Rick Griggs
Native Texan
Lives & works in Saint Louis
My visual journey began in my father’s wood-centric workshop in East Texas. He was a fine draftsman/craftsman and fabricated laminated bentwood archery, canoes and many things with wood. I was put to task at an early age, honing and sanding wood objects per my father’s insistence. Craftsmanship has coursed with all I do as a result of his influence.
My professional life as a pastry chef was a continuation of crafting raw product into a visual and tactile experience. The understanding of food as media became the second layer of learning and honing to the point of artistry. Frustrated as a chef by the impermanence of food, I decided to pursue a different and permanent artistic endeavor in painting. Many historic pigments are derived from food, flora and animal sources, so this seemed a natural progression.
I studied music (trumpet), drawing, design and graphic design while attending universities in the 80s, my “discovery” years. I later received a degree in culinary arts and hotel/restaurant management in Dallas, Texas and until 2020, worked in award winning establishments as a pastry chef. During the 90’s, I worked as a pastry chef in Miami and started the journey as a painter upon meeting a group of established artists. This began my informal but pertinent education into the world of art. I set up a studio in the famed Wynnwood District of Miami at The Bake House Art Complex, ironically a former bakery. I met and worked with established artists who are still very influential in my journey as an artist.
Since then, I lived and worked in San Francisco as a pastry chef and artist. I was influenced by its architecture, art and culture and maintained my art studio and practice. My recent move to Saint Louis is a continuation of the journey as a full-time artist.
Studies
El Centro College
Dallas, Texas 1987
Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences/Three Year Chef's Apprenticeship, ACF
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, Texas 1981/82
Studied Drawing, Design, Graphic Design and Music
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas 1980 & 1983
Studied Music/Trumpet
Bakehouse Art Complex
Informal Art Submersion
2006/2007
Exhibitions & Recognition
2023
Duane Reed Gallery
September Exhibition
Saint Louis, MO
Duane Reed Gallery
Summer Invitational
Saint Louis, MO
Baldocreative
Permanent Rotating Exhibition
Palm Springs, CA
2022
Saint Louis Regional Arts Commission
Grant Recipient
Baldocreative
Permanent Rotating Exhibition
Palm Springs, CA
2021
Angad Arts Hotel
4th Biannual Juried Art Exhibition
"Taking Flight" - In Harmony Series
Saint Louis, Missouri
2019/Currently
Baldo Creative
The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five
Permanent Rotating Exhibition
Palm Springs, California
2019
Guggenhome
"Casa" Series
Solo Exhibition
Dallas, Texas
2018
IXIA
"Casa" Series
"Works on Paper" Series
One Person Exhibitions
Castro Art Walk
San Francisco, California
2017
Guggenhome
Opening Group Exhibition
Dallas, Texas
Curated State
“Cali Dreamin”
One Person Exhibition
San Francisco, California
Courtney Norris, Curator
2015
Meals On Wheels
Annual Ball-Auction Donation
“No Dietary Restrictions”
San Francisco, California
2012
Chase Miller Gallery
Terri Provencal, Patron Magazine
“Slip into Summer”
Two Person Exhibition
with Tamara White
Dallas, Texas
2011
Featured
West Elm Spring Catalogue
Featured Etsy Artist
USA National
2010
Cameron Gallery
“Out of the Blue”
Solo Exhibition
Dallas, Texas
2008
Nest Home Gallery
Two Person Exhibition
with Tamara White
Dallas, Texas
Featured Artist
Modern Dallas Online Magazine
Featured
D Home Magazine-March/April
“Museum Quality”
with Julio Quinones, Interior Designer
Dallas, Texas
Featured
Dallas Interiors Magazine
“Modern Luxury”
Autumn Issue
2007
The Bakehouse Art Complex
“21 Show and Pandoras Box”
Carol Damian, Curator
Florida International University,
Art Chairperson Director
Miami, Florida
Brooke Berman Gallery
Palomar Hotel
Opening Group Exhibition
Dallas, Texas
Lurie Gallery
“Forms and Construction”
Group Exhibition
Miami, Florida
Cheryl Hazan Gallery
“Petal Fusion ll”
Group Exhibition
New York, New York
2006
Revolution Gallery
“Apathy is the New Pink”
Group Exhibition
Dallas, Texas
The Bakehouse Art Complex
Group Exhibition
Miami, Florida
Steve Martin Gallery
Group Exhibition
Miami, Florida
Miami Shores Invitational
Juried Group Exhibition
Miami, Florida
The Bakehouse Art Complex
Juried Exhibition
Terrence Riley, Director of MAM, Juror
Miami, Florida
2005-2010
The Rathbun Art Party
March of Dimes Event
Group Exhibition
Dallas, Texas