As an Introduction. . .

The Ryder Jon Piotrs Nomadic Gallery is a 24 foot long Ryder truck rented and then converted into a sophisticated traveling gallery space. Master minds of the endeavor are Ryder Richards, Piotr Chizinski, & Jon Whitfill.

We are two Interior Design instructors that moonlight as a deck builder and an Italian food line cook who joined forces with a picture framer looking to fortune cookies for life advice. The meshing of minds over several adult beverages developed into a passionate idea that pursues a purpose larger than the petty concerns of making money. The second and third jobs held by the partners of RYDER JON PIOTRS NOMADIC GALLERY facilitate these extracurricular artistic endeavors. (In short, we work non-stop for three weeks to pay for one weekend of community outreach and the joy of a road trip with 3 adult men jammed into the cab of a Ryder truck. )

Ryder and Jon are instructors at Texas Tech University while Piotr Chizinski is an Alumnus of Texas Tech University. Ryder also runs the Art Depot and Annex galleries in Lubbock, Texas.

As a group Ryder Jon Piotrs meets together once a week to discuss art and the options is provides. Our isolated geographical location in Lubbock, Texas lends itself to creative problem solving. The Nomadic Gallery is our solution as a vehicle and venue for dialogue, growth, and promotion.

As the logo on the Ryder truck so aptly reads: "Together, we're going places."

RJP brochure 2008
Top (To see more please visit the Archives.)

Mission Statement ...

We are the Jaws-of-Life for the 3 car pile-up that is the American art scene, but there is still more work to be done...

Ryder Jon Piotrs is dedicated to the dissemination of art to all peoples. We are dedicated to the public outreach of arts to students and other groups who need stimulation through art and ingenuity.

We know our patrons will be invigorated by the non-traditional options that are possible when artists and creatives join together to pursue an idea. We know our passion is contagious and that there is no limit. We know art can heal and inspire.

With notions of accessibility to a fine arts experience and promotion of alternative avenues we share our energy and passion with the people we are lucky enough to meet. As we roll into the streets of new communities we can create an on-going dialogue of dreams and growth that will continue even after we are gone.

RJP brochure 2008
Top (To see more please visit the Archives.)

Concept...

On a conceptual level, the gallery functions as it's own piece of art. A transformation performance ensues as the typical is transformed into the atypical: Moving Truck to Truck/Gallery. The ability of the truck/gallery-as-art to contain art that also references the concepts of the truck/gallery allows for multiple readings and an overall deeper experience for the art audience.

The aspect of a non-traditional venue calls into question the established system of art sales and art institutions. As a grass-roots effort we can by-pass all perceived limitations and requirements typically associated with the fine arts career path: undergraduate degree, masters degree, gallery affiliation, and eventual museum shows, all while teaching in a university system or holding several other jobs to support your art. The ability to show art without the prerequisites listed above is developed through conversation, joining of forces, and a bit of creative thinking.

This gallery at cross-purposes with its original nature allows for the surreal experience which delays cognition. This moment sparks the conversations, the questions and the connections that stimulate growth.

RJP brochure 2008
Top (To see more please visit the Archives.)

Development...

October 2007 ::
Production images of the
conversion of an ordinary
Ryder truck into the
Ryder Piotrs Nomadic Gallery

Top (To see more please visit the Archives.)