Carnegie Visual Arts Center

After earning a BFA degree from Auburn University in 1991, Rickie found the real world demanding of his time, painting sporadically if at all. Frustrated for years, he began to question his desire to create, his ability to paint, even his being an artist. Unable to fulfill his artistic burn, his wife Rebekah gave him the gift that served as the kindling, a three-day oil painting workshop. Rickie had never touched oil paints in his 34 years. After the first stroke smeared the pigment across the toned canvas, he realized a peace with himself and his talent. A gift. Contentment.

Rickie works in oils, depicting mostly still life and architecture in his distinctly loose style. He now shares his love for painting by encouraging others to take that first step into art through multi-age workshops that he teaches. A special peek at some of his student’s work will be on display in the South Gallery during his exhibit.

Rickie now paints habitually while listening to meaningful music in the late hours of the night. He works at home on commissioned pieces and his work can be seen in local galleries. His list of exhibits and shows continues to grow with each passing year. When Rickie is not painting or experiencing the blessings of his family, he is known as Mr. Higgins, teaching 5th graders in Decatur, Alabama, to find the power of their own voice as writers and opening their own gifts through the many windows of moving literature