Artist Residency Chattanooga (ARC) Launches This October With Arrival Of First Visiting Artist

Independent artist and former Art Department Chair Ryder Richards has joined the Chattanooga arts community for the month to create a new series of work in preparation for an exhibition scheduled to open early November, titled “Lookout.”

Chattanooga's new arts organization ARC: Artist Residency Chattanooga, connects artists abroad with Chattanooga to develop their professional practice while educating and diversifying the arts culture. The not-for-profit will operate quarterly to host and incubate an artist while engaging the community with studio visits, workshops, and lectures, presenting Chattanoogans the opportunity to learn directly from artists such as Ryder, who hold several years’ experience: how he works and lives as a practicing artist; the start of his professional career as an artist; as well as critique for local artists looking for critical feedback and professional support.

The Texas-based artist received his bachelor of fine arts in painting and drawing from
Texas Tech University, with a master of fine arts in painting from Texas Christian University. His work has been exhibited internationally including Olm Space, Switzerland; Antena, Chicago; the Texas and Dallas Biennials; and the Dallas Museum of Art. He is a co-founder of the RJP Nomadic Gallery, Culture Laboratory, and Dallas-based group The Art Foundation.
ARC already has a few events planned during Ryder’s month-long residency:

DIY Trying: Gas mask Workshop
Wednesday October 26th 5:30-8pm
Hosted by AVA - Association for Visual Arts, Ryder will guide a group of participants in creating
their own functional gas-mask from household materials. Space and materials are limited, so be sure to RSVP on our website. There is a suggested donation of $10 for supplies and future ARC programs.

Open Studio Day
Monday October 31st 3-6pm
An open studio day allows for a deeper understanding of how the artist works and maintains
their studio practice. Join us with Ryder to talk about his work and career as an artist. This event will be free and open to the public, including a visit from the Apothecary class from the
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Fine Arts Center.

Patron Preview Party
Thursday November 3rd 5:30-10pm
Join us for a VIP preview of the exhibition the night before the Grand Opening for food, hors
d'oeuvres, and drinks with the artist. Purchasing a ticket gives Patrons an intimate opportunity to engage with the artist, talk with them about their work, and view the exhibition before the
opening reception. Tickets and details for this event can be found at the support section of our
website.

Opening Reception
Friday, November 4th 5:30-8:30pm
Please join us for First Friday, November 4th, from 5:30 - 8:30pm at the Swine Gallery for the
opening of "Lookout," an exhibition of new work from artist-in-residence Ryder Richards. The
artist will be in attendance to talk about his work, and will be giving a lecture at 6:30pm. Food,
h’ors dourves, refreshments, and opportunity to talk with the artist. Tickets will be for sale closer to the event, or are included with the purchase of a Patron Preview Party ticket.

Visit ARC's website and Facebook page for more news and developments
arcresidency.wordpress.com/calendar
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