By Marina von Anrep
Who were they–come to discover.
The Story of Reva and Leonard tells the tales of two artists who helped establish San Miguel de Allende as a world-famous art and music colony. Come to see and experience their story at Casa Europa starting in the month of February.
In 1947 the Brooks left Canada for Mexico, where Leonard planned to study painting for a year, on a war veteran’s pension. A very pivotal moment occurred when Stirling Dickinson, director of the Fine Arts University, the local Bellas Artes, invited Brooks to become a faculty member. From there they developed a lifelong friendship.
They stayed for over 60 years, in fact, until their passing, except for their deportation, and their request of the Mexican government to return.
Meanwhile they travelled extensively, paintings from which you will see in the exhibition.
Keep abreast of special events during the exhibition by signing up for the email alerts, information options below. Hear the fascinating story of how the deportation at gunpoint of American and Canadian art teachers from San Miguel, which almost kept the Mexican town from becoming the international art center it is today.
Both Leonard and Reva developed their talents for the great part of their lives in San Miguel, in this marvellous environment of exchange of creative ideas and their expression. Reva became a world-famous photographer with her photos being shown at the MOMA in New York City. Leonard had been recognized previously as a Canadian war artist and here in Mexico he developed his talent in many mediums. Some of his paintings of boats and the sea are also included in the collection at Casa Europa.
Leonard also brought music to San Miguel de Allende! He gave almost 40 years of love and teaching music at the Bellas Artes and donated his salary for instruments for the children. We can all be grateful to him for this dedication and longevity.
Leonard authored eight books with explicit directions and methods on painting techniques in various mediums. Those are now long out of print but will be on display at the exhibition. He wrote other books about his experience here and readings from those will be part of the ongoing events. His books of his favorite works of his art that he published will be for sale as well as posters he donated to music festivals during the years. Reva’s photographic work also will be on display.
Some of Leonard and Reva’s family will be present at several of the special events during the exhibition adding personal stories and history of their lives here especially during the early years. Exact dates and times will be published on the official Facebook page Leonard & Reva Brooks Art; and also, with a note emailed to leonardbrooks.sm@gmail.com you will be made aware of goings-on and can make space reservations where necessary.
Art Exhibition
Leonard and Reva Brooks
“San Miguel’s Art Pioneers, 1947–2011”
February 4–March 5
Casa Europa
San Francisco 23, Centro
