In the HAC Gallery

In addition work from 65+ local artists, HAC's Gallery & Gift Shop exhibits art work from emerging and historically unrepresented local artists through its Gallery program. The Gallery & Gift Shop hosts pop-up events, demonstrations, receptions, and artist talks during Last Fridays & the Art Walk and beyond. Read on to learn about the exhibition currently in the HAC Gallery.

Monochrome and Metals

By IB Art Student Ryan Rakouskas

Eyes, an acrylic painting of numerous pixelated, gray tone eyes.

Stationary Movement, a welded steel sculpture made of orgnaic, cell-like lines directed upward.

Eyes, acrylic on canvas

Artist Statement: The dichotomy of paint and steel has been merged to present an exploration of both media separate yet unified by the underpinnings of in-depth research that fueled the exploration of methodical painting techniques and metal fabrication. Representational grayscale grid paintings and abstract three dimensional steel work is the focus of my exhibition.

Ryan Rakouskas: I was born in Durham, but have lived in HIllsborough for most of my life. Four years ago I learned to weld at Cedar Ridge High School and began making steel sculptures. I turned my hobby into a small business, which grew alongside my interest in other forms of visual art. Eventually, I decided to enroll in the IB program. I am currently an IB Art Senior at Cedar Ridge and hope to pursue metal working as a career.