RISD Graduate's Art Exhibit Featured at the Library

is currently featuring an art exhibit from the works of a Rhode Island School of Design alumnus.

Rob Rey, 27, of Providence, received his bachelor of fne arts in illustration from RISD in 2006 and has been painting non-stop ever since. Today, 30 of Rey's artworks can be seen lining the walls of the third floor of Rogers Free Library.

His featured artwork is a mix of still life paintings and portraits, which he explains, all share one basic trait.

"Emotion is pretty key to my work," Rey said. " I always use some kind of human connection, something extra, something with more action to make more of a connection to a viewer."

He says that his favorite paintings are that of his girlfriend, his self portrait, and a still life image of smoke emanating from an incense burner.

Rey says that he recently has spent a lot of time bouncing between illustration and fine art because, although he enjoys painting both, he admits to looking for something more.

"What I really like to paint is somewhere in between but it is difficult," he said. "There is a market for fine art, and there is a market for illustration, but its hard to mix the two and find the right market for it."

Rey participates in an art group that paints portraits every week just to, "keep painting" as he puts it. Some of his pieces at the library were done at this art group, but others are paintings that were featured in a show last year with the Bristol Art Museum and things he has done on his own to build a portfolio. 

His accomplishments over the years include getting his work into an illustration publication called Spectrum, receiving a certificate of excellence from the Portrait Society of America in Atlanta, getting second place in a Halloween themed show at Bristol Art Gallery, and being selected for the Oil Painters of America juried show.

Rey is also a member of the and has participated in a few other local shows.

"I think it’s a great place to show," Rey said. "I like the community in Bristol and I like the Bristol Art Museum as an organization. They are really helpful in putting up shows and there are a lot of nice galleries in town." 

Rey's artwork will be featured at the library until July 6.