by Bea Peterson
According to Herb Loretan of the 15 John St. Gallery, the showing of Helen Rice’s oils and acrylics of animals and still lifes and her stuffed “Teddy Bears” made from animal pelts and commercial materials two weeks ago was very successful. Many of her works continue to be on display in the Gallery.
Helen Rice, a native of Rensselaer County, currently has a home and studio in Pittstown. Upon graduation from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY in 1974 with an associate degree in Advertising she continued her explorations into the art of the animal kingdom.
Her art has been displayed at the Colonie Art League, Saratoga Art Guild, Gallery on the Hudson in Schuylerville, Southern Vermont Art Guild, the East Greenbush Library, Moca Blend Coffee House in Brunswick and the Hoosick Falls Health Center as well at the 15 John St. Gallery.
Helen’s whole life has been devoted to her love of animals. She has been a professional dog groomer for over thirty years and she has shown and bred dogs. A self taught artist, her favorite creations in her early years were stick horses. Helen has honed her natural talent to capture the spirit of the animal kingdom in acrylics and oils. She has painted many portraits of people’s pets through the years and, for her own pleasure, she has painted cows, horses, cats, chickens, and everything in between. She has done some experimental water color images and in the past two years has been painting still life, flowers and landscapes.
Her beautiful collectable “Teddy Bears” vary in size and material.