The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Grapes and human connection
The Griffing Gallery is hosting a number of artworks entitled “Grapes of ...” and how humans are just as connected.
ONEIDA, N.Y. >> The Griffing Gallery of the Greater Oneida Kallet Civic Center will exhibit artwork by local artist Ric Henry-Rahn throughout November and December.
The exhibit, entitled, “Grapes of …” showcases the artist’s subject of choice, rendered in a variety of media. Inspired by a special Christmas ornament of glass grapes belonging to her husband, the couple began collecting similar ornaments over the years. The artist subsequently took on the challenge of rendering clusters of grapes using various materials and techniques.
During her concentrated study she noticed that grapes, like humans, are not alone. Like grapes on the vine, we are clustered and touch one another. “There is much more light and reflection bouncing in a cluster than in one grape by itself… and so it is with people who are clustered together,” she said. “The work with grapes shows me how all of us are connected through a common vine to one another.”
This is Henry-Rahn’s second solo exhibition in the Griffing Gallery. Viewers will notice a small commercially available “sticker” as an integral part of each piece. The artist includes these for two reasons: for fun, and because they have now become her artist’s “mark.” The artist credits her mentor/teacher, Catherine Bennett, as being the greatest influence on her work. Artists Laura Diddle and Ann Pangburn have been instrumental also in her artistic development.
Works on display will be for sale. The exhibit will run through the end of De- cember. A reception for the artist will be held on Sunday, Nov. 18, from 2-4 p.m. The public is invited to attend.