LAS VEGAS, NEV.- In our latest exclusive, Artdaily sits down with Laura Sanders, the dynamic director of the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum in Las Vegas, to explore how she is safeguarding the visionary artist’s legacy while propelling the new single‑artist museum onto the world stage. Sanders opens up about curating the late Abbey’s monumental sculptures and vibrant desert‑inspired canvases, the joys of welcoming first‑time visitors into a space “designed by the artist for the art,” and her forward‑looking plans to weave community programs, cutting‑edge conservation, and bold scholarship into the museum’s DNA. It’s a candid conversation that reveals the heart, hustle, and hope behind one of America’s freshest cultural gems.

1. What inspired the vision for the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum, and how do you see it uniquely contributing to the art landscape, particularly in light of Rita Deanin Abbey's distinct artistic voice?

“The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is a Las Vegas destination museum that is locally relevant and internationally significant.” The vision for the Museum is inspired by our mission to “preserve, present, and advance the artistic legacy of Rita Deanin Abbey through exhibitions, programs, and events.” It is our desire to celebrate and promote the world-class talent of Rita Deanin Abbey (1930-2021). Abbey’s primary focus during her lifetime was on creating her art rather than promoting it, so the key motivation behind establishing the museum is to bring greater attention to her prolific body of work and ensure that her contributions to art are recognized and appreciated.

Approximately 250 artworks are currently on view in the museum galleries and exterior sculpture areas. This is a large number of artworks but only represents about 10 percent of the museum’s entire holdings of Abbey art works. During her productive sixty-year career, she worked in a great variety of materials and scales: from painting, drawing, monotype printmaking, watercolors, and enamels -- to monumental steel sculptures and wall-sized plexi-glass reliefs, resin/fiberglass murals, and stained-glass windows. This diverse representation highlights Abbey's versatility as an artist and her distinct voice, merging the beauty of the natural world with deep emotional and expressive themes.

Through her artworks, Abbey expresses the intangible and nonverbal forces of the desert. At the museum, visitors may engage with her art in transformative and enlightening ways and understand her profound relationship with nature and her surroundings. But the influence of nature is just one aspect of her passionately creative world and wide-ranging explorations. The museum stands as a testament to Abbey's legacy and inspires future generations to explore the intersection of art and nature and personal expression.

2. Three key aspects or themes essential to understanding Rita Deanin Abbey's artistic contributions include:

Abbey utilizes abstraction to reflect on her spirituality, stories, memories, and the passage of time that is carried in the land and in her personal connections to it.

First, her abstract works explore and energize the intangible forces of the desert, serving as a vehicle for the transference of energy between art, nature, spirit, and science. Abbey’s affinity for the natural world, particularly desert environments, influences her art as she captures color, light, and the mystery of landscapes.

Second, her ability to invite viewers to engage with nature in new ways is a central theme in her work. Abbey approaches art intuitively, enjoying the adventure of taking risks, even in large-scale pieces. This willingness to confront obstacles fosters her creativity and reflects her exploratory spirit.

Finally, her art exemplifies a dynamic interaction between artistic expression and geographic elements, showcasing her versatility and improvisational skills. Abbey distills not only the physical forms of her environment but also the emotional and experiential aspects of her relationship with it, providing viewers with a fresh perspective on abstract art.

3. How does the museum's location in Las Vegas influence its programming and engagement with local and international art communities?

The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is nestled against stunning desert scenery. It draws the attention of locals while attracting visitors from around the globe, capitalizing on Las Vegas's status as a vibrant cultural hub. Its programming reflects the unique blend of the city's diverse art scene and Abbey's artistic legacy, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and events that resonate with the local community and appeal to international audiences. The museum creates programs to engage visitors interested in art, enhancing their overall city experience. By showcasing Abbey's work in a city known for its entertainment and creativity, the museum serves as a conservator of her legacy and a vibrant participant in the ongoing dialogue within the broader art world.

4. Looking ahead, what are some of your key goals and aspirations for the Rita Deanin Abbey Museum in terms of exhibitions, research, and public outreach?

Looking ahead, our key goals and aspirations for the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum focus on enhancing community engagement and expanding recognition of Abbey’s remarkable legacy.

In terms of exhibitions, we curate diverse and rotating installations that showcase not only Abbey's significant body of work but also explore contemporary themes that resonate with her artistic vision. We envision an expansive loan program to share Abbey’s artworks with other institutions so they can organize and present compelling exhibitions of their own – such as, using Abbey’s art as a unifying curatorial thread with other artists’ works. We invite museum curators to visit our museum and explore ways to include Abbey’s artworks in their exhibitions and projects.

We seek collaborations with other artists and cultural institutions to create thematic exhibitions highlighting the intersections of art, nature, cultural heritage, and science, much like Rita did throughout her career.

For researchers, we’re establishing a dedicated archive that documents Abbey’s life, influences, and artwork. This archive will serve as a resource for scholars, students, and writers, encouraging further academic study of her contributions to the art world and her unique perspective on the natural environment.

Regarding public outreach, we offer educational programs, workshops, and interactive events that promote art appreciation and creativity among all ages. We foster an inclusive environment where community members feel connected to Rita's art and participate in the broader dialogue about nature and creativity. Overall, we envision the museum as a vibrant space for exploration and inspiration, ensuring that Rita Deanin Abbey's art continues to inspire and transform lives.

5. Could you discuss any upcoming exhibitions or projects you are particularly excited about and how they connect with the museum's overall mission?

In addition to our mission and vision previously stated, “The RDAAM seeks to provide inspirational experiences for all visitors. We strive to make meaningful connections with audiences to celebrate the art and life of artist Rita Deanin Abbey.”

One of our most important goals is to enhance the museum experience. RDAAM is collaborating with an architectural firm to design an event space adjacent to the museum galleries and sculpture garden. The space will be used for educational activities, special events, and any programs aligned with the museum's mission. Guests have expressed excitement about having a place to linger, gather, and relax at the museum.

Also, a dynamic and compelling documentary about the life and artwork of Rita Deanin Abbey is currently in development. It is intended for national and international distribution at film festivals and related venues.

6. In your opinion, what makes Rita Deanin Abbey's artistic practice still relevant and engaging for contemporary audiences?

Rita Deanin Abbey's deep awareness of the natural world and her affinity for the landscape resonate strongly in today's context, maintaining her relevance in a contemporary setting where environmental consciousness is increasingly emphasized. Her ability to capture the dynamics of color, light, and energy in the desert creates a bridge between art and nature that continues to inspire viewers.

Additionally, Abbey's exploration of merging the female form with the landscape is a powerful visual metaphor for spiritual and physical realities. This aspect of her work is increasingly relevant as discussions around gender, identity, and representation evolve in contemporary art dialogues. Visitor comments of feeling "exhilarated” that the museum is “informative and transformative" speak to the lasting impact of Abbey’s art. Her ability to evoke strong emotional reactions continues to make her work relevant today, as art is appreciated for its ability to inspire and change perspectives.

7. How does the museum plan to foster scholarship and further understanding of Rita Deanin Abbey's work and its place within broader art historical contexts?

The museum plans to foster scholarship and deepen the understanding of Rita Deanin Abbey’s work through several key initiatives:

Collection Share Program: As I mentioned earlier, we encourage and fund museum curators to visit our museum and explore ways to include Abbey’s artworks in their own institutions’ exhibitions and educational programs. We foster new research and encourage loans from our collection to other museums.

Educational Programs: The museum launches programs highlighting Abbey's philosophies and the influences behind her art, particularly her affinity for nature and landscape. For example, we host spiritual sound baths and tai chi classes that align with Abbey’s daily disciplines. These programs enable participants to explore themes such as the energy and mystery of desert environments, which are prevalent in her work.

Additionally, the museum intends to publish catalogs and scholarly articles highlighting Abbey’s influences, techniques, and themes, facilitating a richer discourse around her legacy in contemporary art and the significance of her experiences as a woman artist from the mid-20th century to the present. Through these efforts, the museum aims to position Abbey's art in a meaningful dialogue with her contemporaries and subsequent generations of artists.

8. Are there any lesser-known aspects of Rita Deanin Abbey's life or artistic process that the museum aims to bring to light?

Lesser-known aspects of Rita Deanin Abbey include her background as a child of the Great Depression. Rita Deanin was born to Jewish immigrants seeking a new beginning in America. Her time studying with Hans Hofmann at his School of Fine Arts in Provincetown, Massachusetts stimulated her to invent, imagine, improvise, and speculate, playing a significant role in her artistic development.

She attended the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, from 1950-1954 where she earned her Master of Arts degree, became acquainted with fellow classmate Richard Diebenkorn, and met Edward Abbey, whom she married. Both men became renowned figures in the 20th century. These connections to Diebenkorn and E. Abbey emphasize her involvement in a vibrant artistic and intellectual community that influenced her development as an artist.

Edward Abbey was a significant figure in Rita’s life during their marriage from 1952 to 1965. He was a writer and a champion of freedom and wilderness, qualities that likely influenced Rita's artistic perspective. The couple traveled and lived in remote areas of the scenic Southwest for years, inspiring Rita to create her individual style of painting out-of-doors. And she influenced Edward Abbey's writing, helping to shape his perceptions of nature and the landscape. As an artist deeply engaged with the environment, Rita’s explorations of natural elements and their abstract representations resonated with E. Abbey’s eloquent and passionate advocacy for preserving wilderness.

Her ability to translate the essence of nature into her art likely inspired him to articulate his experiences and observations with greater depth in his prose. Rita’s focus on the nuances of light, color, and form interacted with E. Abbey’s attention to the subtleties of the desert landscape as he infused his narratives with vivid, descriptive imagery.

Moreover, their shared love for the natural world and its complexities nurtured a creative synergy that enriched their thematic exploration of humanity's relationship with nature. This mutual inspiration can be seen in how Edward Abbey’s writing often reflects an appreciation for the raw beauty and untamed spirit of the desert, elements that Rita Deanin Abbey sought to capture in her visual art. Their collaborative dialogue deepened their reflections on environmental themes and the philosophical questions surrounding human existence in relation to the natural world.

The breakthrough that Rita Deanin Abbey experienced in New Mexico and the Southwest shaped some of her most important later artworks. She described how the deep colors of the landscape, spectacular mountains, and vast blue skies of the Southwest deeply impacted her abstract works.

Relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1965 during her divorce from E. Abbey, she became a single mother raising her two sons while serving as a professor of art at the University of Nevada, which is an integral part of her story. It highlights her industriousness and courage to pursue her art despite personal challenges. Our museum's motivation is to bring her world-class talent and the depth of her artistic contributions to the forefront, as she often chose not to promote herself.
At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), she taught painting, drawing, and color theory, as well as interdisciplinary classes with professors in the science departments, fostering a rich dialogue between art and fields such as geology and physics.

She had over 50 solo exhibitions and participated in over 150 national and international group exhibitions. She worked without assistants, creating the 10-foot-tall paintings by herself, hammering the textures into the metal for her enamels, welding metal models of sculptures, carving wood with chisels and mallets, and painstakingly selecting the glass from international vendors for her stained-glass windows. When the larger steel and bronze works required heavy-duty equipment, she remained hands-on, visiting the foundry or fabricator every step, fully participating in the process of fabricating the monumental artworks.

9. How did Rita Deanin Abbey's experiences and the Southwestern landscape influence her artistic vision and material choices?

The sublime landscapes of the Southwest profoundly impacted her artistry. Abbey developed a deep affinity for the natural world, particularly the dynamics of color and light found in the desert. This connection inspired her to create art evoking nature and allowed viewers to experience nature in new ways. She was receptive to the energies and mysteries of the desert environment, which became a central theme in her artistic exploration.

Regarding her choice of media, Abbey's work was incredibly diverse, encompassing large sculptures, stained glass, paintings, drawings, enamels, and more. The museum dedicated to her work highlights approximately 250 artworks, showcasing her ability to use various materials to express her vision. Even the main entrance doors of the museum and the gates throughout the property are works of art, illustrating her commitment to integrating fine art into architectural elements. Abbey nurtured unique and long-standing relationships with specific materials and has deeply explored how that material informs her interactions with the natural world. This wide-ranging exploration of materials reflects her boldness and the courage to venture into the unknown, emphasizing her dynamic interaction with geographic and artistic elements throughout her career.

10. What role did collaboration or artistic dialogue play in Rita Deanin Abbey's career, and how might the museum explore these connections?

Collaboration and artistic dialogue were essential throughout Rita Deanin Abbey's career, particularly evident in her interactions with the artistic community and teaching experiences. She had numerous sojourns as artist in residence at the studios of internationally renowned artists and institutions, in Japan and throughout the United States, challenging herself to learn new techniques and expand her horizons. And, as mentioned above, she co-taught interdisciplinary classes at UNLV with physics, geology, and botany professors, which created a rich environment for dialogue, encouraging her students to make new discoveries and see in new ways. Playfully, she might bring in tools from the carpentry shop to her art class, promoting exploration and fostering discussions that enriched her students' and her own artistic practices. The museum highlights these connections by emphasizing her collaborative spirit and the interdisciplinary nature of her art. This could include exhibits or programs that reflect the themes and ideas generated in her classes, showcasing how dialogue with students and colleagues influenced her work. Engaging with the community through workshops and discussions could further demonstrate her belief in the interconnectedness of art, nature, history, and science, illustrating how these elements came together in her creative process. By doing so, the museum would celebrate her accomplishments and the collaborative networks that contributed to her artistic journey.

11. What attracted you to the role of Director at the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum, and what are some of your guiding principles in leading the institution?

I am drawn to the role of Executive Director at the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum because I deeply admire Abbey's unique connection to the land and her dedication to exploring the interplay between art and the environment. Her work demonstrates a profound understanding of geology and the American desert landscape, which aligns with my belief that art is an experience that transcends mere observation. The chance to lead a museum focused on an artist who embodies such a rich and immersive approach to abstraction and the natural world is truly compelling. I have a strong personal connection to Abbey’s work, as I began my journey as her archivist, where I developed a comprehensive database documenting her entire life's work. In guiding the institution, I prioritize fostering an environment encouraging interdisciplinary exploration, like Abbey's practice. I emphasize the importance of education and outreach, aiming to connect the community to the artist's work and the underlying themes of nature and place. I believe in creating an inclusive space that welcomes diverse voices and perspectives within the arts, focusing on promoting sustainability and environmental awareness, reflecting Abbey's unwavering commitment to these issues throughout her career.

12. How do you approach the balance between preserving the legacy of a specific artist and engaging with broader contemporary art conversations within the museum's programming?

Balancing the legacy of a specific artist with broader contemporary art conversations in a single artist museum's programming requires a thoughtful intertwining of past and present. Within the context of the artist's evolution, such as the transition observed from the Desert Space Series to the From Desert to Bible Vistas Series, it's essential to honor their stylistic changes and thematic developments. For instance, in the later works, like Daybreak in a Region Almost Empty, which serves as a transitional piece, we can highlight the artist’s exploration of geological time and the dynamic interplay between form and atmosphere. This allows us to showcase how the artist's vision evolved, reflecting broader trends and dialogues in contemporary art, such as exploring flux and resolution in artistic expression. In programming, we might consider exhibitions or discussions that draw parallels between the artist's techniques and current practices, emphasizing the vibrancy of their colors and the development of structure within their works. By situating the artist within contemporary conversations—perhaps through collaborations or thematic exhibitions that connect their ideas to current artistic movements—we can create a space that respects their legacy while inviting dialogue about how their insights resonate in today’s artistic landscape. This approach allows visitors to appreciate both the historical significance of the artist and the ongoing relevance of their work in today's art world.

13. What are some of the unique challenges and opportunities of directing a museum dedicated to a single artist?

Managing a single-artist museum in Las Vegas has advantages and challenges. One significant advantage is the clarity of purpose, which allows for a cohesive narrative that deeply engages visitors with the artist's work. This focus is on advancing the artistic legacy of RDA through exhibitions, programs, and events to create a dedicated following and enhance patron loyalty.

The museum campus is situated on a scenic 10-acre desert in the northwest region of Las Vegas, far from The Strip, and attracts visitors worldwide.

However, significant challenges also exist. The museum must refresh its exhibitions and programming to maintain engagement, and economic fluctuations can impact attendance. Promoting, preserving, and accurately representing the artist’s works requires careful attention and resources. While the single-artist museum model offers opportunities for profound visitor experiences, it also demands strategic management to ensure sustainability and relevance in the evolving art landscape.

Directing a museum dedicated to a single artist, such as Abbey, presents unique challenges and opportunities. One significant challenge lies in comprehensively showcasing the evolution of the artist's work over time. For instance, understanding the connections between her early paintings from the 1950s and her later fired porcelain enamels requires careful curation, highlighting this artistic progression. Additionally, capturing the themes in Abbey's work, such as the interplay of geological forces and the concepts of balance and harmony, demands a deep knowledge of her philosophy and techniques. This can make it challenging to communicate her vision to the audience effectively. On the opportunity side, a single-artist museum allows for an in-depth exploration of the artist's life, influences, and the context of her works, which can create a more intimate experience for visitors. Curators can develop programs celebrating thematic threads across Abbey's body of work, such as transforming and rejoining forms, fostering a greater appreciation for her contributions to the art world, and the specific issues addressed in her pieces. Overall, while the challenges may be considerable, the opportunity to present a cohesive narrative of an artist's journey can lead to a profound connection with the audience.

14. How does the museum engage with its audience to make Rita Deanin Abbey's work accessible and meaningful to a diverse public?

Create transformative experiences that expand our understanding of Abbey’s life and artworks. Present art and cultural experiences that provide connection, transformation, reflection, and renewal. Connect visitors with each other and to Abbey’s art and life in ways that change perceptions and offer new experiences. Create experiences that expand our understanding of ourselves and the surrounding geological formations in the natural desert environment.

Launch a membership program to encourage return visitations by offering membership benefits and incentives to join. Develop activities that look at artworks in new ways through engaging (small group) encounters within the galleries through gallery tours, salon discussions, music combos partnered with artworks, spotlight talks, etc.

The museum engages with its audience to enhance visitors' understanding of Abbey’s life alongside her second husband, Dr. Robert Belliveau, whom Abbey married in 1985, by immersing them in the residential environment where they lived. The museum will feature her paintings, sculptures, library, personal furnishings, and artifacts they collected as a couple, creating a comprehensive and personal narrative about their shared life. This approach allows for a dynamic and compelling storytelling experience that makes Abbey's work accessible and meaningful to a diverse public.

15. In what ways does the museum collaborate with other institutions, artists, or scholars to expand its reach and impact?

The museum has hosted event-based programs and activities in collaboration with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United Way of Southern Nevada, the Neon Museum, the new Las Vegas Museum of Art, and local spiritual groups, and is connecting with other museums in the southwest U.S. and beyond. These activities with community and cultural partners have successfully connected Abbey’s art with broader perspectives and audiences.

The museum collaborates with various institutions, artists, and scholars. The expansion of the lecture and poetry series, particularly with eco-conscious talks, reflects a collaboration with experts that honors Rita’s love for nature and the desert environment. This combination of activities and educational opportunities enriches the visitor experience and broadens the museum's impact within the community by blending historical mastery with contemporary practices. The museum is launching an art-sharing initiative with Art Bridges to bring more of Abbey’s artworks out of storage and on loan to other institutions and share them with other communities.

16. What has been the most surprising or rewarding aspect of your work with the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum so far?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work with the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum has been witnessing the lasting impact that Abbey has had on her students and the broader community. Her dedication to teaching and innovative contributions to the arts are truly inspiring. It’s gratifying to see how her emphasis on hard work and discipline in creativity continues to influence new generations of artists. Additionally, recognizing and celebrating her achievements, such as her posthumous induction into the UNLV College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame, underscores the importance of honoring the legacy of someone generously sharing her expertise and passion for art. The most fulfilling part of my role at the museum has been observing the profound effect of Abbey’s art on a diverse audience. Her world-class talent, showcased through a career spanning 60 years, incorporates a wide range of styles and materials that resonate with everyone, from casual visitors to seasoned professionals. It is particularly gratifying to see how her mastery of color and form, along with her unique insights into the natural world, inspire curiosity and creativity in young students. Overall, I find it deeply fulfilling to contribute to raising awareness of her remarkable legacy, as her art truly deserves to be celebrated and appreciated by all.

17. How do you envision the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum evolving in response to changes in the art world and society over the next decade?

Introducing Rita Deanin Abbey and her museum nationally and internationally is paramount in both the short and long term. We envision the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum evolving over the next decade by embracing a more interactive and community-focused approach in response to art and society changes. As the museum establishes an atmosphere designed for social interaction, it will become a vibrant gathering place that encourages conversations around art, culture, and community. The museum can attract a wider audience by diversifying its programming to include various activities, special events, and partnerships with local artists and organizations. Collaborations with filmmakers for dynamic documentaries about Abbey's life and artwork will also help increase visibility and engagement nationally and internationally. The proximity of her historic residence, adjacent to the museum, deepens visitors' understanding of the Abbey’s life and artistic legacy, enriched by personal artifacts, paintings, and sculptures that tell a compelling story. As societal values shift, the museum can respond by incorporating themes of inclusivity and representation, ensuring that it remains relevant and resonates with future generations. Overall, the museum fosters an environment that celebrates Abbey’s contributions to the art world and adapts to the evolving cultural landscape.

18. Are there any specific artworks by Rita Deanin Abbey that hold particular significance for you, and why?

Rita Deanin Abbey has a series of paintings called the Arches National Monument Series from 1956-1959. This series beautifully contrasts organic textures with geometric shapes, and showcases her deep connection to the Southwest landscape. Abbey's ability to capture the essence of the desert environment through color and textured impasto application resonates with me, reflecting both the majesty of the natural world and her intricate attention to detail. Additionally, the watercolors from Rivertrip Series from 1971-1977 are particularly compelling. The series not only serves as a visual diary of her adventurous raft trip on the Colorado River, but the expressive use of texture and color in these works effectively conveys the spirit of the river and canyon. This emotional response to nature and the spontaneity in her style encapsulates the powerful relationship between artist and environment, which I find truly inspiring.

One particular series by Rita Deanin Abbey that holds significance is from her From Desert to Bible Vistas Series, which spans from 1979 to 1987. These paintings resonate deeply as they are inspired by her feelings and experiences living in the deserts of Israel and the southwestern United States. Abbey's ability to combine the spirit of the ancient past with contemporary energy truly captivates me. Her work's use of explosive color and dynamic shapes invites personal interpretation, showcasing her intuitive development and exploration of the metaphysical realm. The emotional depth she expresses through color and form reflects broader human concerns, making her art not just visually appealing but also meaningful on a spiritual level. The fusion of references to Bible stories and the influence of Hebrew calligraphy adds another layer of significance, as it connects her art to cultural and historical narratives. Abbey's relentless dedication to her art and the warm, steady intensity of expression she achieves resonates with anyone who appreciates the journey of discovery in creative endeavors. Her paintings feel like a celebration of life and reflect the human experience, so they hold particular importance for me.

19. What advice would you offer to emerging artists who are interested in exploring similar themes or materials as Rita Deanin Abbey?

Contemporary artists have innovative opportunities to expand abstractions using breakthroughs in optical and material sciences, with the Southwest’s unique landscape and spirit of experimentation playing a vital role. Our natural environment offers a space for freedom and authenticity that is free from influences and restrictions.

To emerging artists interested in exploring themes or materials similar to Rita Deanin Abbey, I would advise you to engage deeply with the places you want to depict. Don’t just visit them as a Tourist; immerse yourself in the environment and its context. Explore the landscapes thoroughly, live in them, and create your art to develop a genuine connection. Additionally, consider Abbey's interdisciplinary approach. Investigate how art intersects with other fields, like geology and environmental science, and incorporate this understanding into your work. Engaging with these subjects can add depth and meaning to your art. Lastly, stay true to your convictions, just as Abbey does with her opposition to the nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. Let your principles guide you and infuse your work with the importance of the issues you feel strongly about. Your art should reflect your experiences and insights, making it a true representation of your life and beliefs rather than something created in isolation or from a distance.

20. For readers of artdaily.com, what is the single most compelling reason they should visit the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum in Las Vegas?

Visiting the museum is a transformative experience. The range and depth of Abbey’s talent are a marvel, and to experience what this one passionate and gifted artist has accomplished is an exhilarating enchantment that would benefit and inspire anyone.

You will discover a new artist, discover new ways of seeing, and discover more about yourself as you explore how artworks can celebrate life as they challenge and elevate our experience of the world around us. You will go on an engaging journey and expand your perceptions as you interact with one artist’s expressive use of color, light, form, movement, texture, and balance and their interactions in time and space.

The breadth of styles and materials that Abbey explored over six decades – and her skill and inspiration that only kept increasing – have the ability to astonish. To observe her evolution through those years, whether she was re-examining motifs from her earlier works or branching out to completely new territory, is an exciting and rewarding experience that will offer fresh insights and discoveries each time you visit.

As one visitor wrote: "I was overwhelmed and thrilled at the same time, but I left transformed by Rita's spirit and art. It was pure creative magic!"