The ARTfactory in Historic Downtown Manassas, partnering with The Black Art Today Foundation, will present “Beyond the Frame,” an exhibition of work by Levi Robinson and Dion J. Pollard, from Aug. 15 through Sept. 19, 2026. An opening reception runs Saturday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., with RSVP available online. The free show examines Black identity, cultural memory, resilience and the narratives that extend past a canvas’s edges, according to a press release from the ARTfactory. Exhibition programming is sponsored by Micron, which operates a major manufacturing facility in Manassas.
Robinson layers history, mythology and contemporary culture through painting, collage and mixed media inspired by jazz and hip-hop traditions, while Pollard (who creates as DionJa’Y) uses vibrant color, texture and mixed media to highlight joy, family, spirituality and perseverance. The gallery is at 9419 Battle Street and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.; admission is free. The press release does not list regular contact details beyond the reception RSVP, confirm whether the artists will appear after opening night, or note any related talks or programs.
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Full Press Release:
ARTfactory and The Black Art Today Foundation Present “Beyond the Frame”: Levi Robinson and Dion J. Pollard Explore Black Identity, Memory, and the Stories Beyond the Canvas
On display: August 15 – September 19, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 15 | 6:00–8:00 PM
RSVP: https://insidenovatix.com/events/beyond-the-frame-opening-reception-8-15-2026
Exhibition programming sponsored by Micron.Exhibit Summary
The ARTfactory, in partnership with The Black Art Today Foundation, is pleased to present “Beyond the Frame,” a compelling exhibition featuring the work of Levi Robinson and Dion J. Pollard. On view from August 15 through September 19, 2026, the exhibition brings together two accomplished artists whose distinct visual languages converge in a shared exploration of Black identity, cultural memory, resilience, and the power of narratives to shape how we understand ourselves, our communities, and our histories.While a frame traditionally defines the physical boundaries of a work of art, this exhibition asks viewers to consider what exists beyond those edges: the histories that shape us, the stories that remain untold, and the lived experiences that continue long after we leave the gallery. Through richly textured surfaces, layered symbolism, and emotionally resonant portraiture, Robinson and Pollard invite audiences into conversations that transcend the canvas and challenge us to reconsider how identity, memory, and hope are constructed.
Levi Robinson’s multidisciplinary practice investigates the intersections of history, mythology, and contemporary culture through painting, collage, and mixed media. Drawing inspiration from the improvisational traditions of jazz and the sampling culture of hip-hop, Robinson layers imagery, symbolism, and historical references to create portraits that function as acts of preservation and reimagination. His work reclaims overlooked narratives while honoring ancestral memory, offering viewers spaces for reflection on resilience, dignity, and the enduring complexity of the Black experience.
Complementing Robinson’s historical lens, DionJa’Y approaches storytelling through vibrant color, sculptural texture, and expressive optimism. His paintings celebrate Black life by highlighting joy, family, spirituality, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. Working across acrylic, oil, pastel, ink, watercolor, and dimensional mixed media, Pollard creates tactile works that encourage viewers not only to see but to feel each composition. His portraits and figurative works elevate everyday moments into visual affirmations of strength, humanity, and hope.
Though their artistic practices differ, both artists are united by a commitment to expanding how Black stories are seen and understood. Robinson excavates memory to reveal hidden histories and imagined futures, while Pollard reshapes lived experience through affirmation and celebration. Together, their works move beyond portraiture as mere representation, becoming vessels for conversation, connection, and cultural reflection.
“Beyond the Frame” ultimately asks viewers to consider the unseen narratives, inherited histories, and shared humanity that exist beneath every surface. The exhibition celebrates the enduring capacity of art to preserve memory, inspire dialogue, and imagine new possibilities for understanding ourselves and one another.
