Anderson Gallery: Richard Black Retrospective

The Anderson Gallery at Drake is pleased to announce Visual Worlds: “Nothing by Chance,” an exhibition of artwork by Richard Black, professor emeritus of art. The exhibition will run Sept. 7 through Oct. 12 with an opening reception scheduled for Friday, Sept. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m.

This retrospective exhibition showing 100 works of art representing over 60 years of image-making, is a record of Black’s lifelong commitment to the visual arts profession. Black is best known for his colorful intaglio prints, but this extensive exhibition will provide an opportunity for audiences to get to know his work in a variety of other print media.

Richard Black has a long and productive history with Drake that began when he received his Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the Department of Art and Design. He returned to teach Printmaking in 1960 and remained at Drake until his retirement in 1994. During his tenure as a Professor of Art, Black founded the Biennial National Print Symposium, and from 1975-1991, he organized these symposia, bringing in artists from the U.S. and abroad to Drake to exhibit and demonstrate print media.

Black’s post-Drake years have been equally productive. He continues to make prints in his studio in Farnhamville, Iowa. He is exploring new mediums such as textile arts and he frequently conducts printmaking workshops as a visiting artist. Black’s work is exhibited nationally and internationally and is found in public collections including the Des Moines Art Center, Bradley University, Indianapolis Art Museum, and the Blanden Memorial Art Museum.

In recognition of his artistic achievement, Black received the Printmaking Today Award in 2016 and 2011 from the Royal Society of Painters – Printmakers, Blankside Gallery, London, England.

The Anderson Gallery is located within the Harmon Fine Arts Center at 1310 25th St., at the corner of Carpenter and 25th. Free public parking can be found along 25th Street. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday 12-4 p.m. and Thursday evenings until 8 p.m., and by appointment.

For more information, contact Rob Craig, professor of art, at robert.craig@drake.edu, or Clarissa Snapper, Anderson Gallery coordinator, at 515-271-1994.