Final proof: The original Prints of Robert B. Wright opens at RAL April 5
The Rehoboth Art League proudly presents a memorial exhibition to honor its past president and long-time contributor, Robert B. Wright.
The public opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 5. The exhibit will be open on weekends through April 28, in the historic Peter Marsh Homestead on the Rehoboth Art League campus in Henlopen Acres.
Wright, who passed in late October, 2012, was a regular fixture at the art league's Members' Outdoor Show and participated in its annual fine art exhibitions as well. He was well-known for his intaglio work in etching and aquatint, but also developed a very painterly land and seascape series in monotype and monoprint.
Wright, largely self-taught as he began his exploration of print media, delved deeply into the many techniques available to the fine art original printmaker. Many of his youthful, early works are homages to the masters as they calibrate the tonal richness to be found from Rembrandt to Whistler and beyond. Later studies at American University added to his technical repertoire, enhanced the scale of his work and expanded his subject matter. Fueled by international travel, his focus often concentrated on capturing the spirit of these places - from New Zealand to Scotland and back home again. His series of works of the Homestead at the Rehoboth Art League are a careful examination of every aspect of the beautiful historic house and its history.
He remained a vital practitioner of his art form - printing works well into his 91st year - and was forced by encroaching blindness to abandon his press. Even so, he maintained his impeccable archive and wrote two books. This survey exhibition, pulled from that archive, the Collection of the Rehoboth Art League and private collectors will encapsulate the work of over seven decades. Within it people will witness Wright's connection to the landscape - and most particularly the spirit of the shore, where color and mood create a very special sense of place.
The opening reception April 5 will be held in conjunction with the openings of exhibits for Jack Knight: Recent Work, Martha Spak: Light Fantastic and Art is Healing: Healing is an Art. The public is invited to these free exhibitions. Additional information about this exhibition and other art events and classes is available at rehobothartleague.org or by calling 302-227-8408.
