Local Artist puts "Petal to the Metal" on display

Cotati’s Ron Petty puts the “Petal to the Metal” in his latest sculpture show. His sometimes whimsical, sometimes serious recycled and redialed metal art will be on display at Share Exchange,531 5th Street, Santa Rosa from Dec. 7 to Dec.30.

This local artist’s work has earned awards, including first place in Scrapture Art Show’s Amateur Division and selections from his collection have been displayed at several locations, including Renga Arts in Sebastopol.

Petty, 61,  who is busy creating flowers, mushrooms and garden fantasia, recently took a few minutes out from his schedule to answer a few questions. 

Q:  When did you start making sculptures & why?

A: I started in 2008. I was afraid of losing my wife Connie to cancer. From the moment someone is diagnosed with cancer, the process takes over your life. Her diagnosis threw me into places I was not ready for or wanted to deal with. That led me to create something that would not die; something strong.

Q: How did you learn to make sculptures?

A: Being in the building trades helped me. I am daily taking raw materials (wood, etc) and repurposing them into site specific objects for hotels, docks, restaurants etc.

Q: Why mushrooms, flowers, and other outdoor moving/kinetic pieces?

A: I love the outdoors and wanted to honor nature and wilderness. Some of the sculptures have movement and others are static. There is no plan. I just want each piece to be unique.

Q: What experiences do you want people to have with your art?

A: I hope my art work offers people a visual opportunity to have a little “time out.” We all deserve that.

Show details:

Reception Friday, Dec. 7 5:30p to 7:00p

RSVP  707.217.4071

More info: http://www.ronpettyart.com/