Robert blogs on art, creativity, politics, CSA, religion and culture. Many overlap into multiple categories, like motivational or random favorites. Robert is a life-long artist, writer, musician & actor, a professional creative his entire adult life. Born in 1959 in Detroit, he has lived in New York, New Orleans and currently in Charleston. His commission portraits and fine art are part of over a thousand collections throughout North America. Read his bio.
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Father’s Day
Losing one's father is a sad moment in anyone's life, no doubt. But it is also a necessary and meaningful milestone. Even as we honor and acknowledge how much our fathers have done for us to make us the individuals we have become, we need to put in perspective the...
We Know What’s Coming
We've all studied enough history to know what's coming next. But still, many of us are choosing to bury our head in the sand. Some of us are not. But we all still own it, even us "never trumpers." We've allowed this to happen. If we voted, marched, wrote, posted,...
Portrait of Monsignor James A. Carter
Called to Greatness out of Necessity I'm very excited to finally be able to share my portrait of Monsignor James A. Carter, created for ECCO of Mount Pleasant. A native of Charleston, James Carter grew up on Broad Street and was ordained as a priest in 1966. He...
PSOAE 2025
Let there be Light! I invite you to find me at the corner of Calhoun and Meeting during the Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition in Marian Square, a fabulous festival of great art by top artists in the south. Myself and 52 other great artists will be there in person...
Patrick Duffy Portrait
This past St Patrick's day was the big annual event at the Hibernia Society in Charleston. The Irish centered organization is a society, not a club, and is not affiliated with the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). A National Historic Landmark, the Hibernian Hall was...
Baked In Trauma
My innocence was literally stolen when I was sexually assaulted as a kid. So, I tend to present in public as if I am somehow guilty of something. I get nervous and start talking. If I'm allowed to speak long enough, I will inevitably stumble upon some transgression or...
Trickle Down Fascism
I finally watched the horror show from this past Friday with President Zielinski and the Trump Syndicate.. It's difficult for me to watch abusive content because it is so triggering for me personally -- good luck over the next four years, right? Aside from the ganging...
A Better Way
America has been egging for a real knock down, drag out existential crisis since the end of WWII. Civil rights, Watergate, the Cold War, the World Trade Center attack, not to mention the collective unresolved guilt of ignoring the genocide of indigenous people and...
The Little Bird and the Hawk
This is a story about a boy whose parents talked him out of caring for an injured bird he found on his way home from school. "Get that thing out of here," his mother scolded. "He's full of germs!" "Let nature run its course," said his father. "It's wrong to interfere...
Walk the Line
I try to walk a line, as a political person, because we are all political beings, even if we shy away from politics. I push the envelope as a citizen/artist, not as often as I'd like to. I restrain myself. But as I survey the current landscape, I find myself wanting...
The Obstacle Course of my Life
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger I am a survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse, which deeply impacted my sensibility and sense of self worth. One positive that came out of it was it made me more sensitive to the suffering of others. Believe me, empathy is not...
Several Important Feature Story Prompts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 2025 Contact: Robert Maniscalco, artist/author [email protected] mobile: 313-689-2993 Maniscalco Presents Several Important Portrait Commissions and Publishes his Fifth Book Here are several great ideas for feature content for...
Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
I rather like this portrait. ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.What a great opening night! I think we hit the mark. I'm in awe of the level of talent and dedication to message behind this show and its timeliness. We need to wake people up and turn on a light. ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.I don't like to politicize this page but I don't care for portraits being weaponized in this manner.  ... See MoreSee Less
Trump moves Obama, Bush portraits to hidden stairwell
www.yahoo.com
Once a dramatic feature of the White House entryway, the official portrait of former President Barack Obama has been moved to a decidedly less prominent position, underscoring the years-long tensions ...This was part of the recent NOAPS best in America show as well. ... See MoreSee Less
See the Light - Maniscalco Gallery
maniscalcogallery.com
Is the light in his eye placed there by God or is it merely a reflection of the light around him? What is this beautiful soul looking at?... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Son & daughter day is August 11. I will do your kid's portrait for 20% off my regular fee, if you reach out before midnight, on 8/11. Something to think about.
maniscalcogallery.com/about-having-a-maniscalco-portrait/ ... See MoreSee Less