Tony Roko Exhibits at Southfield Library Gallery Through May 1

Southfield, MI -Tony Roko, the artist behind the Restaurant Relief Fund, who aimed to sell his colorful artwork to support struggling restaurants and worker, brings his outstanding pieces to the Southfield Library 2^nd level gallery from now until May 1.

Ordinary bartenders, waitresses and diners become Renaissance people in themed prints that have been displayed in various restaurants. A portion of each sale made at the restaurant or through a QR code helped with wages lost to Covid19 and pandemic closures. Library patrons can continue to donate to this fund while the exhibit is on display.

Roko started his career as an assembly line worker at Ford Motor Company, became a muralist for Ford, then an Art Prize contender. He has secured commissions with Lady Gaga and Jay Leno. His work helped open the Detroit Foundation Hotel in Detroit with works throughout the building.

“We are delighted to have Tony Roko’s fine work in our gallery because it highlights working people, those that are just beginning to gain footing after two upending years of pandemic,” said Kelly Ireland Rembert, Outreach librarian. “He finds the majesty, the aliveness of workers who feed the public.”

Rembert recalls an earlier book, “Nickel and Dimed,” by Barbara Ehrenreich that detailed the plight of low wage workers in the restaurant industry. Finding new ways to augment paychecks may be a useful way to go forward.

The exhibi is available when the library is open. Check www.southfieldlibrary.org or call (248) 796-4200 for hours. Southfield Public Library is located in the Southfield Municipal Complex, 26300 Evergreen Road. Visit the Library’s Home Page at www.southfieldlibrary.org.