Working album: Early PMVI - Google Photos

Working album: Early PMVI - Google Photos

Bev Richey/Artist Bio/Rabbit Hole

Bev Richey/Artist Bio

My undergraduate degree in psychology is from the University of Connecticut and in 2008 I began advanced studies in art history at UW-Milwaukee. From 1978 to 1994. I had an active public art career in the New Haven, Ct area. 

A 1995 move to a rural Wisconsin farm town,  from this east coast urban center within commuting distance to NYC, allowed me to rest and recuperate.  

My early art life included many socially conscious and feminist site-specific performances, installations, exhibitions, and social engagement projects. I worked as an arts administrator, an arts organizer, and an artist. While creating in various transient media and later influenced by Judy Chicago and New York feminism. I became best known for working in the feminist medium of cake. 

In 2020 during the pandemic, ARTSPACE a contemporary gallery in New Haven, Ct included a retrospective exhibit of one of my large-scale works (1988) called “The Amazing Bureaucratic Birthday Cake” serving the people in a group exhibition titled “Who Governs?” (exhibition zoom reunion) That same year The New Haven Museum included another early project of mine in their 2020 exhibition titled “Factory”. This work was a group exhibition I organized titled the “First Show of 1984” based on George Orwell’s novel. 

“Later, experimental artist Beverly Richey took over PMVI and developed groundbreaking work in feminist art and the subject of food as a political statement. She was the driving force behind PMVI's legendary one-day “1984” exhibition in the former factory, which had crowds of visitors lined up around the block.” NHM

"PMVI- The Papier Mache Video Institute,  New Haven’s premier DIY avant-garde artists collective that hosted the legendary “1984” exhibition, the largest Elm City underground art show in the 1980s." FACTORY EXHIBITION The New Haven Museum 2020 

Relocating from a  populated urban area to a rural Wisconsin town (in the Driftless Region) of under one hundred residents, resulted in developing an intimate relationship with natural time and space. This led to a deep interest in nature’s impact on the human experience. Now after several decade-long investigations into these insights, my work identifies as the “Human/Nature/Series”. These interests in psychology and the natural world gave birth to my current creative process and project. 

In 2015 I added a  “painting” practice to my studio life. Shortly after that, I introduced the “FIRST HUNDRED PAINTING SERIES” 2015-2022 In this project, I committed in advance to painting a hundred paintings as a way of trying something new. I recently completed #50 of the series. These paintings range in size but average around 3x4FT. They are organic abstract forms done in a wide range of colors. They reflect a variety of psychological concepts including Carl Jung's theory of missing psychological parts to contemporary ideas about brain plasticity.

 Left to Right Susan Barnett and Bev Richey
Special Thanks to curator Susan Barnett for overseeing the exhibition installation. 
Photo Credit: Jonathan Ellis

LINK TO ARTICLE: October 2022

"Pandemic art and more - local Jewish artists featured at Urban Ecology Center exhibition" | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle June 2022

additional info about exhibit 

LINK TO ARTICLE: March 2024"Jewish Artist Show was held at the Shul Center in Bayside"  https://www.jewishchronicle.org/2024/03/06/jew

ish-artists-exhibition-was-held-at-the-shul-center-in-bayside/

FOX News 6 Jewish Artist Show at Bayside Shul TV interview (March 2024)

https://www.fox6now.com/news/jewish-artists-exhibition-shul-center-bayside

My concern for the efforts of the artists is seen again here. When given a chance for a moment at the mike,  I call up those artists who have worked behind the scenes to contribute to the cultural well-being of the community. 

CONNECT

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bevrichey@gmail.com

INFORMATION ABOUT "FOURTHCOMING" THE EXHIBITION AND THE ARTISTS

 

CEDARBURG, WI–The Cedarburg Cultural Center welcomes two new exhibits to usher in the Autumn season   “FOURTHCOMING" : The Art of Jonathan Ellis, Bev Richey, Miriam Sushman & Adria Willenson” will be on display in the West Gallery from Oct. 21 through Nov. 26. The exhibit and sale will feature a wide variety of works by the four artists, who came together a little over a year ago and launched their collaborative initiative, “Foursights,” in order to showcase their unique styles. Their first exhibit was at the Urban Ecology Center last spring and summer and they are happy to create new work showcasing their evolving styles for the Center. Work displayed will include gestural abstract paintings, paintings, mixed media on canvas, and mosaics based on the flora and fauna of Wisconsin.    Concurrently on display in the Center’s East and Corridor Galleries will be “Autumn Spotlight: The Art of Kristin Gjerdset & Bunnie Werth," an exhibit of works by two Southeast Wisconsin artists specializing in works that celebrate the natural world.     ABOUT THE ARTISTS:  ·         Jonathan Pierson Ellis, a devoted visual artist from birth, was educated at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Jonathan has a prolific body of work and an eclectic contemporary style rooted in emergent truth, love, humor, and theory. His drawings, paintings, and sculptures are reflective of a refined artist exploring identity, materials, and life itself as Art.   ·       Bev Richey's undergraduate Bev Richey's studies were in psychology and in 2008, she began advanced studies in Art History at UW-Milwaukee. From 1978 to 1994, Richey became a public artist and community arts administrator. A move to a rural Wisconsin farm in 1994 from New Haven, CT provided her with an opportunity to rest and recuperate and explore a nonelitist culture. Her early art involved political and feminist site-specific performances, installations, exhibitions, and social engagement projects. In 2015, she moved in a new direction, experimenting with a new “painting” practice. Shortly thereafter, she introduced the “FIRST HUNDRED PAINTING SERIES” 2015-2023.   ·         Before becoming a mosaic artist Miriam Sushman worked as a photojournalist in the USA and Israel. Her passion for mosaics was ignited while working on a mixed-media table. Having learned to work with a variety of mosaic methods and materials, she has taught workshops and classes to children, teens and adults in addition to leading community projects.   ·         Adria Willenson is a mixed media artist with a Master’s Degree in Visual Studies from Cardinal Stritch University. From creating a multi-artist studio space and art gallery to selling her own paintings, art has been her true passion for nearly 25 years. Growing up near the Schlitz Audubon Nature Preserve which contains 6 miles of trails along the Lake Michigan shoreline, she has had a deep appreciation for nature which has served as a constant theme throughout her artwork. Willenson finds daily inspiration for her art through her natural surroundings on a partially wooded lot within walking distance of this nature preserve. While she has worked on many mediums such as watercolor, oils, acrylics, and textiles over the years, the current focus of her work incorporates mixed media, fiber, and acrylics, featuring a combination of geometric shapes and floral imagery.   ·         Kristin Gjerdset is professor of art and art department head, teaching painting, drawing and art history at Wisconsin Lutheran College. She also serves as the Schlueter Art Gallery manager, organizing exhibits throughout the year. She has organized and traveled with students to Costa Rica, France, Grenada, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, along with U.S. national parks and art museums, believing in the importance of providing inspiring experiences for learning.   ·         Bunnie Werth has been a member of the art community for more than 40 years. She received her professional training at the Layton School of Art and Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in fine arts/ printmaking. Werth has been active in painting, floral arts, and handmade collectibles and owned and operated Newberry Thicket in Cedarburg from 2003 to 2016. She now works in her private studio creating paintings that are inspired by the beauty of the natural world, fantasy, and figure drawing.    The public is invited to a free reception on Oct. 22 from 1-4 p.m. in celebration of both of its current exhibits. Complimentary refreshments will be available alongside a cash bar.

 

 

ABOUT THE CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER Located in the heart of historic downtown Cedarburg, the Cedarburg Cultural Center has been the cultural hub of the community for more than 35 years. We are the Center for Art, Music and History in Ozaukee County. We provide a gathering place to celebrate community, the arts, and local heritage. A free gallery with frequently changing exhibits surrounds the Center’s performance space, which features music, theatre, comedy and educational presentations. Our classrooms, galleries, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The Cedarburg Cultural Center is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays 12 noon to 4 pm.   ###

Who Governs? ARTSPACE

 https://www.newhavenarts.org/arts-paper/articles/artspace-asks-who-governs

Artists Resume Beverly M. Richey (last updated 2012)

 BEVERLY M. RICHEY

8675 North Point Drive

Milwaukee, WI

414 247-0741

bevrichey@gmail.com

Shows/Events /Collaborations

“WINTERESTING/HOLIDAY HAPPENING” Arts Collective of Gays Mills, WI 2012

“DADDIST INVASION OF WEST HAVEN REUNION EVENT”  West Haven, CT 2010

“THE SURVEILLANCE SERIES” Group Show August 2007 exploring The PATRIOT

ACT and it’s effect on American’s civil liberties. Jonathan Shorr Gallery, NYC. July

–August ’07. Indoor/outdoor and flat screen viewing.

“COLORFIELD/REDEFINED” The Human Nature Series;Three minute digitally altered

video abstracting moving imagery related to the color field artists. Projected indoors,

outdoors and on a flat screen monitor. July 2007 (on going) The Jonathan Shorr Gallery.

Crosby Street, NYC.

“GREAT/LAKE/APPEAL” The Human Nature Series The on going gallery projection

and monitor viewing

“DETAINEE” collaboration with David Duckworth, a week long performance project at

the Lab gallery on Lexington and 49th Street. An interactive performance featuring digital

projections. Works used and created from that performance. 2007

‘TORTURE/TRIPTYCH”, “TORTURE/ISLAND”, “SENSELESS”,

TOURTURE/TEXT” Jan 29-February 2007

“SEVEN/ELEVEN” a collaborative event hosting an election evening art event including

artists John Landino, David Duckworth and others.

“TORTURE/TRIPTYCH” projection as part of a one time gallery event

“REFLECTION/PROJECTION” July 15, 2007 an indoor and outdoor projection working

in collaboration with John Landino, David Duckworth and others.

“DIGITAL DECORATING” projecting by Jonathan Shorr, through a glass window

creating a double image.

“TWIST AND SHOUT” experimental projecting by Jonathan Shorr; indoor/outdoor

projection focused on creating a sculptural effect projecting onto people inside and

outside the gallery

“Popping Pixels”, national juried show New Haven CT 2005 (still available on line)

“Jew-SEE-Fruit” (commission Beth Israel Center), Madison, WI January, 2001

“The Pink Sea”Pro Choice Rally, (commission Planned Parenthood, private donors)

Hartford CT, State Capital.

“Let them eat GLACIER”, edible work and interactive quiz, commission for Creative

Arts Workshop

“The Amazing Bureaucratic Birthday Cake” New Haven’s 350th Celebration,

(commission City of New Haven). 1989

“The Profedible HART” Women in the Arts Exhibition, (juried by Lucy Lippard) Erector

Square Gallery, New Haven, CT 1989 (Polaroid images from the event, PC: John Landino)

“The Tri-Edible” cake in three places at once supported by the Arts Council of Greater

New Haven.

“Waste ‘M Brace”, Solo Show, John Slade Ely House, New Haven, CT 1987

“Underground Breaking” Audubon Arts Center, New Haven, CT 1986

“Buy and Sell” PMVI three-person show with Paul Rutkovsky and Jack Harriett. The

John Slade Ely House, New Haven, CT, 1984

Performances/Installations/Public Actions

“FACETIME imake icontact” a two-month-long performance work committed to taking time to provide conversation and eye contact with visitors @ Gays Mills Arts Collective 2012

“RECALLISM” A virtual local/regional/national and international social intervention addressing the political uprising in Wisconsin 2011-2012

“Howard Aiken/A Tribute”, EAGLE School, Madison, WI 2003

“Telling the Truth/Tribute to Bitsie Clark” Audubon Arts Center, New Haven. 2002

“The Pink Sea”Pro-Choice Rally, (commission Planned Parenthood, private donors)

Hartford CT, State Capital.

“Passion Show” a collaborative project commissioned by WTNH, New Haven, CT

“Packaged Plastic” Building Building Wrap on State Street. A John Landino production;

New Haven, CT 1986

“Transformer” Connecticut Lawyers for the Arts Conference, New Haven, CT 1986

“Locate Local” Edible installation, developing a relation a relationship between the

University and the New Haven Community. Yale University, New Haven, CT 1986

“Art and Technology Symposium” an edible work exploring photocopy technology.

Connecticut College, New London, CT 1986

“The Changing Face of Liberty”, is an edible work exploring women’s relationship with money.

Women’s Caucus for Art, City College, NYC 1986

“The Profedible Hart” is an interactive work involving individual participants to make a

choice between love and money and be seen eating it. A theatre production or Amy

Seham’s; Edible Performance/Installation, Black Box, Educational Center for The Arts,

1986

“PAID CAKE” The Building-Wrap, A John Landino production; Gateway Center, New

Haven CT 1985

“Eat Mummy” The Dead Show, Director Jeff Burnett, Educational Center For the Arts,

New Haven, CT 1985

“Tri-Edible” City Wide Studio Tour, Sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater New

Haven CT 1985

“Find Sold Out”, A “streetwork” addressing consumerism in conjuction with Artist’s

Working in New Haven. New Haven, CT 1984

“Touch The Blue” A “street work” addressing the relationship between Yale University

and the city of New Haven. CT. 1984

“Eat Audubon Street” Arts Council Awards Ceremony, Long Wharf 1984

“Famous Cookie” A work addressing National verses Local Artists. Park of the Arts,

Sponsored by Arts Council of Greater New Haven, CT,(public performance) 1983

“TRIDENT” Let them Eat Cake Series serving free cake to passers by. streetwork, New

Haven, CT 1983

Group Shows

“Holiday Happening” Gays Mills Arts Collective, Gays Mills , WI 2012

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee juried exhibition, Milwaukee, WI 2010

“Women’s Caucus For Art Show” UConn at Waterbury, CT 1983

“Spring Cleaning Women’s Caucus for Art Show” New Haven, CT 1983

“Graphite Works on Paper” PMVI Exhibition, New Haven, CT 1981

Experimental Digital Projects:

“The Vulnerability Project” a two year long daily commitment to send online, words, images and short videos. with artists John Landino and Tim Feresten.

“Mundanity and Chaos”, an awareness and irregular communication project. 2003-2004

“TypingMyTruth”, An unedited text project, typing three thousand words a day.

“AvirtualNonproductiveCollaboration” 2003-2006

“A HUNDRED HOURS” of volunteer time, community service (EAGLE SCHOOL/Madison, Wi. 2003-2004

“S.A.R.A.H” sending digital photos through email on a regular schedule. 2001-2002

Personal Projects:

“The Aging Project”, examing the aging process through caring for and preparing my

mother for her death 1996-1999.

“Mother-Wife-DaughterHood” paying attention, Gays Mills, WI 1996-1999

“Daily Trash” observing trash output, Gays Mills, WI 1993-1996

“Big Time” Exploring time through inactivity and silence in an isolated rural

environment. Gays Mills, WI1993-1996

“Not All Time is Equal” Exploring time in small increments with the use of an

electronic timer. 1992-1997

“Becoming Nobody” Exploring not being in the public eye, entering the mundanity and

isolation of domestic life. 1993-1995

“Heats and Souls” observing the development of my young children through still images

and video and witnessing their individual differences in a uninterrupted and isolated

natural environment. 1993-1995

“Dis-membered Family” cutting up family photos and reassembling them. 1990-1994

New Haven Ct,-Highland WI.

Education/Enrichment

University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee Art History Department graduate studies 2008-2010

Miad Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, a week long intensive program, in digital

and sculptural integration, graduate credit Marquette University 2007

University of Connecticut Bachlor’s degree in Psycholoy 2007

Conference on “Contemporary Issues in Jewish Art” University of Wisconsin Madison

Art History 101, and 102 college credit University of Wisconsin, Madison 2005-6

Dark Room Photography, college credit class Madison 2007

Painting, Drawing and Digital Video, 3 non credited classes Madison Wis 2000-1

Drawing college level drawing class Southern Connecticut State University 1978

Color and Design college level design Intro, class Broward Community College 1977

Leadership Greater New Haven 1986-1987

Art Apprenticeship at Papier Mache Video Institute with Paul Rutkovsky1977-1982

Leadership in the Arts

Founding member of Gays Mills Arts Collective 2012

Co Founder and Co Director of Women in the Arts. 1984-1990

Communications Director for the Arts Council of Greater New Haven 1984-1989

Board Member of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven.

Founder of the “Small Space Gallery” a non juried gallery available to artist members

funded by the Arts Council of Greater New Haven 1986

Artist’s Apprentice for Paul Rutkovsky (Professor of Art FSU) 1978-1983

Co-Director with Paul Rutkovsky , founder of Papier Mache Video Institute (P.M.V.I.)

1984-1989

PMVI Productions

“Phassion” Arts of March, W.T. Grants Building New Haven, Ct 03/85 1985

“First Show of 1984” Hamilton Clockworks Building, New Haven, CT 1983

“Group Show of Things that Don’t Go Together” Hamilton Clockworks Building, New

Haven, CT 1982

Articles

“The National Let Them Eat Cake Sale” New Haven Advocate, 1983

“Art Exhibit Studies Roots of Feminism” New Haven Journal Courier, May 12, 1983

“Artists Ban Together for Survival” Art New England, 1983

“Artists Interpret 1984” New Haven Journal Courier, Nov 4, 1983

“1984” New Haven Advocate, Nov 23, 1983

“Buy and Sell” New York Times, CT Section Jan. 8, 1983

“Shoppers War is focus of City Art Exhibit” New Haven Journal Courier Jan, 20, 1984

“At the Ely: Three Architects and a Caustic Commentary” Record Journal, Meriden CT

Jan 14, 1984

“Buy and Sell”Art New England, 1984

“Creative PR” New Haven Advocate, 1984

“Artist turns stored ideas into Parcel of Paintings” New Haven Register, Jan 22, 1985

“Spring Cleaning” Women’s Caucus for Art Show, New Haven, CT May 1983

“Artist’s Waste Worth the Haste” New Haven Independent, February 19, 1987

“Pick through Ely House Trash” New Haven Register, February 17, 1987

“Artist Uses Waste In a Creative Way” UConn Daily Campus, Storrs, CT 1987

“Local Artist Shows Junk in Gallery” Yale Daily News, New Haven, Feb 17, 1987

“Through a Women’s Eyes” The Hartford Courant, March 4 1988

“No ‘Just’ Desserts on this Birthday Cake” New Haven Register, June 6, 1988

“Cake By Committee”, New Haven Register, June 1998

“The Amazing Birthday Cake” New Haven Arts, Arts Council, June 1998

“Amazing Bureaucratic Cake Served in New Haven” The State of the Arts, Connecticut

Commission for the Arts, June 1988.

Other Media Coverage

USA today, listing for “Amazing Bureaucratic Birthday Cake”

NBC coverage/ Forrest Sawyer “The Pink Sea”

CT Public Radio/ Faith Middleton “Amazing Bureaucratic Birthday Cake”