Eclecticism | Rich Ford

Saturday, June 14th – June 28th, 2025
Opening Reception: June 14th, 12-5pm, Artist Talk at 2pm

Join us at Perspectives Art Gallery as we celebrate the stunning catalogue of pastel painter Rich Ford!

A Petersburg native and retired music educator, Rich turned his creative focus to visual art two decades ago, finding his voice through soft pastels. His work captures the quiet beauty of Illinois’ natural scenery—windswept trees, fading barns, and warm, vibrant sunsets—all rendered with a masterful sensitivity to light and color. Rich’s style blends impressionist influence with bold color value choices, bringing a stillness to each piece that convey thoughtful reflection and introspection. His landscapes are both deeply personal and widely resonant, inviting viewers to examine the ever-shifting beauty of the world around them.

Rich Ford is a pillar of the Central Illinois arts community—not only as a distinguished artist, but also as a mentor, educator, and leader. A founding member of the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society, Rich has exhibited at numerous regional galleries, including the Springfield Art Association’s Smith Gallery and the SAA Collective, and he was a featured artist in the nationally recognized Prairie Palette project. His work continues to inspire and connect people across generations. We are honored to celebrate his artistic journey and invite you to experience his evocative body of work at this special exhibition.

The opening reception will be held Saturday, June 14th from noon-5pm, featuring light refreshments and an artist talk/Q&A with Rich Ford at 2pm. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information or for questions, contact Perspectives Art Gallery at [email protected] or 217-361-7929.

Learn more about our Member Artist Rich Ford by selecting the ‘Artists’ section of the website.