Marcus Aurelius

[Winston-Salem, NC]

Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman empire between 161-180 AD.  He was a philosopher and is considered the last of the five good emperors of Rome-- among Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, and Antonius Pius.  These emperors are remembered in history for being wise, benevolent, and for laying the ground work for the contemporary welfare state.  

Some wisdom from Aurelius includes: "A man should be upright, not be kept upright," and famously, "Do every act as if it were your last."

Marcus Aurelius Root Keely is the gallery manager and curator at the START Gallery in Reynolda Village.  As an undergrad at Wake Forest Marcus studied English with minors in studio art and history.  Most days Marcus finds his way to the gallery on a black road bike-- likely dressed in tweed with a clean neck tie.  He stays informed on literture, design, and all things Swiss.  Rumor has it he was the recipient of a Richter Scholarship to compete research on Cuban art... but perhaps that's merely speculation.  Marcus, do you care to comment?