The work of Bristol artist, Rick Fitzsimons, will be on display in the New England Carousel Museum Fine Art Gallery with an exhibit opening reception on Friday, Sept. 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and running through Dec. 31, 2015.
The exhibit and sale, entitled “Silent Poetry: The Wonderful Work of Rick Fitzsimons,” will display over 30 works in a variety of mediums. Born in Bristol, Conn., where he now lives with his wife Bonnie, Fitzsimon’s interest in art emerged as a young child. Endless hours of drawing occupied much of his time as a youth, reported a press release from the musem. Although fascinated with the different aspects of art, the release said he never thought he would make it his livelihood.
His background in business management led him on an unusual path, the press release said, circling back to the world of art. Fitzsimons and his father opened an awards and sign shop in their hometown. Not long after, the release said, customers would request new logo designs for their businesses, which led to applying the images to large signs and vehicles. This service soon began to include painting various landscape pictorials on the signs. As a result, the release said, Fitzsimons’s love for creating and painting was rekindled.
For the pure joy of making art, Fitzsimons soon began painting canvas after canvas of landscape and portrait works, which he displayed at his establishment. Almost immediately, the release said, but much to his surprise, customers enquired about purchasing his art. At that time, the release said, the lights in his mind went on. He asked himself, the release reported, “Is it possible that one can actually earn a living by doing that which was never considered to be work?”
The answer apparently was yes, reported the museum.
Fitzsimons soon began publishing a few of his originals as limited edition prints. Today, the museum reported, Rick Fitzsimons continues to paint numerous, beautiful works that reflect a mastery of form and an intricate involvement with light.
John Singer Sargent, Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Cole, Norman Rockwell, Morgan Weistling as well as a host of other great artists have inspired him, said the release.
The museum said Fitzsimons’s paintings embrace a range of subjects, most prominently that which inspires him at the moment. He is at his best with subjects from everyday life, genre subjects, sacred-idyllic landscapes or figures in quiet repose, reflection or thoughtful isolation, reported the museum.
The New England Carousel Museum is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p,m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission includes the New England Carousel Museum, the Museum of Fire History, the Restoration Department, the two fine art galleries, and the Museum of Greek Culture.
Admission for adults is $6, seniors: $5.50; children between the ages of 4 to 14 are $3.50.
The museum is located at 95 Riverside Avenue, Route 72 in Bristol.
For more information, call the Carousel Museum at (860) 585-5411, email, info@thecarouselmuseum.org or visit www.thecarouselmuseum.org.