Day: May 9, 2025

Brooklyn, NY  — A long-dormant artistic voice is making a powerful comeback — not for the spotlight, but to uplift arts education in New York City public schools.

On Thursday, May 15, a VIP opening and benefit featuring artist Max Rosen’s work will kick off at Picto NY. The event has pledged to raise $50,000 with 100% of proceeds supporting arts programming at Achievement First, a network of 41 public charter schools serving students in Brooklyn, Queens, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Rosen, a LaGuardia High School and School of Visual Arts alum, was once an up-and-coming illustrator in the 1970s, apprenticing under the famed Robert Grossman. But after becoming disenchanted with the commercial art world, he walked away, destroying his entire portfolio and not painting for more than 40 years.

Now, Rosen is back. And he’s using his art to pay it forward.

“I hope that this gallery show allows each child in Achievement First to learn that their creativity can be a fantastic companion, and an incredibly effective tool for healing and growth,” added Rosen.

Achievement First is committed to ensuring that its primarily Black and Latino student population thrives academically and has meaningful access to creative and cultural enrichment.

Rosen was particularly drawn to Achievement First when he saw their commitment to their students on a collaborative project first-hand. Children from Achievement First will attend the gallery benefit to sing a song and present Rosen with artwork of their own.

The opening night benefit from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, will feature celebrity special guests, a huge custom installation, great live music, the screening of a new two-minute comedic viral video about Rosen’s artwork starring the famed DJ Envy, and more. The show has been generously underwritten by Indigo Productions, Picto NY Fine Art Printing, Mimvi SEO, and Wealthstream Advisors. 

Rosen’s current collection, Defective Characters, is a playful and poignant alphabet-inspired series with a distinct visual appeal for school-aged audiences. His return to the art world has already made waves. He is now represented by both Picto NY and the Philippe Labaune Gallery in Chelsea, and his work is featured in the Museum of Graffiti’s collection in Miami.

To RSVP, buy art, and/or donate directly to the school, please visit https://www.maxrosen.art/exhibit-soup.