Spaces and Places 2024

Ronn often describes his work as a Phoenix: the new rising from the old; creations inspired by nature's artwork, repurposed and rebirthed into newness. Not only is this an accurate description of the sculpture he creates but also of his career as an artist. Ronn's path as an artist is the epitome of a Phoenix. Like the bird of myths, he has seen a regeneration of his work and career from the ashes of life events. As the cliche goes, when one door closes, another opens.

This has been the year of many newly opened doors.

January 2024 began with a feature in 518 Profiles Magazine - a beautiful six page spread featuring Ronn's story and his art. Also in January was LARAC's annual member show, "Day Dreamer". The closing of The Mountain Gallery in Glens Falls was marked with a beautiful ten-person select show which ran from February into March. The Laffer Gallery celebrated its twelfth year with "Renewal" which opened on June 29. It was an honor for Ronn to show alongside owner and artist, Erik Laffer for this milestone celebration. That same day marked the opening of the North Bennington (VT) Outdoor Sculpture Show for which Ronn was selected a second year running.

The closing of the W00d Hill Gallery's Bolton location this summer turned into a literal new open door when they revealed the grand opening of their Saratoga Gallery's relocation - just upstairs from their previous one on Broadway. Several of Ronn's sculptures are exhibited at Wood Hill.

In August, Ronn donated a sculpture to Saratoga Arts for their Annual Fundraiser Gala which we attended. Returning from a family trip to Madrid left Ronn inspired and motivated to create new sculpture for the Annual LARAC Juried Show, "Everything Now", which opened in October and ran through November.

With Ronn's acceptance into the New England Sculpture Association came The Cape Cod Open Sculpture Invitational show, and NESA's annual juried exhibition at Newbury Court in Concord, MA. The NESA membership opened other doors such as acceptance in the 4th Annual Inside and Out Exhibition at Whitin Mill in Whitinsville, MA. This show opens January 5th at the Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery and will showcase Ronn's sculpture "Rejuvenate".

Looking forward, Ronn has become a member of the Guild of Adirondack Artists which is a small group of local artists from the Glens Falls area. January 10th marks the opening of "Big Chill Redux" at Ti Arts in Ticonderoga, NY which will feature five sculptures from Ronn. In February and March, Ronn's work will be exhibited at The Laffer Gallery with a collection of other talented artists also represented by the gallery. Stay tuned for more details - you won't want to miss exciting new works in progress.

Gratitude goes to LARAC, The Chapman Museum and The Adirondack Salt Cave for continued support and exhibition space.

Thank you to all of Ronn's supporters. We wish you and yours a Happy New Year.

Muchas gracias, Madrid!

Intrigue and Inspiration in Spectacular Spain

Our family traveled to Madrid at the end of August for a semester abroad college drop off. What we knew was going to be a wonderful adventure and vacation turned into a week of considerable inspiration for Ronn. The center of Spain, one of the most populated cities in Europe with over three million people, became a catalyst for creation. While we spent most of our time in Madrid, we did take a day trip to Toldeo, a city that has protected its history through the preservation of architecture. One structure dates back to 999! We spent a good part of our day in the Santa Iglesia Cathedral where construction began in 1227. Inspired by the historical architecture, graffiti, and rusty objects most would overlook, Ronn took to sketching.

Another benefit of being an artist in Madrid are the museums. We visited Museo Nacional del Prado, Spain's national art museum and home to over 2,300 works of art from the 11th to the 18th centuries. More inspiring for Ronn, however, was Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia which is Madrid's modern art gallery of 20th century masters such as Dali and Picasso, a couple of Ronn's favorite modern artists.

Stay tuned for the results of our adventure, sculpture inspired by Spain.

SOLD! Sculpture Sales from The Laffer

While we love a successful show, at times it is difficult to let go of Ronn's creations. Not only are they magnificent and profound they are also a personal sample of his self-expression. Yes, I know I am biased and, I might mention, Spry and Giaco are two of my personal favorites from his body of new work. Don't get us wrong, we certainly are excited that five of Ronn's recent creations found new homes.

Spry, Ricci Di Mare, Blossom, Aqueous and Giaco were spoken for at The Laffer Gallery's Renewal which featured works from Ronn and gallery owner, Erik Laffer.

All of these pieces are composed of repurposed steel and glass. Spry, Blossom and Aqueous are specifically fabricated from found objects - also steel.

Glass for several of the Renewal pieces was repurposed from a historic hardware store - turned small department store in Schroon Lake, NY. The use of this glass not only aligned with Ronn's focus on repurposing material and the theme of the show, but also with the store-owner's mission to honor history.

See something you like? Although Ronn's sculptures are all one-of-a-kind, often multiple pieces will have similar aspects. Ronn also commissions artwork that is created with the client's input.

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From top to bottom - left to right:

Spry: free-standing 15" x 3.5" x 3.5"

Ricci Di Mare: wall piece 48" x 10" x 10"

Blossom: free-standing 9" x 3" x 3"

Aqueous: free-standing 14" x 6" x 5.5"

Giaco: free-standing 25.5" x 11.5" x 6"

All photos taken by Stephanie Mattia at The Laffer Gallery in Schuylerville, NY.