Renderings for “Ridge & Valley”, a 9′ x 67′ plasma-cut corten steel freestanding sculpture to be installed in August 2020.

The Bower is a developing 36-acre sculpture park and native landscape of meadows and woodland trails along the northern slope of the Appalachian Mountains in Central Pennsylvania. Ten artists were selected out of a competitive “Call for Art” process procured through Bridgette Mayer Art Advisors. Works will be installed during Summer 2020, and the Bower will open to the public in Spring 2021.

Rutstein has created works spanning painting, sculpture and public art inspired by geology and the natural world for the last 20 years. The inspiration for her monumental, site-specific sculpture included in this project is the US EPA Ecoregions map of Pennsylvania. The Bower Sculpture Park resides in the “Ridge & Valley” section, a diverse region stretching northeast and southwest along almost the entire length of the Appalachian Mountains. Rutstein’s freestanding, plasma-cut Corten steel sculpture spans 9 x 67 feet, is 1 3/8” thick, and weighs in at 17 tons. The sculpture will be situated in an inclined meadow surrounded by trails and wooded areas, with vantage points stretching from above and below. The expansive, cut out lines will be illuminated at night with solar powered lighting. “Ridge & Valley” is slated for completion by August 2020.

For more information: https://thegardenbower.com/

JUNE 19 & 20th, 2020

Rutstein is invited to the fifth workshop by the Ocean Memory Project, a seed seminar to explore ideas around Ocean Cognition & Genomics. The Ocean Memory Project is a diverse group of artists, scientists and professionals, funded by the National Academies of Sciences / Keck Futures Initiative exploring how the ocean can retain and express memory. Through the recording of past events and environmental changes, the ocean system may have much to teach us about the future and how we may respond to the uncertain but changing environmental conditions of our time.

Originally planned at the Virden Center on University of Delaware’s coastal campus near Cape Henlopen, due to Covid-19, this workshop has transitioned to a virtual seminar.

Murals all over the city
Murals can be found all over Philadelphia, thanks to the city’s Mural Arts program.
“Enjoying these works of art is fun and easy to do at a safe distance outdoors,” said Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. “We hope the murals help remind Philadelphians of the beauty of our city and bring a sense of peace and hope to onlookers.”

If you want to take in some of these large-scale works, there’s plenty to explore.

Rutstein “Space Pad” designs commissioned by Mural Arts Philadelphia
for the City of Philadelphia’s “Step up to the Plate” public health campaign

Through a collaborative effort with Mural Arts Philadelphia, Broad Street Ministry, Department of Health and Human Services, Project Home and Muslims Serve, Rutstein was invited to create designs for “space pads”, floor decals that ensure required physical distancing. The “Step Up to the Plate” program provides meals, hand washing stations and medical care at City Hall in Center City and in Kensington, filling essential needs for Philly’s most vulnerable populations, while helping to keep them safe through social distance practices.

Critical Dialogues Series Presents: Rebecca Rutstein and Erik Cordes

Tyler School of Art welcomed Rebecca Rutstein & Dr. Erik Cordes for a virtual public lecture and BFA/MFA studio crits on April 22 & 23, 2020.

Brought together by a common interest in the deep sea, multi-disciplinary artist Rebecca Rutstein and Biologist & Ecologist Dr. Erik Cordes have been collaborating both at sea on research vessels and on land at Temple University where Erik is Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Biology. Their current project is a multi-faceted vision for a coral-inspired art installation with an ecological purpose.

Photo by Steve Weinik for Mural Arts Philadelphia

Mural Arts Philadelphia has been hosting a series of online programming to keep audiences engaged and bring people together during the pandemic.
See this three-minute video that goes behind the scenes to capture the making of Rutstein’s Convergence Mural on the AT&T Building in Philadelphia.

Watch Video

In this mini podcast, hear Christopher Plant interview Rutstein about her experiences at sea as an artist-in-residence, diving in a deep sea submersible and the making of the AT&T mural. Listen Here.

JOURNEYS THROUGH WATER

Art Meets Science in the Salish Sea

APRIL 20– OCT 20, 2020  (Postponed due to Covid-19)

University of Washington, School of Oceanography Ocean Sciences Building, Seattle, Washington

VISITING ARTIST LECTURE & RECEPTION: APRIL 20, 2020

Rutstein is invited as a visiting artist to University of Washington to give a lecture and participate in an exhibition showcasing the work created and inspired by a multi-disciplinary expedition at sea with The Ocean Memory Project off the coast of Washington & British Columbia in the Salish Sea.

Exhibiting Artists:
Daniel Kohn
Rebecca Rutstein
Monique Verdin
Anya Yermakova

OCEAN SCIENCES MEETING
SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER

FEB 16-21, 2020
Rutstein is attending and exhibiting works she created at sea on the Falkor Research Vessel with Schmidt Ocean Institute at the San Diego Convention Center, in conjunction with the Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM).

OSM is the flagship conference for the ocean sciences and the larger ocean-connected community. With the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development beginning in 2021, this gathering of the scientific community will address raising public awareness of the truly global dimension of the ocean, environmental challenges, and set forth on a path towards a resilient planet.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART
YALE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

Pictured above: Custom Rutstein commission for Yale University with Bridgette Mayer Art Advisors.
For commission inquires : bmayer@bmayerart.com

At the October 29th dedication of the AT&T Mural, Philadelphia City Council awarded Rutstein a “City of Philadelphia Resolution Recognizing and Honoring her for her Dedicated Service through Art to the City of Philadelphia” on behalf of her new mural on the AT&T building in Philadelphia.

Artist Rebecca Rutstein works on her mural Convergence, July 12, 2019. Photo by Steve Weinik.

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Rutstein is partnering with Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program, the Bridgette Mayer Gallery, and AT&T, to create a 63 x 124′ mural on the AT&T Building in Philadelphia. “Convergence” will be seen from the Schuylkill River Trail and Banks Boardwalk, South Street Bridge, Schuylkill Expressway, and beyond into West Philadelphia.

JANE GOLDEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MURAL ARTS PHILADELPHIA:
“I am a wall hunter. I notice great walls in our city. The AT&T walls, rise above the river, above the new boardwalk, above our city. It was the perfect canvas for a work of art. So we are excited to say, in partnership with AT&T, Mural Arts is bringing this major work of public art by Rebecca Rutstein to Philadelphia. This building, through the magic of art, will be completely transformed from something unremarkable to an image of great beauty that captures the movement of the river, the lines of the boardwalk and the essence of the city.”

BRIDGETTE MAYER, DIRECTOR OF BRIDGETTE MAYER GALLERY:
“The gallery is thrilled to announce Rebecca Rutstein’s first public mural creation in Philadelphia. Ms. Rutstein will begin creating her large wrap-around mural at the AT&T building on the Schuylkill River Trail this week. This project has been underway for the past two years and now the City of Philadelphia and its residents will get to have this talented artist’s vibrant creation to enjoy along the waterfront! We are proud of Rebecca’s hard work and accomplishments leading to the culmination of this important project.”

“CONVERGENCE” WAS LAUNCHED JUNE 25TH, AND WILL BE COMPLETE WITH A RIBBON CUTTING IN OCTOBER.
“I’m thrilled to be contributing to the vibrant mural scene in Philadelphia, and to be creating something new in our city’s landscape. I have called Philadelphia home for most of my life, and it is a real honor to have my first, large-scale mural come to life so prominently along the banks of the Schuylkill River. I hope it will be enjoyed by the community for years to come, and I am thankful to the Mural Arts Program, AT&T and Bridgette Mayer Gallery for all of their support.”
– Rebecca Rutstein, 2019

Rutstein was invited to participate in the 2018 National Ocean Exploration forum at MIT Media Labs as an Ocean Discovery Fellow that brought scientists and creatives together to talk about conservation and ways to inspire and connect people with the ocean. She gave a lightning talk on her exhibition on view at the Georgia Museum of Art.  People as diverse as Steven Gould, sci fi writer working with James Cameron on the sequel to Avatar, and Nainoa Thompson, head of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, came together to collectively brainstorm on how to imagine a bright future for the ocean and our planet, and how we can engage the public in environmental stewardship.

This year-long award from the University of Georgia includes an Expedition in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, Deep Sea Dive in the Alvin Submersible and Solo Exhibition at the Georgia Museum of Art.

Out of the Darkness:
Light in the Depths of the Sea of Cortez

Nov 1, 2018 – Oct 27, 2019

Opening Reception: Thurs Nov 1, 5:30-7pm
Georgia Museum of Art

www.georgiamuseum.org

Rebecca Rutstein has been awarded the 2018-19 Delta Visiting Chair for Global Understanding at the University of Georgia and will present a solo exhibition: Out of the Darkness: Light in the Depths of the Sea of Cortez at the Georgia Museum of Art.

Rutstein’s year-long appointment as the Delta Visiting Chair includes an expedition to Mexico’s Guaymas Basin in the Sea of Cortez, and a trip to the ocean floor aboard the Alvin submersible vessel, to explore hydrothermal vents, microbiology and carbon cycling processes with renowned oceanographer and University of Georgia Professor, Samantha Joye. The exceedingly rare opportunity for an artist to be invited onboard the 2-person (plus pilot) submarine, is an honor and lifelong dream come true for Rutstein. She will set up her studio aboard the R/V Atlantis and create new works inspired by this unique experience and with data being collected.

Rutstein’s exhibition at the Georgia Museum of Art will feature a 64-foot long interactive steel sculptural installation that contains reactive LED lights that mimic the movements of the viewer. The sculpture is influenced by hydrocarbon structures and bioluminescence present in Guaymas Basin. The exhibition also features a 22-foot tall painting, Progenitor, inspired by Rutstein’s descent 2,200 meters to the ocean floor at Guaymas Basin. Among other works, she will exhibit a large banner mural at the Lamar Dodd School of Art.

Rutstein will participate in lectures, panels and public engagements in Georgia throughout the year, including at the upcoming a2Ru 2018 national conference, “Arts Environments: Design, Resilience, and Sustainability” hosted by University of Georgia, Nov 1-3.

ABOUT THE AWARD:

The Delta Visiting Chair, established by University of Georgia’s Willson Center through the support of The Delta Air Lines Foundation, hosts outstanding global scholars, intellectuals and artists who engage with the UGA community. Through lectures, seminars and programs, they present global problems by addressing pressing contemporary questions about the economy, society, and the environment with a focus on how the arts can impact major contemporary issues. Its first honoree was Alice Walker in 2015.

The chair is founded upon the legacy of the Delta Prize for Global Understanding, which from 1997-2011 was presented to individuals – including Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, Desmond Tutu, and Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter – whose initiatives promoted world peace by advancing understanding and cooperation among cultures and nations. For more information:https://deltachair.uga.edu/

To see full press release, click here

CHATAUQUA INSTITUTION
TIES THAT BIND

Fowler-Kellog Art Center
Chatauqua, NY

June 24 – July 17, 2018

Artist Reception June 24, 3-5pm

For more information: chq.org/season/arts-entertainment/visual-arts/exhibitions