W. Steve Rucker: Think Tank

Exhibition Dates: August 7 – September 18, 2004
Gallery Location: 730 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Hours: Tuesday  – Saturday 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Contact Info: 504.522.1999; www.arthurrogergallery.com

The Arthur Roger Gallery is pleased to present “Think Tank,” an installation by W. Steve Rucker from August 7 – September 18, 2004.  The opening reception will be White Linen Night, Saturday, August 7th from 6 9 pm, with music by the Little Freddie King Blues Band.

W. Steve Rucker’s “Think Tank” is a floor installation comprised of 385 forms, each individually created by hand.  Some of the elements make social and political references, which compel the viewer to formulate their own ideas.

“Think Tank” was created by Rucker to flow with the layout of the gallery space.  The viewer may enter either at the Tchoupitoulas Street entrance or through the lobby of the Renaissance Arts Hotel and walk along the pathway through the colorful objects.  Rucker’s installation is composed of freestanding painted ceramic forms and other mixed media, including mirror shards and springs.

Steve Rucker has taught ceramics at Loyola University since 1981 and he is currently an Associate Professor.  He is both a ceramic sculptor and a painter.  A native of Cleveland, Tennessee, Steve Rucker is inspired by the Southern landscape and drawn to the Mississippi River.  In his inventive environmental installations Rucker regularly combines several artistic elements including music.

Rucker received his Master of Fine Arts degree from LSU in 1979.  He has had several solo exhibitions in New Orleans including major installations at the Arthur Roger Gallery.  Steve Rucker has participated in group exhibitions in Boston, Sarasota, Knoxville, and Baton Rouge.

Live music by the Little Freddie King Blues Band will accompany the exhibition on opening night.  Also a singer/songwriter, Steve Rucker may sing a song related to his installation backed by the Little Freddie King Blues Band.