About
Founded in 2004 by artist Roberto Jackson Harrington, the Museum of Pocket Art (MoPA) began with an idea that everyone should carry with them a small artwork in a pocket to enrich their day and share with others. MoPA developed this idea and organized it into a formal venue for contemporary artists and patrons. MoPA introduces artwork from contemporary artists in an intimate and personal way. The Museum displays works of art created to fit in the pocket, usually around the size of a business card, in galleries selected to best frame the work, which range from wallets to mobile devices. MoPA shows at the opening of other art exhibits, or “leeches” the reception. At the reception, a MoPA representative approaches people individually and asks if he or she would like to visit the museum, and then shares the works on display. Currently MoPA hosts two shows a year.
Staff
Roberto Jackson Harrington
Executive Director
Based in Austin, Texas, Roberto Jackson Harrington creates artwork from everyday materials that center on the concept of potential. Harrington received his BFA from the University of Texas at El Paso and his MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. His work has been included in exhibitions at the International Sculpture Center, Museo de Arte Juárez, The Contemporary Austin, Mexic-Arte Museum, Lawndale Art Center, and the University Art Galleries at Texas State. Most recently, Harrington has presented work at El Museo del Barrio in New York City and Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, in Houston, Texas. Harrington is the founder and executive director of the Museum of Pocket Art, a member of the Center for Experimental Practice, and belongs to the curatorial collective, Los Outsiders.