EarthArtYoga, founded by Rhonda Hershey Ike, aims to explore the intersection of nature, art, movement and breath. As spiritual beings in earthly bodies, we have a unique opportunity to merge these experiences through creative expression with the Earth itself.
The practice of turning inward leads us to the divine source, which is also nature, and allows us to create from a sacred space. A large part of this work is ephemeral, honoring and celebrating the constant changes in nature and ourselves.
Rhonda has exhibited and taught art internationally; her art practice is greatly influenced by travels and the endless variety seen in the natural world.
Selected Exhibitions
Women of the Elements, LIC-A Arts Space, Queens, NY: Reemerging, Woven Sculpture: 3/25
Homegrown, The Art Trust at Meridian Bank, West Chester, PA: The Village, Woven sculpture: 6/24
Nesting, Friends of High School Park Summer Art Series, Cheltenham, PA: outdoor sculpture: 7/23
Full Circle, Street Road Artists Space Summer Library, Cochranville, PA: indoor book installation: 7/2
Returning, Kauffman Orchards, Bird-in-Hand, PA: an earth art installation of 180 retired apple trees surrounding a 100ft labyrinth and sculptures: 04/22 – 10/22
Movement Map, INSAAC (l’Institut National Supérieur des Arts et de l’Action Culturelle) Abidjan, Ivory Coast, West Africa: Graduate studies thesis component, sculptural installation: 01/18
Repositioning, International Community School of Abidjan campus, Ivory Coast, West Africa: site-specific earth art installation: 04/14
Danger Zone, A Gallery, Tisbury, MA: UV sensitive weavings and sculptural installation, 10/12
Seasonal Transformations, e’kaya gallery, Tisbury, MA: Outdoor sculptures from natural and recycled materials, 6/07 – 9/07
RISD Routes, Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA: “Heddle Weaving”, old loom parts,fishing line, rust panel, 1/07 – 5/07
Unreel, Chilmark Community Center. Chilmark, MA: Sculptures from 16mm film for Martha’s Vineyard Independent Film Festival, 3/06
Works From India, The Art Well Gallery, Worcester, MA: Tapestry, textile and clothing design produced in India, 7/03
Postindustrial II, The Brush Art Gallery, Lowell, MA: Re-Installation of Worcester show with many site-specific changes, 11/02 – 1/03
Postindustrial, Aurora Gallery, Worcester, MA: Installation utilizing pieces of Worcester’s and Lowell’s industrial past, 8/02 – 10/02
Residencies and Grants
Artist in Residence, The Land With No Name Sanctuary, Tucson, AZ: Ephemeral outdoor sculptures, 3/25
Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant, Seasonal Transformations: Part I & II: Outdoor sculptures from natural and recycled materials, 6/07 – 9/07
Artist in Residence, Tasara Center for Creative Weaving, Kerala, India: Independent study of tapestry and dyeing, partially funded by Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant, 3/02 – 4/02
Artist in Residence, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine: Drawing and Public School Teaching, 9/01
Kinnicutt Award, Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA: Partial funding to attend textile residency in India, 5/01
Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant, Carnival 2000, Worcester, MA: Three artists’ Collaboration of Fibers, Clay and Metal for First Night 2000, 12/99 – 3/00
Fiber Artist in Residence, Worcester Center for Crafts, Worcester, MA: Working studio space, slide and gallery talk, and exhibition of works, 10/97 – 7/98
Publications
RISD Catalog of Degree Programs, 1997 – 1998 Full-page color photograph of “Jungle Specimen” installation
Ike, Rhonda, and Soumah, Terae. “An Exploration of Creativity and Movement in IB Art.” The International Educator Newspaper April 2018: p.28
Press
The burning of ‘Returning’: Art exhibit literally goes up in flames, Lancaster Online
Full Circle, Street Road Library
Summer Series Artist: Rhonda Hershey Ike