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Glenn A. Ridler: Artist, Builder, Inventor and Humorist
Themes & Projects | Grants and Awards


w_Glenn-and-the-sortamanGlenn A. Ridler has been painting, sculpting and inventing in Shelburne, MA for the past 30 years. Ridler was born in Paterson, New Jersey in 1942 and graduated from Montclair State College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1967 he received a MFA from Oakland's California College of Arts & Crafts, in painting.   His early development as an artist occurred during the peak of Modernism: The time of Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism, Conceptual and Environmental Art. Ridler explained his own development during this stimulating period,

"When I received my Masters in Fine Arts in 1967 from California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, CA, the artificial walls between painting and sculpture were breaking down. I made shaped canvases.  This was a huge departure, for I had been schooled as a painter in the tradition of Hans Hofmann. I have, over time, realized that I am more of a conceptual artist, moving from media to media, idea to idea."

His largest work is his home, Little Big House, started in 1972 as a residential sculpture. Ridler describes, "My most consuming piece has been Little Big House, an illusionistic, archetypal structure that uses an original construction technique and most of all humor; and is an attempt to bridge the gap between art and life." Little Big House is Ridler's largest and most involved project to date, developing over a period of 30 years.

Humor, and the relationship of art to life, is often part of Ridler's larger body of work. His work has a scope and range far exceeding expectations - from oil paintings and watercolors to toys and sculpture.
 

Themes & Projects
Grants/Awards
  • California College of Arts and Crafts MFA
  • Ford Foundation Grant
  • Massachusetts Arts Foundation, Honorable Mention
  • Invitational Exhibitions and Lectures, Pierce College, Los Angles
  • Special Showing for Joseph Hirshhorn, Naples, FL
Current Representation: Little Big House Gallery, Shelburne, MA
 

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Glenn Ridler moved to Shelburne in 1966. The scenic Patten district of the town was a completely different environment for Glenn, whose formative years were spent in urban Paterson, New Jersey. The beauty of the landscape was an anchor.
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The bargain prices of land in that era, and the generous support of landowner Francis Barnard, enabled him to purchase the piece of land that eventually became the site of his largest sculpture - Little Big House.

North of the Deerfield River, the house is located close to the Audubon Sanctuary called High Ledges. The Village of Shelburne Falls, with its famous geological Potholes, Bridge of Flowers and fellow artists and artisans is a few miles away.

Visitors reach Little Big House by traveling on a variety of scenic roads; a beautiful ride in all seasons, especially in autumn when the foliage can be spectacular.
 
Glenn has been working in Shelburne continuously for 40 years, creating a treasure trove of artful objects.

Visit the Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts web site.
[Home] [About The Artist] [About The House] [About The Gardens] [About The Gallery] [Directions] [Contact Us]

Exhibitions: Now Showing | Past Exhibitions | Ongoing Exhibition

Little Big House Gallery
323 Patten Road, Shelburne, Massachusetts 01370
413-625-6697 -  Contact us by email

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