Clarkdale artist Larry Meagher said that having his recent work showcased at Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Campus is like returning home.
“It’s kind of full circle here. I started taking ceramics classes with Tom Schumacher in 1997 or 1998.” The 67-year-old Meagher gestured around the art gallery located in campus building F, which used to house the ceramics classroom. “Now it’s 20 years later, in the same building, only this time with a body of work I’m really proud of.”
Larry Meagher: Recent Works includes the artist’s abstract paintings, sumi-e ink on paper prints and ceramic sculptures inspired by Northern Arizona landscapes.
Meagher, who began his artistic career in 1995 after retiring from construction on the Los Angeles Metro to help Paolo Solari’s team at Arcosonti, moved to the Verde Valley nearly two decades ago and earned a degree in ceramics and printmaking from Northern Arizona University in 2005. In 2009, Meagher became an assistant to internationally credited ceramic artist, Don Reitz.
It was a long process of discovery, Meagher admitted. “I started getting interested in art in my early 40s,” he said, adding that once he made the decision to embrace his passion he worked hard to ensure a path to semi-retirement — one that included a chance to express himself through art. Completing his assistantship with Reitz in 2014, Meagher established a studio in Jerome.
At his opening reception at Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus, Thursday, Sept. 22, the house was packed and still busy at its 7 p.m. closure. Personal and professional acquaintances came from across the Verde Valley. More than a few registered guests arrived fresh from Arcosanti. Meagher greeted each with a smile and, if asked, a proud tour of the artwork.
“I didn’t know it was going to be this many people,” Meagher said, but added that the secret appeal of art is, in reality, no secret.
“It’s all about joy and happiness. It really is.”
Larry Meagher: Recent Works takes place at the Yavapai College Verde Art Gallery, at 601 S. Black Hills Drive, Building. F-105 Clarkdale, from Sept. 19 through Oct. 13. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on this exhibition or future exhibitions, contact Bennett Roti at 649-5479 or visit online at yc.edu/artgallery.
