The community is invited to an opening reception of the exhibition “In Memory of Rick Abrams: A Pop Art Anthology” 4-7pm Saturday, September 7, in Atlantic Center for the Arts in the city center123 Douglas St. in New Smyrna Beach. The artist from DeLand died on June 9, 2024 at the age of 64.
During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase rare works by Abrams, with proceeds benefiting the College of Central Florida Foundation for Educational Programs at the Appleton Museum of Art and programs at the Atlantic Center for the Arts.
The evening includes the smooth jazz style of triowith Tyler Rosenke on drums, Ron Gilotti on double bass and Howard Post on the guitar. Small refreshments will be served.
The public is invited to share a written memory or tribute in a memorial book that will be shared with the family.
Abrams was best known for his acrylic and mixed media shadow boxes on PVC panels that addressed pop culture themes. He often incorporated nostalgic and humorous references from borrowed images, including 1950s-1960s advertising and packaging designs, comic book frames, and photographs. Speech bubbles, halftone patterns, polka dots, neon effects, and newspaper motifs were also often incorporated into his work.
Each piece was created by applying paint with stencils and rollers to the back of clear acrylic, which was placed over a separate painting on white styrene. This technique reveals a vibrant, three-dimensional quality as shapes, shadows, colors and patterns interact on different levels.
The exhibit is open through Saturday, October 12. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, an appointment is required. Call 386-428-1133.
