Ron Young is a talented artist who works with oils, acrylics and mixed-media collage / assemblage. (He also creates illustrations and computer graphics). Ron’s paintings combine bold use of color harmonies and strong compositional design with meticulous attention to detail to create visually rhythmic art work. Though his paintings are both realistic and figurative, Ron’s collage /assemblage work is more expressive and symbolic - utilizing photographs, decorative paper and a variety of found objects. Taken as a whole, Ron Young’s art demonstrates total mastery of technique to create a genuinely original body of work.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Ron demonstrated exceptional artistic ability at an early age, attending the St. Louis Public Schools Honor’s Art Program while in high school. During this period he also began painting murals, a practice he continues. Ron later went on to receive a B.A. in Art Education from Clark/Atlanta University and an M.A. in Communications from Webster University.
As an artist and an educator Ron has an ongoing interest in becoming a better artist, both through travel and academic training. One such opportunity came in the early 90’s when he apprenticed as a sign painter, painting billboards at 3M Media. The concentration on technique and the mastery of materials that Ron acquired while at 3M would be difficult to reproduce in any other learning environment. They made a lasting impression on the aesthetics and scale of his artwork.
Recently, Ron participated in The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship Program. JFMF annually provides American teachers with opportunities for professional development through short-term (3 weeks) study visits to Japan. In Japan Ron interacted with artists, students and teachers gaining firsthand knowledge of Japanese art and culture. He was particularly impressed with the simplicity of design often applied to Japanese art, yet fascinated with their intricate use of patterns and bold application of vivid colors.
The culmination of Ron’s artistic training and his academic opportunities, most recently his Japanese art and cultural exposure, has had a profound affect on his current body of work. Ron Young is presently concentrating his efforts within two portfolios of work - “Jazz Icons”, dedicated to pioneering jazz musicians from the bebop, post bebop, avante guard and jazz fusion eras. And “The Legends Series”, which celebrates legendary African American rhythm and blues, soul, funk and rock n roll entertainers. Ron promises that paintings from both “Jazz Icons” and “The Legends Series” will continue to push the boundaries of creativity with powerful compositional components that are artistically energetic, as well as stimulating to the eye and the mind.

Education:

1989 Webster University, StL. Mo. MA in Media Communication.

1980 Clark / Atlanta University, Atl. Ga. BA in Art Education.

Scholarships & Awards:

2007 Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship.

1989 Parson-Blewett Scholarship Program.

Professional Membership:

Zuka Arts Guilds, Exhibition Coordinator, 2005 to present.

Selected Solo Exhibitions:

2010 "One Man, One Show, One Night"
Temporary Gallery Space
StL. Mo.

2006 "Auto Art: Cars, Cars, Cars" Fleishman-Hillard. Off site exhibition
sponsored by Art St. Louis. StL. Mo.

2004 "One Man Show: Nowhere to Hide".
Prince Hall Family Center. StL. Mo.

Selected Group Exhibitions:

2010 JAMAA Art Exhibition
Soulard Art Market & Contemporary Art Gallery. StL. Mo.

2010 "Generation to Generation". Zuka Arts Guild.
Vaughn Cultural Center. StL. Mo.

2007 "Just Jazz". Zuka Arts Guild.
Regional Arts Commission Gallery. StL. Mo.

2006 "Urban Nomads". Zuka Arts Guild.
Southwest Arts Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

2005 "The Exhibition" Art St. Louis XXI
Art St. Louis Gallery. StL. Mo.

2004 "Urban Nomads" Zuka Arts Guild.
Vaughn Cultural Center. StL. Mo.

Murals:

2006 "Rain Forest" 12'h x 60'w. TYBE Learning Center. StL. Mo.

2006 "Just Jazz" 4' h x 15' w. Designed & served as art director.
Zuka Arts Guild. StL. Mo.

2004 "Cartopia" 6' h x 70' w. Self promotion / artist residence. StL. Mo.

2003 "Knowledge Is Power" 8' h x 60' w. S.C.O.P.E. StL. Mo.

2005 "Proud To Be...Me! 6' h x 20' w. Designed & served as art director.
Mural Program Nipher Middle School: Kirkwood School District
Kirkwood, Mo.

1999 "Ferguson Swimming Pool" Mural. 10'h x 110' w. Designed & served as
art director. Ferguson Parks & Recreation. Ferguson, Mo.

1998 "OrgaMetric" 6'h x 200'w. Designed & served as art director.
Mural Program Nipher Middle School : Kirkwood School District
Kirkwood, Mo.

1993 "Kirkwood Train Station" 6'h x 30'w. Designed & served as art director.
Mural Program Nipher Middle School: Kirkwood School District
Kirkwood, Mo.

1993 "Downtown Cityscape" 6'h x 30'w. Designed & served as art director.
Mural Program Nipher Middle School: Kirkwood School District
Kirkwood, Mo.

1990 "Saint Louis Is..." 20'h x 150'w. Sam Light Loan. StL. Mo.