Jimmy De Sana | Kneeling Magical Figure

A donation of 46 contemporary American prints, spanning the creative spectrum of art making today, was given to the UMCA collection by Richard Gerrig in memory of his sister Risa Gerrig, a UMass alumna (1981).  These prints represent all manner of special processes and innovative techniques in printing --such as using linen and cotton pulp paint and photo-luminescent inks; black and white and colored lithography; creative integration of collage and cut paper; incorporation of photographic images into digital prints; screen printing; and many others. Artists include Kiki Smith, Richard Artschwager, Polly Apfelbaum, James Rosenquist, Ed Ruscha, and John Wesley, as well as numerous emerging artists.

Richard Gerrig started collecting art with his partner Timothy Peterson twenty years ago. Through their passion for contemporary art they have amassed an impressive personal collection, including works by many artists who are now their personal friends. They follow their instincts and have mastered the art of collecting without having the market dictate what they should buy.
UMass Art History graduate student Brittany Rubin (M.A. ‘15) along with undergraduate Art History students, Felicia Bolaske (B.A. ‘14) and Shelby Miner (B.A. ’15) curated the exhibition, receiving course credit.