Raphael Sassi’s art communicates his deep and abiding respect and commitment to traditional technique as well as constant innovation in drawings, paintings, and sculpture. Works in this exhibition span nearly his entire life, from early works on paper to his most recently completed works in painting and drawing. Raphael committed to practicing art seriously from a young age, declaring his intentions to his father who was an art teacher and working at it almost daily until his death in 2019.

Sassi’s talent was apparent to those around him from youth, coupled with a drive to create art that pushed his work to among the highest caliber in representational and figurative drawing and painting circles. He received numerous awards and accolades across his lifetime and was a teacher as well as a sought after portrait artist. This exhibition asserts his place as a critically important Colorado artist, and honors his legacy as both an artist and as a friend to so many in this region. Curated by Daisy McGowan, with thanks to Gretchen and Doug Sassi for their work to realize the exhibition.