Nature and light: Andrea Rich named summer maker-in-residence at Herrick Library
Artist Andrea Rich, whose work is characterized by a vibrant, nature-inspired palette, will be Herrick District Library's maker-in-residence for the month of June.
HOLLAND — For oil painter Andrea Rich, art begins where language fails.
"When there aren't words to express what you need to say, art provides an outlet," Rich said.
It is this philosophy of expression that she brings to the Herrick District Library as the featured summer maker-in-residence for June and early July.
Rich’s journey to professional artistry was accelerated by the global shifts of 2020. After a decade of "dabbling" and taking commissions while working a traditional job, the closure of her workplace during the pandemic provided the catalyst to pursue her craft full-time.
Since then, the Grand Rapids native has immersed herself in the technical demands of oil painting, noting that her affection for the medium grows with every canvas. Her work is characterized by a vibrant, nature-inspired palette that serves as an emotional anchor.
She often focuses on the patterns found in flowers, water and timber.
Fresh off a successful exhibition at the Holland Area Arts Council, Rich is shifting her focus from gallery walls to community engagement. A primary goal of her residency is to challenge the intimidating reputation of oil paints.
"Oil is so bright and blendable," Rich said. "It’s a more approachable medium than it gets credit for."
Throughout her residency, Rich will also explore a new subject: horses. Inspired by the Year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac, she will document her process as she tackles this new anatomical challenge in real-time.
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The maker-in-residence program is designed to foster local talent and provide the public with a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Rich will host various sessions at HDL, including drop-in sessions for the public to observe the artist at work and open house events, where interactive sessions will be designed to "nurture the creativity" of the Holland community.
The residency runs through June and concludes in early July.
"Every day there’s something new to see in nature," Rich said. "Everybody has creativity. You just have to nurture it."
For a complete schedule of Rich’s appearances and workshops, residents are encouraged to visit the library's event page at herrickdl.org/events.
— Submitted by Herrick District Library. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
