ABOUT
Robbie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is married to Ross, has one son, Joseph, and an assortment of "rescue" cats that have joined her family. At the Painted Garden, her shop cat, Solomon, rules the roost and keeps her company at the gallery.
She credits her love of art, with her father taking her family to Carnegie Museum as a youth, the seed for art was planted, but laid dormant for some time. After high school Robbie joined the US Navy and was off to see the world. By the time her 5 year enlistment was up, she had visited New Orleans. There she met Gladys Italiano (a friend's aunt) who was an accomplished artist. Robbie was admiring her work, when Ms.Italiano commented "if you love art that much you can paint," and the seed was watered. That comment stayed within Robbie's heart for years. She then was introduced to a George Eliot quote from her favorite Victorian Magazine in 1994: "It is never too late to be what you might have been." Robbie was inspired. As a believer in Jesus Christ, she asked God to give her the gift of painting, and took steps of faith. At her first juried art show , she received an honorable mention. In the company of many prominent artist she was encouraged. Her painted furniture and art began to sell at Bloxoms Nursery, a garden center she and her husband have owned since 1993. Now, her seed being in bloom, Robbie decided to leave the Postal Service in 1996, and pursue art full time. Her and Ross bought an old Victorian in the Historic area of downtown Smithfield, Virginia. Ross did all the renovations beautifully and in spring 2000 the Painted Garden opened. Since then Robbie's artwork has been given national attention. She was the featured Artist for the summer of 2004 at the famous Trellis Restaurant. located in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Robbie's work was personally selected by renowned chef / then owner Marcel Desalauneir.
Robbie has been in many local newspapers and magazines including Hampton Roads Magazine and most recently Victoria Magazine Jan/Feb 2010 as a featured entreprenaur. She is very involved in having the town of Smithfield, Virginia be recognized as an "Art Destination." She has been instrumental in getting started SMARTS (Smithfield Monthly Art Stroll) and having Art, Shopping, Dining banners being displayed in the Smithfield Historic District. Robbie believes being community-minded is very important. She serves as vice-president of the Smithfield Historic District Association, on the council for Virginia for the Humanities and serves on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce in Isle of Wight County.
Robbie is very thankful to God, knowing He has done so many great things for her and He deserves all the credit,. She prays with His continued help, "He will bless the works of my hands...Psalm 90:17."
