In Memory of Mark D Roberts

Mark was a pioneer gallerist, artist, server extraordinaire and beloved mentor and friend. He championed and helped legitimize photography in the fine arts world. Mark was the director and visionary of J. Hunt and Imprimatur galleries and other creative spaces in the Twin Cities during the 1970s-1980s and continued to promote artists throughout his life.

Mark considered himself first and foremost a photographer, working in large format black and white photography and alternative photographic processes such as Kirlian, Polaroid manipulation and Chemigrams. He also worked in mixed media sculpture with close collaborators. Mark played piano and had a deep appreciation and knowledge of Jazz and classical music.

Mark was a local legend in the restaurant world, known for his charm and stories. As a snow bird, Mark divided his time between Minnesota and Florida where he proudly worked at the “The Breakers” in Palm Beach and Muffuletta in St. Paul – where he was known as “The King”. He was crowned “Best Server’ in Minnesota Monthly while working at La Belle Vie.

Mark was easily spotted riding around town in his surfer VW van or Vespa scooter on his daily coffee run. He loved windsurfing, flying Ultra lights, Carmel California, his Scottie dogs, and making new friends – especially as Airbnb host of “Chateau Longfellow”. Mark was generous with his time and knowledge and touched the lives of many. He considered his friends his family. Mark is much loved and missed by his Muffuletta, La Belle Vie, Caribou Coffee families and community.

It all started when…

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