McEachern Art Center (the MAC) will present a progression of completed works, photographs and sketches tracing artist Ric Geyer’s journey in “Progression: From the Archives of Ric Geyer.” The show will have an opening reception at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 and will run through Jan. 25.
“Progression” is an immersive exhibition that traces Geyer’s creative journey. This show invites viewers to explore Geyer’s evolution from his early life to his current body of work, highlighting the rich interplay between object and origin. Featuring an array of materials, sketches, and finished pieces, the exhibition illustrates the progression of Geyer’s philosophy, practice and process.
“Ric was one of the first artists I met upon my return to Macon, and we have been working on a collaboration ever since,” said Johnny Cohen, director of the MAC. “The show is designed as a guided story from his childhood to where he is today, including his impact on the Macon community.”
Alongside his completed works, written narratives and photographs provide documentation of Geyer’s work in Detroit, Atlanta and Macon, emphasizing the spaces he has nurtured and transformed in those cities. To enhance the visitor experience, a series of arrows and lines guide viewers through the exhibition, leading them from the beginnings of Geyer’s journey to the present.
“Johnny Cohen has included furniture and artwork going back six decades in order to show the progression that I’ve made since I first started thinking about art,” Geyer said. “That’s an important distinction because my furniture is as much about art as it is about function. The majority of my pieces are one-off prototypes because, for me, the excitement comes from experimenting with new shapes, new colors and new materials. Hopefully that comes through in the show.”
In the secondary gallery space, the spotlight shifts to Geyer’s company, Val Kill, originally founded by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1926. Geyer purchased the trademark in 2015 and has since been producing limited furniture under that name. This section showcases additional works that exemplify the craftsmanship and techniques that establish him as an iconic furniture designer.
“Progression: From the Archives of Ric Geyer” will have an opening reception 6-8 p.m. Dec. 6 during downtown Macon’s First Friday. The MAC is located at 332 Second St. in Macon and has regular operating hours of 4-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Admission is always free and open to the public. Media and educators may access the gallery outside of normal hours by appointment by emailing cohen_j@mercer.edu. Find out more at macmacon.com
