Worth his Salt: Rick Worth to Exhibit at SALT Gallery with Special Preview September 3

“It only takes a little bit of light to make everything balanced,” says artist Rick Worth, reflecting on his new collection of work, an exhibit aptly entitled “Island Light” which will open Saturday, September 3 with a special preview from 6pm-8pm at SALT Gallery.

“You don’t have to go out of your way to be good,” he adds. “Just a nod here and there will keep things in check. A little dab will do ya.”

Worth’s personality shines through in his work almost as much as it does in a conversation with him. He captures his affection for the island in a way that Worth defines as “a cross between something that’s painterly and what’s known as realism.”

“I go as far as I can to make it seem real, but it also has to have the sense of surreal to create something that’s art,” he says. “To go away from the realism and have some fun.”

His newest exhibit at SALT Gallery will feature more than a dozen new paintings on wood, found objects, roofing tiles, and canvas that celebrate the spirited, self-taught artist who arrived on the island in 1985, not yet a painter and fresh out of the Navy, intent on setting out on his own quest for authenticity. In the three decades he’s been here, he’s done that and more, weaving himself into the creative fabric of the community— teaching at the The Studios of Key West, painting year-round, donating his work to charities, and changing the landscape of what art in public spaces means with his whimsical art-cars and insightful murals.

“You don’t have to go to a gallery to see art,” he says.  “You can be on your front porch and it will roll by.  Everyone’s getting into it, and it’s a great contribution to the light and fun of this town.”

While this may be true, fans of Worth will want to make way to SALT Gallery to see his latest collection.

“The expression “life imitates art” is antithetical when it is applied to Rick Worth,” says SALT Gallery owner Jeffrey Cardenas. “His art is his life. When Rick enters a room the atmosphere is supercharged. That same current of energy conducts into his artwork the moment he touches his brush to a palette of paint. The result may be a painted bike or a canvas or a wall mural or a painted pair of flip flops—Rick’s art is Key West authentic and it is electric.”

Worth, who relishes teaching as much as he does painting, also encourages people to check out his well-known painting “boot camp” classes at TSKW, where participants can learn how to paint and get some stand-up comedy entertainment at the same time.

“Return home with a brighter sense of being, and bring light into your life,” he says.  “Have a little more knowledge about paining and about yourself at the same time. It’s strong medicine.

“The world is so deficient of light,” he says. “So splurge.”

Worth’s work will remain on display at SALT gallery throughout the month of September. For more information, call 305.896.2980, or stop by SALT Gallery at 830 Fleming Street in Key West.

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