RLS proudly announces its 20th anniversary with a spectacular art exhibit aptly titled “Twenty.” The event will be a celebration of art and achievement. showcasing the work of 50 talented artists, each creating a unique 24 x 24 inch masterpiece to commemorate the milestone.
The exhibit will open on November 1 at the gallery’s 2 Queen Street location. The grand celebration will feature a variety of artistic styles, reflecting the diverse talents of the participating artists. From abstract expressions to realistic portrayals, each piece will be a testament to the creativity and vision of the artist’s that the gallery has worked with over the last twenty years.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our 20th anniversary with such a meaningful event,” said owner and artist Robert Lange. “The art exhibit not only highlights the incredible talent that we have worked with over the years but also marks two decades of growth and success for our business. It’s a wonderful way to give back and share our appreciation with all who have been apart of this journey.”
The journey has had many twists and turns for the gallery owner, who along with his wife, opened RLS when they were in their early twenties. Lange said, “We were just young and naive enough to open a business with no experience or money and just hope for the best.” Now, 20 years later, after multiple expansions, hosting hundreds of residency artists and countless exhibits, the gallery is a prominent fixture in the southeastern art scene with well know artists gracing the walls.
One such artist is pop-surrealist Nathan Durfee, who has been part of the RLS stable of artists since the very beginning. Each of Durfee’s narrative artworks weave together layers of symbolism and emotion to create a rich tapestry of visual storytelling and for this exhibit he has created one of his iconic “Dreamers;” a masked figure contemplating their next adventure.
Durfee said, “Being part of RLS for so long has been an incredible voyage. I’m deeply grateful for the support and opportunities they've provided. Their commitment to showcasing local artists has not only enriched my career but also helped to foster a vibrant and creative community. This 20th-anniversary exhibit is a testament to their dedication and passion for the arts, and I’m honored to contribute to this milestone celebration.”
Along side Dufee’s work will be many realists including world renowned painters, Julie Beck and Anthony Waichulis. Both artists have created intricate still life paintings for the show. Waichulis is heavily regarded as an expert among realist circles. His painting “Ideation” is a supreme example of his understanding of composition and detail.
Waichulis said, “It might seem a bit odd that the inspiration for this piece was, in fact, found in the struggle for the "right idea" for such a special exhibition. Yet, that's exactly how this composition unfolded. "Ideation" is the process or practice of generating and developing ideas. I took some metaphorical liberty with the concept, viewing it through the language or lens of the vanitas, to communicate this process as a life cycle. Every day, countless new ideas are generated, evaluated, refined, and discarded─often with the arrival of new insights. There is a fascinating beauty to be found at every stage of this cycle, and I hope viewers will enjoy exploring the symbols and metaphors of each stage throughout the piece.”
Waichulis added when asked about the 20 year celebration, “It is a distinct pleasure to have been able to exhibit under the Robert Lange Studios Gallery (RLS) banner over the past few years. Across two memorable decades of operation, RLS has cultivated an impressive roster of creatives that continue to captivate and inspire. I have been fortunate enough to work with many esteemed gallerists thus far in my career, and the projects I have worked on with RLS will remain among some of my most cherished exhibition experiences. They are a true gem of the contemporary art world.”
Beck said of her painting “Ghost in the Machine,” I rarely work on a scale this large, as I typically prefer the intimacy of a smaller picture plane. The size requirement for this show posed a unique challenge: how to evoke the same sense of intimacy within a much larger format. I had a setup that had been in limbo because I couldn’t find the right space or surface to make it impactful—an all-too-familiar struggle for me. When the staff informed me about this show, it became the perfect opportunity to explore new possibilities for that setup, and 'Ghost in the Machine' was born.
Beck added about her relationship with RLS, “Early in my journey as a painter, I made a list of stretch-goal galleries that consistently showcased creative realist work, and RLS was one of the first to top that list. I'm honored to have had the opportunity to exhibit alongside some of my longtime heroes within these gallery walls over the past few years. As a realist painter who believes that humor, fun, and accessibility are essential to my artistic voice, I feel a deep connection with RLS Gallery and its staff—they really 'get' me. It's evident in everything they do: the swing, the mini art gallery, the hidden clever details, and the sketchbooks for kids—it’s all pure magic. Their professionalism, prompt communication, and commitment to community building are not just beneficial to the collectors and art lovers they serve, but is also why they are great to work with from the artist's perspective.”
The exhibit will be open to the public from November 1 to November 29, with an opening reception on November 1 from 5 to 8pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, view their stunning creations, and enjoy a special evening of celebration and community.
