Charles M. Dwyer

You have probably not heard of artist Charles Dwyer. He remained rather mysterious, even in his own community of Newport, RI, where he grew up and spent the majority of his life. You see, Charles was an observer. Rather than demanding the spotlight for himself, he shone it over his hometown, capturing Newport and its residents in their rawest, most familiar form. His work maintains a subdued and elusive viewpoint, much like Charles himself. However, his background is anything but having graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1970, where he studied painting, Charles was awarded multiple scholarships in recognition of his work and absolute passion. His commitment to the art realm secured his select attendance at the RISD Senior Year European Honors Program in Rome, Italy, and furthered his education, where he went on to study at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and earn a master's degree in Painting from Boston University. In continuation, he became a true educator of the arts and taught at the Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Michigan, Bridgewater State College, Wesleyan University, and Rhode Island College. Charles received a multitude of awards in recognition of his work as a painter during the tenure of his career. His list of accolades includes grants from the RI State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, an Arthur Rackham Grant from the University of Michigan, and the Prix de Rome in Painting from the American Academy in Rome. He enjoyed expanding outward into the world, traveling throughout the United States and Europe, and even residing n Rome, Italy for two years. His works have been adoringly exhibited in numerous galleries and museums. Many also remain in private collections with those who have fallen for Charles's uniquely aware and ambiguous persona, both of which are embedded within each of his pieces.