Reproductions of a dozen of those portraits, along with about twenty additional prints from the artist’s repertoire, will be offered in the silent auction at the Georgetown County Library, located at 405 Cleland Street in Georgetown, S.C. on Saturday, March 6, at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge to this event, and the artist will be onsite to answer questions. The portraits are currently on display at the library and may be previewed there anytime prior to the auction.

Having lived in Haiti, the artist is passionate about its land and its people, and this occasion will enable people to donate to a cause, and at the same time acquire a beautiful piece of artwork. Besides the Haitian portraits, other art being auctioned will include landscapes, seascapes, florals, and a selection of other subjects.

For additional information, contact Georgetown Library assistant director, Trudy Bazemore, at 843-545-3303 or digital library project manager, Julie Warren at 843-545-3316.

: Renowned Georgetown, S.C., artist Robert Verrier will be at the March 6 fundraising event at the Georgetown County Library. Shown: Andre.

: Bubbles Girl, one of Robert Verrier’s Haitian portraits. Proceeds from an auction of his fine art prints will go to helping the people of Haiti.