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Biography
I use oil paint to share my view of the world. Creating what others may not see, I strive to express what the people in my paintings feel. Warmth, isolation, connectedness: each is unique but shares common needs and desires. People from all backgrounds share a sidewalk or a bus stop. Some are young, some old: all are human. Our humanity connects us.
I spend many hours observing people. In good weather, I paint quickly and take reference photos so that I can finish back in the studio if necessary. During the long winter months, I work on composing larger scale paintings and making plans for the next year.
A sunny day brings me out to appreciate the variety, vitality and joy of life. The smell of hot pavement, the sound of laughter and traffic. Come share it with me.
Curriculum Vitae
Artist Resume
A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ron decided early on to pursue the arts. First as a
professional musician and now as a full-time artist, he is a lifelong student studying in
museums and galleries around the world. In addition to numerous workshops, he has studied
at the University of Minnesota and the Edina, Paramount St. Cloud, and Minnetonka
Centers for the Arts where he has taught Impressionism. He now specializes in figurative
cityscapes and plein air landscapes.
Currently gallery director at the Robbin Gallery, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, he also teaches
oil painting through the St. Louis Park Lenox Center, the Hopkins Center for the Arts, the
Minnetonka Center for the Arts and his studio in south Minneapolis.
Merchant has exhibited internationally and has won numerous awards including top honors.
His twenty piece collection, "Exploring the World, Treasuring the Revelations", was a jury
selected feature in the Walker Art Center's "5 Minutes of Fame" webcast.
Statement
Art is a slippery word. Is it the work created or the act of creating? Is it the
experience of watching the creation of the work or the impact (emotional,
intellectual or physical) of the work on you?
I don't have the answers, but while I pursue them, I still come up with
more questions.
Press Release
Publications:
St. Paul Pioneer Press, Best of This Week, Visual Art, Born by the River, 5/7/2006
MnSun, Robbin Gallery Exhibit, 5/17/2006
Star Tribune, Art Spotlight: Water's Edge, 5/5/2006
TwinCities.com, Best Bets, Visual Art: Born by the River, 5/3/2006
Southwest Journal, Art Notes, A River Runs Through Him, 4/24/2006
MnArtists.org, A River Journey: Ron Merchant, 6/7/2006
Red Wing Republican Eagle, Book, Paintings of Red Wing Featured, 6/24/2006
Red Wing Republican Eagle, Merchant, Ciccone share books with public, 6/28/06
Applause: Arts & Entertainment of the River Region, Red Wing part of traveling art
tour in July, July, 2006
Born by the River: People of the Mississippi River Towns,
Limner Fine Publishing, 2006
Winona Daily News, 6/18/2005
St. Cloud Times, 7/14/2005
Red Wing Republican Eagle, 6/23/2005
Elk River Star News, 8/10/2005, 8/24/2005, 11/12/2005
Minneapolis Observer, Career Change, September, 2005
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