Our next art exhibit, entitled “A Potpourri of Visual Experiences,” will feature acrylic painting on canvas and gessoed museum board, as well as serigraphs by Oak Harbor artist Richard Nash. All are invited to meet him at an Artist Reception on Sunday, May 18, from 1–3 p.m. in the chapel.  Refreshments will be served. A few of his stainless steel sculptures will also be on exhibit during the reception.

Nash describes himself as a “non-representational abstract artist.” One of his goals is to create enduring creations of “visual poetry.” Currently, he creates most of his two-dimensional art using acrylic paint. The play of light and shadow on architectural and organic forms guides and inspires his work. Nash explains that he frequently uses a subdued “ Northwest palette” to encourage a focus on the design components of a piece. His sculpture includes clean, simple forms arranged to maximize the manner in which the different components reflect light and cast shadows. 

A Pacific Northwest native, Nash graduated from Snohomish High School, studied at Western Washington University, Everett Community College, and earned his BFA and MFA from Washington State University. He also studied at Nihon University in Tokyo, Japan.  Nash enjoyed a 30-year career as an art educator at the secondary level, mainly in the Oak Harbor School District, and taught intaglio printmaking part-time at Skagit Valley College. During a one-year sabbatical he traveled and studied art and architecture in Western Europe, Israel, Russia, and Turkey. After retiring in 2002, Nash shifted his focus to working full time as a professional artist. For more information about Richard Nash and his work, visit his website at www.rjnashart.com.  This exhibit will be on view in the chapel through June 27.