Ryan is a multidisciplinary artist, art historian, curator, and educator from Madison, GA. He completed his BS in Art Education from Columbus State University in 2020. After teaching art for several years, Ryan went on to work as Curatorial, Archival Assistant of the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art, while completing his MA in Art History and Visual Culture from Lindenwood University in 2023. Currently, Ryan lives and works in Ocotillo, CA as the Head Curator of the Imperial Valley Desert Museum, with his fiancée Caitlin and dog Humphrey. He hopes to pursue his PhD in the future. ​
Biography
Artist Statement
My work reflects my everyday life, thoughts, and feelings in living color. Saturating the world around me with vibrant tones and textures, I create visually immersive and tactile works that discuss concepts of abstraction and entropy in both the visual object and the ideas they represent.
I've recently been experimenting with printmaking, rug making, painting on fabric and other textured surfaces, and working in heavy textured paint. Through my costuming and photography efforts, I explore my sense of self and how I feel about gender, gender roles, and what it means to be me.
Exhibitons
2025 Competitive Exhibits, Imperial Valley Mid-Winter Fair and Festival, Imperial, CA.
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2025 Group Exhibit, Black and White 2025, Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center, Calexico, CA.
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2024 Group Exhibition, Intercepting Nature, Gateway Gallery, Ocotillo, CA.
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2024 Group Exhibition and Fashion Show, The New West, Gateway Gallery, Ocotillo, CA.
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2023 Group Exhibition, Small Works Exhibit 2023, JAG Gallery, Key West FL.
Group Exhibition and fundraiser, Palate, Palette & Pallet, Imperial Valley Food Bank, Imperial CA.
2023 Group Exhibition, Colorium online gallery exhibition, organized by Gallerium, powered by Biafarian.
2020 Group Exhibition, Student artist and curator, Ivoire Fashion Showcase at Zenith Senior Thesis Exhibition, Illges and Bay Gallery, Columbus State University, Columbus GA.
2019 Solo Exhibition, Student artist and curator, Junior Thesis Exhibition, Bay Gallery, Columbus State University, Columbus GA.
2024/
2023
Awards and Honors
2025 Competition judge, Imperial County Arts Festival, El Centro, CA. May 2025.
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2025 Champion Ribbon and 1st Place Blue Ribbon, Painted jacket, "I AM A DROP IN THIS OCEAN OF NOISE," Open Adult- Arts & Crafts, Fabric Painting, Imperial Valley Mid- Winter Fair and Fiesta Competitive Exhibits, Imperial, CA.
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2025 1st Place Blue Ribbon, Cyanotype Tapestry, "fouquieria splendens in hieme," Open Adult- Arts & Crafts, Wall Hangings, Imperial Valley Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta Competitive Exhibits, Imperial, CA.
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2025 1st Place Blue Ribbon, Cyanotype Jumpsuit, "fouquieria splendens floret," Open Adult- Arts & Crafts, Decorated Garments, Imperial Valley Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta Competitive Exhibits, Imperial, CA.
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2025 1st Place Blue Ribbon, "Pink Lady," Open Adult-Fine Arts, Portrait/Figures (Acrylic), Imperial Valley Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta Competitive Exhibits, Imperial, CA.
2025 1st Place Blue Ribbon, "At Rest (metroman takes a break)," Open Adult-Photography, Color-Creative/Experimental, Imperial Valley Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta Competitive Exhibits, Imperial, CA.
2025 2nd Place Red Ribbon, "Chromatic Elevation," Open Adult-Photography, Color- Creative/Experimental, Imperial Valley Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta Competitive Exhibits, Imperial, CA.
2024 Certificate of Congressional Recognition, CA. Congressional District 25, Native Voices | Native Truths: A Contemporary Experience, Imperial Valley Desert Museum, Ocotillo, CA.
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2024 Competition judge, Imperial County Arts Festival, El Centro, CA. May 2024.
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2024 Competition judge, Congressional Art Competition (District CA-25, Imperial Valley), April 2024