Help Each Other

Help Each Other
2026 Seasonal Exhibition, May 16–October 11, 2026

Exhibiting artist Todd Drake is a “convinced” Quaker who joined the Friends through personal conviction and spiritual experience. His work embodies the Quaker core values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship known as “SPICES.” In addition, it exemplifies Drake’s lived experience, including heartbreak caused by the death of loved ones and the wisdom he cultivated thereafter. 

Known as the Quaker Pirate, Drake creates relief prints that are plastered to walls and structures in New York City and beyond. He began this practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic when residents fled the city, and buildings and businesses shuttered and closed. His graffiti images reclaimed public spaces and resonated with those who stayed behind. They spoke of persistence and hope and encouraged empathy. More recently, they condemn war and call for peace. 

Ready!; Linocut; ©Todd Drake

Drake’s work embodies “good trouble” and a potent form of civil disobedience. It reminds 
us that small acts can produce an impact. 

Quaker principles have a long tradition at Rokeby. Born into the faith, and members of a strong Quaker community in Ferrisburgh, the early members of the Robinson family viewed their social activism, including their pursuit of abolition, as an avenue to achieve the Quaker doctrine of moral perfectionism. 

In 2019, Museum trustees enlarged Rokeby’s vision to include social advocacy. Guided by Rachel Gilpin and Rowland Thomas Robinson’s commitment to speaking truth to power, today’s Rokeby is committed to serving as a center for the exploration and discussion of contemporary social justice issues.

Going back to an earlier stage of development; Watercolor and pen and ink; ©Todd Drake

Visitors to Help Each Other, open to the public on May 16–October 11, 2026, will be offered opportunities to deeply connect with the content of this art and will be invited into the practice of giving mutual aid to others. 

“What do our times call for? To help each other. Show up for one another, like the Robinson’s did for those seeking freedom from slavery. To be fully human with each other, for each other, and for ourselves. Equality, central to Quaker belief, builds in this way.”

— Todd Drake

Help Each Other Events

May 11–15: Todd Drake Artist-in-Residency
New York City graffiti artist Todd Drake, known as the Quaker Pirate, will be in residence at Rokeby Museum from May 11 to 15, developing outdoor art installations to complement an exhibit and visitor experience of his work, Help Each Other, opening May 16, 2026. 

May 16: Help Each Other Exhibit Opening

Help Each Other was made possible with support from the New York Quarterly Meeting Witness Fund and the Friends & Family of Steve Wetherby & Brett Walker.