Now on view, Selections from the Vault offers a rare glimpse into the depth, experimentation, and evolution of Rita Deanin Abbey’s (1930-2021) artistic practice. This noteworthy selection brings together more than 20 rarely seen works spanning five distinct series—many exhibited publicly for the first time in nearly sixty years.
Highlights include the atmospheric Desert Space Series (1977–1979), inspired by the forces of the desert landscape, and the intimate Rivertrip Series (1971–1977), created during a six-day rafting journey through Cataract Canyon and displayed in the artist’s home since 1985.
The selection also features newly revealed works from the Black Art Series (1967–1969), unseen since 1968. In these works, Abbey combined black paint with materials such as fiberglass, resin, wood, acrylic sheets, and polyurethane foam, using texture and light to activate form. As Abbey noted, black acts as a unifying force—its interaction with light revealing shifting contours and meaning.
Additional works include Abbey’s formative drawings from the model, produced during her studies with Hans Hofmann in the early 1950s, which reveal the development of her approach to color, space, and structure.
Finally, bold, colorful abstract paintings from the Still Life Series further illuminate her mid-1950s explorations of the fundamental elements that would shape her lifelong artistic vision.
Join us to explore Rita Deanin Abbey’s remarkable artistic journey and celebrate at the FREE opening reception on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 12–3pm. Soft beverages will be provided. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.
