Remarkable Moments Recounted by Dorothy Riester from Stone Quarry Hill Art Park Spanning Her Extraordinary 99 Years
American artist Dorothy Riester, a prominent figure in the Pennsylvania Impressionism movement, has recently published her memoir, "The Art of a Life: Dorothy Riester, A Memoir." Proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, a testament to Riester's enduring connection with the organisation she co-founded.
Riester's artistic journey began in her college days at William & Mary, where she had the privilege of hearing Gertrude Stein give a lecture. Her first major commission came in the form of 'Games Children Play,' a massive wall and figures for SUNY Brockport.
Throughout her life, Riester found inspiration in the relationship between art and nature. She considered sculpture as more than a mere picture of something; it is a living thing. Her advice to fellow artists was to look at everything, for it would inspire them. The natural spaces in the Art Park, with their changing light and seasons, she saw as an artistic opportunity.
Riester's memoir likely delves into her personal experiences, artistic development, and reflections on a life dedicated to art. For those seeking more detailed information about her life and work, literary or art archives, libraries, or publications dedicated to Pennsylvania Impressionism or American women artists of the 20th century would be a good starting point.
In addition to the memoir, a collaboration between Schweinfurth and Stone Quarry Art Park has highlighted an exhibit, with two additional exhibits also part of the collaboration. The artist herself is the subject of a video titled "Dorothy Riester talks art," created by Andrea Kennedy.
On her 99th birthday, which fell on Nov 29, Riester celebrated not only a milestone in her life but also her continued commitment to the arts. Her belief that age is acceptable as long as the mind remains active and the hands are busy resonates deeply in her work and her dedication to the Art Park. It is a sentiment that continues to inspire those who encounter her art and her legacy.
The proceeds from Dorothy Riester's memoir, "The Art of a Life: Dorothy Riester, A Memoir," will be donated to the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, showcasing her lifelong commitment to art and her appreciation for the home-and-garden setting of the park. In her memoir, readers may find insights into Riester's lifestyle, as she discusses her personal experiences, artistic development, and her connection with nature, which she regarded as an essential source of inspiration for her work.
