Rich Hall has something to say, and—you can’t look away. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Rich attended the High School of Art and Design, and then the School of Visual Arts, both in New York City. But as happens to many of us after schooling, he got ‘sidetracked’ from his first love—for the next 25 years. In the case of Rich’s talent, his diversion was from art to the music industry. Working across many aspects of music, Rich became a sought-after promoter of rock / metal / hardcore shows at famous New York City venues, such as the legendary CBGB, Santos Party House, and many others nationwide. Designing creative flyers for his carefully curated shows, Rich kept his hand in art even while promoting musicians. His company, 1000knives, is well known in rock circles and got its start because of Rich’s gregarious nature. He worked in A&R (Artists and Repertoire), Merch, and Radio Promotion over the years, scouting and developing talent and promoting artists and events with independent companies like Ferret Music, Revelation Records, Trustkill Records, MIA Records, Victory Records, Century Media / Abacus, McGathy Promotions, BandMerch and Bravado, among others. Returning to fine arts in 2009, social media – particularly Instagram - enabled him to get the word out and publicize his talents. His first commissioned piece was ordered in 2011, and recent commissions have included abstract art, Star Wars characters, and other requests. His first gallery show was at TALK Gallery in Denver in 2022, with another appliance in that city in January 2023. Also that year, Rich appeared in a solo show in Brooklyn, New York. He is currently exhibiting his work in a group art show in Billings, Montana. Part of Rich’s mission was to enable real people to buy real art, affordably. To that end, he self-published two books of his works – “Anxious Machines” and “Bountiful Exuberance”, shown below. We have them on display for your enjoyment in our main gallery.
In addition to his paintings, Rich recently partnered with Tacoma-based ceramic artist Heather Cornelius. Their vessels, seen below and also featured at Barlow Gallery are products of their collaboration in exploring 3D art. Heather is an accomplished artist, exhibiting her exceptional works not just locally in Tacoma and Seattle, but nationally as well. Rich Hall lived in Tacoma with his wife Carrie, and their son, Cillian. With his friends, family, and so many fans on both coasts, we mourn his passing in January 2025.
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