Mother and Son Duo of Artists Valda Hancock Wagner and Rich Wagner Featured
Rich Wagner
Portrait of Artist Valda Hancock Wagner
The Ardsley Art Commission is presenting a unique exhibition of works by a mother and son duo of professional artists: Valda Hancock Wagner and Rich Wagner.
Created over 75 years, the works reflect both the changing styles of art and the evolution of modern life during that period.
“Story telling and self exploration are what our art is about. Our works reflect various chapters of our lives.” Rich explained.
Valda’s story includes: working and studying with artists such as Reginald Marsh, Robert Rauschenberg and Robert Beverly Hale; leaving the New York art world to become a 1950s housewife; and then re-entering the art world after raising a family. The latter chapter included studying with William S. Rubin, the high priest of abstract art in the 1960s, and teaching art in inner city New York.
She had degrees in art from Hunter College in New York and was a Life Member of the prestigious Art Students League.
Rich has also studied at the Art Students League, where he was elected as a member in 2022. In addition, he has studied at the Royal Academy of Arts and the Royal Drawing School in England. He has participated in over 80 exhibitions. His prior life experience has included: interviewing rock stars in the 1970s for newspapers and radio; 20 years of being an attorney; work with the Navy and the other sea services as an officer of the Navy League; and writing about travel.
Included in the exhibition are six works by each artist including oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, drawings, etchings and wood block prints. They range from traditional realism to abstract works.
“Different styles and techniques are required to tell different stories.”
“My mother’s art was the foundation for my art. She was my first art teacher. However, we were different people with different life experiences. The works in the exhibition highlight the similarities and differences in our work.”
“Ardsley was and is a tranquil haven that nurtures reflection and creativity. It was and is an ideal place for creating art. I hope this exhibition demonstrates that.”
The exhibition is in the lobby of the Ardsley Village Hall, 570 Ashford Avenue. It will run until October 1 and will be open to the public 9 to 4 weekdays (except holidays and other days when the Village Hall is closed). There will be an opening reception on May 21 at 6:30 pm.
