Commentary on contemporary politics exhibit opens at library in May
The New Woodstock Free Library is presenting an exhibit of works by the internationally-recognized Cazenovia-based artist Jim Ridlon from May 6 to June 29. In the exhibit, Ridlon will be displaying assemblages he created and presented at Syracuse’s Art Rage Gallery in 2018.
In her June 2, 2018, article “Politics as Art,” Karen Tashkovski wrote of Ridlon’s works, “They are visual puns meant to take the sting out, to replace the discord with fun, humor and the strange machinations of this Renaissance man’s mind. They are outfitted in sports gear to possibly refer to the political arena as a game, as well as referencing his own history – football hero turned Syracuse University professor.
“There are clipped feathers found on meditative hikes taken with his son that speak of the illusion of the sanctity of government positions; rusty found objects from various trips to flea markets – hunting the perfect pair of old scissors or wood turnings, ropes/chains to bind the opponent in an intricate power trip. Well-worn accessories complete these framed boxes of objects, the human element that sets the viewer on this quest to create meaning.”
Ridlon earned a B.F.A. in sculpture from Syracuse University in 1957 and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers the same year; he spent six years playing professional football and an additional two years for the Dallas Cowboys. After eight years of pro football, he returned to S.U. to complete his M.F.A. in sculpture. He served on the faculty at Syracuse University for 36 years and was the artistic director of the New York State Summer School for the Arts for 22 years.
“There is not enough room to write of all of the accomplishments of this remarkable man,” said Library Events Coordinator Traci Schuster. “You just have to see him and his work to know you are getting the ‘real deal.’ Besides his talents as an artist and athlete, he is considered a philanthropist and philosopher by all who know him. His generosity is well-documented in our community.”
For more information about this or other programs and events at the library, call 315.662.3134, visit midyork.org/newwoodstock, or check out the library’s Facebook page.
The library is open Mondays from 1 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays from 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.