Austin, Texas. (December, 2019) – Rock Star. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. Six-time Grammy Winner. Fine Artist. Philanthropist. These are just a few ways to describe Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, who will embark on a North American fine art tour in 2020.
Smith is excited to announce the tour will be premiering in Austin, Texas at Russell Collection Fine Art, the city’s most venerable art gallery. Smith chose Austin based on the city’s unparalleled history of supporting music and the arts.
The Art of Chad Smith will open with exhibition previews beginning Saturday, January 4, 2020 and extending through Sunday, January 12th, 2020. The iconic drummer will be making two live, in-person meet-the-artist appearances at the gallery: Saturday, January 11 from 6:00-9:00 pm and Sunday, January 12th , from Noon – 3:00 pm.
All artwork will be on exhibition and available for acquisition. The exhibition as well as the Chad Smith appearance is complimentary and open to the public, however RSVPs are required at 512.478.4440 or sales@russell-collection.com.
The synergy and work ethic that marks Smith’s musical life organically led to his painting, and in early 2016 Smith entered the art world with Parallax, his first collection of rhythm driven prints. Fast forward to 2019, and the Artists’ premiere of an extraordinary new collection of artwork which will tour the United States in venerable galleries and venues, often following the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert tour and allowing for Artist Appearances in which the Artist will have the opportunity to meet his Collectors.
Artwork: Mother’s Finest – Mixed Media on Drum Head
This new collaboration with Road Show Company, the industry-leader in traveling fine art exhibition, is yet another creative outlet for Smith, and one in which he is rapidly becoming renowned, respected, and critically acclaimed.
Artwork: Chad Smith – “Potsy”
Each hand-embellished work is crafted from rhythm. As a painter uses brushes with oils of different colors, Chad Smith works with drumsticks to capture light in a variety of ways; crafting rhythms that translate to very unique artwork.
Another feature of this exhibition will be a collection of Original Mixed Media on Drums; works created by printing one of Chad’s art images on a drum skin. It is then embellished and signed by Smith.
All artwork will be on exhibition and available for acquisition in a series of traveling exhibitions. The extraordinary Collection houses 80 of Chad’s works and will present in several major US cities throughout 2020. The Artist will be in-gallery for a series of Artist Appearances.
MEET CHAD SMITH
Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 6:00-9:00 pm
Sunday, January 12th, 2020 from Noon to 3:00 pm
Russell Collection Fine Art
1009 W 6th St Austin
Austin, Texas 78703
RSVP REQUIRED: 512.478.4440 Admission is Complimentary
For additional information about this exhibition, contact the gallery via email: sales@russell-collection.com or visit www.russell-collection.com
About the Artist
Chadwick Gaylord Smith was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a 25-year-member of groundbreaking, hit-making Red Hot Chili Peppers. An award-winning, multi-faceted drummer, Guinness World Record holder, six-time Grammy Winner, advocate for music in public schools, session musician, artist, serial philanthropist and proud father of six, Chad Smith’s life is an epic journey that’s always moving.
In 2014 Smith received a presidential appointment by President Obama as a Turnaround Artist for public schools due to his work as a passionate advocate for music and arts education.
In April 2012, the Chili Peppers were inducted by Chris Rock into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor that humbled Smith.
Clearly, Chad’s own public-school success story, generous time and inspiring life paved the way for his 2014 appointment as a Turnaround Artist under the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. “I really want kids to pick up instruments so they can see how fun it is to play,” he relates. “It’s important to have technical proficiency—in anything, there’s practice and hard work, no shortcuts—but if you love it, you’re gonna wanna do it. I want them to see that after all these 40-ish years, I still love it, that’s why I still do it. It’s fun. It has taken me everywhere—and beyond.” He’s also devotes energy to non-profit organizations including, MusicCares, Silverlake Conservatory of Music, (Paul Newman)’s Serious Fun Network, and Children’s Hospitals.
Artwork: Chad Smith – “Monkey Arms”
Upon reflecting on his life, Smith can hardly believe his good fortune. “I work with people who want to grow; the Chili Peppers are open to new directions and as an artist, it’s the best creative situation to be in. It’s simple: I love what I’m doing and I’m really lucky. I got pretty good at the music thing,” he says humbly. “I play gigs in little bars and big stadiums, and every one is rewarding”.
ABOUT CHAD’S ART
The question: When it came to this idea of taking what is rhythm and putting it to canvas, what were your initial thoughts when you heard this kind of medium was being done?
The answer: Chad: I think that this is a really exciting new medium which is important and will stand the test of time and will be timeless. Music, sound, visualization…all of those things go hand in hand and have through the history of art. My hope is that its’ the emotion, the fluidity and intensity that come across…. and of course the way that this medium utilizes the lighted sticks is really something that is totally unique…you’d don’t play with lighted sticks every day and to see that is to really visualize the motion and the emotion that go into it: therefore, my personality comes through.
All Artwork Images Courtesy of Road Show Company 2019 All Rights Reserved Approved for Editorial Usage
All Bio Images Courtesy of David Mushegain & Laura Glass 2019 All Rights Reserved
