Studio of Ryan Fritz
Just within the last year, West Acres Mall has been featuring a selected local artist to showcase his or her art. This person has the opportunity to display their art while demonstrating their style as guests peruse, as well. Being a company who supports the arts and the community, we’re very proud of this month’s “Artist in Residence” at West Acres. He just so happens to be pretty well-known around here. Also known as Office Sign Company’s founder and CEO, Ryan Fritz is quite a talented artist in his spare time, and has earned the opportunity to showcase that! With that, all of us at Office Sign wish to congratulate our CEO for taking the opportunity to feature his talented work.
This studio is considered a pop-up studio, so if you haven’t had the chance yet, Ryan’s studio will be featured in the mall’s former Aeropostale space until February 24th! He has changed the space into a fun, colorful, and interactive studio for people of all ages. Small easels are set up so kids have the opportunity to paint, and if you’re interested in a piece of art, Ryan will be there almost every day to answer any inquiries. Grab a coffee, take a seat on the couch, and enjoy a nice break from the chaos of shopping.
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| Photo from West Acres blog |
Background
“I’ve been interested in art and design all my life, and am predominately self taught (very curious). In High School I had a cool teacher that I didn’t realize at the time was a spark of inspiration. Multiple teachers, I believe, were big proponents of my art life. I was supposed to fill out paperwork for a brief scholarship in High School, but a teacher ended up doing it for me – and I earned a scholarship for a summer run at the Marie Walsh Art Foundation. Later in my life I have had the benefit of painting at the Plains School of Abstract Painting, under Marjorie Schlossman, a professional painter of abstract art. This obviously has fueled my passion for abstract art.”
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| Photo from West Acres blog |
I think we can all extend a thank you to these teachers who noticed his talents so that we could enjoy his pieces. Even now, Ryan has used art as a creative outlet from the role of being a CEO, which furthermore qualified him for this position. In his earlier years of art, he produced photorealistic portraits of friends, family, and athletes. Now, his focus has shifted to abstract art, under the guidance of Marjorie Schlossman.
Earlier Work
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| Troy Aikman – painted and airbrushed by Ryan Fritz |
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| Audrey Hepburn – Ryan Fritz |
Current Work
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| Photo by Ryan Fritz |
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| Photo by Ryan Fritz |
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| Photo by Ryan Fritz |
We could go on about his talents, but we don’t want to strip you of the opportunity to see for yourself! As mentioned previously, Ryan’s studio will be featured until February 24th. If you’re unable to attend between now and then, fret not. He will have another space opening soon thereafter in the mall to display more of his art.
Congratulations to our favorite founder and CEO for taking the time to show his talents and creativity. We’re all excited for you and what becomes of this experience!
“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” – Pablo Picasso
#SupportLocalArt
