'Hands and Heart: A Global Perspective of Art, Design and Philanthropy' on Display Feb. 1-April 13

The University of St. Thomas Department of Art History will open the exhibition "Hands and Heart: A Global Perspective of Art, Design and Philanthropy" on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the O’Shaughnessy Educational Center lobby gallery on the St. Paul campus. The exhibition features a selection from the jewelry designs and personal art collection of Robyne Robinson.

Robinson has collected ethnic, modern and contemporary art from all parts of the world for the past 20 years. Her combined passions for culture, design and travel eventually led to a collection of keepsakes from her adventures – a river stone from Germany, silver milagros from New Mexico or ceramic beads from Greece. Robyne revived a childhood talent for collecting unusual items and stringing beads to create her ROX jewelry line, sold in 26 jewelry stores and boutiques around the world. Her designs tell stories of where she has been and why the people and places were special to her. In addition, the beaded and dyed bags for ROX jewelry are an international philanthropic collaboration – handcrafted by a group of South African women, their fair trade project with Robinson returns money to the community, and they in turn provide books and clothing for orphaned children as well as support missionary work.

Robinson will also present a lecture, "The Impact of Global Urbanism on Art and Design," at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 16, in the O'Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium. A reception will be held following the lecture in the lobby gallery.

The exhibition and lecture are free and open to the public. For more information call Sue Focke, (651) 962-5560, or visit the Art History website.