Exhibition - Ron Rigge

The Firehouse Arts Center is excited to welcome photographer, Ron Rigge, onto the Pleasanton Art League (PAL) Wall from April to June 2024. Primarily an architectural study, this exhibition focuses on the structures of two Spanish missions. The establishment of the 22 Spanish missions in the late 18th century is an important part of Californian history. Today, some of these missions still retain an essence of their original state. One can view rooms where daily tasks such as weaving and cooking took place. Restored bedrooms and dining areas seem as if they are in use today. There is also a strong feel of sacred space, and if one is able to visit early in the morning it is quite easy to imagine being present in the year 1780. The images in this presentation are from the missions LaPurisima Concepcion, San Antonio de Padua, and San Miguel. On view until June 1, 2024, visitors are able to experience two archival silver gelatin photographs and a collection of digital prints using archival materials by Rigge.

Artist Statement
I have lived in Pleasanton, California for over 50 years and have been producing fine art photographs since 1981. While my work covers diverse subject matter found in our Western states, I consider myself a photographer of California. Representative bodies of work include the orchards of Central California, the Spanish missions, and “Americana,” which includes relic autos, old beverage signs and images from western ghost towns. I have also made a significant number of studies of California landscapes, including those of our East Bay parks and the Eastern Sierras.

I am skilled at developing and printing my work in a traditional darkroom and have fully made the transition to producing today’s archival digital prints. I compete annually in several local and national juried shows and have received awards and recognition in these exhibits including the California State Fair’s “California Works.” My work has been exhibited in group shows in Yokohama, Japan and the Steinbeck Center in Salinas. My photographs can be found in many private collections including four international ones. The cities of Danville, Fairfield, and Livermore have purchased my pieces for their collections. A wider selection of my photography can also be seen at my website ronrigge.com.