Harlem's Franco The Great in front of one of his famous murals on 125th street

Franco the Great is a world renowned artist who is often referred to as the “Picasso of Harlem.” The 84-year-old muralist, originally from Panama, is best known for his stunning versatility and one of a kind workmanship.

There will be an exhibit of his artwork at the Adam Clayton Powell State Building in Harlem on February 10th and 11th. The gallery will include original paintings, reproductions and artifacts for sale and general viewing.

In an effort to beautify Harlem in 1978, Franco Gaskin began producing murals on the dreary metal gates for storefronts on historic 125th street. The security gates had been adopted due to the 1968 riots that followed Martin Luther King Jr.‘s assassination.

As one shop owner stated, “until Franco came along, 125th Street looked like a battleground. Now it’s an alfresco art gallery.”

For 25 years, he painted over 200 gate murals which became cultural landmarks and transformed the community. While those gates were officially banned in 2009 and only about 25 remain, the street is still referred to as “Franco’s Blvd.”

As of last Summer, the Harlem Community Development Corporation was working on a plan to rescue the remaining murals that Franco painted. Hopefully, the metal canvases will be placed inside frames hung between First and Second avenues to create an outdoor gallery.

Today, you can purchase original artwork from Franco‘s website and of course, attend the exhibit in Harlem next week!