A Collecting Journey: Patricia Scipio-Brim

Jennifer Stewart, art collector, advisor, and friend of Patricia Scipio-Brim, recounts her friendship with Patricia, their shared love of art, and Patricia’s sharp eye for collecting.

I first met Pat about 35 years ago at Spiral Gallery on Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn. I was a volunteer at the gallery, owned by James and Beverly Powers, and Pat would come in the day before an opening. We’d sit and chat as she carefully selected the pieces she wanted, always decisive and clear about what spoke to her. She had this wonderful way of knowing exactly what she wanted, and she’d mark her chosen works with a red dot before walking out the door. At every opening, people would try to guess who had bought those special pieces, but I always knew—it was Pat. When Spiral closed, I lost touch with her for a while. But as fate would have it, we reconnected at a theater on Fulton Street, and from then on, our friendship deepened. She started coming to Dorsey’s Art Gallery, and I’d call her whenever I saw pieces I knew she’d love. She never hesitated—if something moved her, she’d come right over and claim it.

Pat’s love for art extended beyond galleries. I had the privilege of introducing her to artists in their studios. I’ll never forget the joy on her face when I took her to Frank Wimberley’s house. She was so excited to meet him, and she ended up purchasing two incredible pieces, both of which are part of this show. Then there was Gregory Coates—Pat came with me to his studio twice and left with over ten pieces. She always teased me about how competitive she was as a collector. While I might take four visits to gather a handful of works, Pat would sweep in and leave with more. That’s just who she was—passionate and focused.

I had the privilege of introducing Pat to other incredible artists, and each visit was an adventure. At Camille Billops’ studio, she discovered treasures that became cherished parts of her collection. When we visited Frank Bowling’s studio, her discerning eye immediately gravitated toward several works. At Kenkeleba Gallery, it became a delightful tradition—Pat never left without finding a piece that spoke to her. Her passion for photography was no different. As a member of our Kujenga Jamii Salon, Pat always encouraged us to aim higher. This is a group to support, celebrate and appreciate the work of featured photographers. The name means building community in Swahili. We meet periodically for dinner and conversation with the artist. While I sometimes sought out lesser-known artists, Pat’s boldness set the tone. “Jennifer, stop this nonsense,” she’d say with a twinkle in her eye. “Let’s go for the best.” With her determination leading the way, we secured works by masters like Anthony Barboza, Beuford Smith and Adger Cowans. Pat’s enthusiasm was infectious, and her unwavering pursuit of excellence elevated every experience we shared.

Pat had a quiet yet commanding presence. She’d come into a room, take her time, and once she made her selections, that was it. She didn’t linger or second-guess herself—she knew what she wanted and made it hers. I admired her for that. More than anything, Pat loved the stories behind the pieces and the connections they created. She wasn’t just collecting art; she was building relationships—with the work, the artists, the dealers and the people around her. She had an incredible generosity of spirit, always encouraging me in my own art ventures and challenging me to see things from new perspectives.

This show is a testament to Pat’s vision, her passion, and her extraordinary eye for beauty. It’s also a celebration of her life and the countless ways she enriched those of us lucky enough to know her.   Pat, your legacy lives on in every piece you chose, every story you told, and every heart you touched.

Jennifer Stewart has been involved in the Arts for over 30 years. She is an art advisor and collector of African American Art and Art of the African Diaspora. She has been affiliated with various Art galleries in the Brooklyn area, including Spiral Gallery and Dorsey’s Gallery. She has curated several shows and has traveled extensively to fulfill her passion for the arts.