Perpich News

Connor Rice Shares Artist Talk with Studio Arts Students

Connor Rice (Photo Credit: Drew Arrieta)

April 3, 2024

Connor Rice joined Studio Arts students and faculty on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 for an hour-long artist talk about his work and practice. Rice is one of the visiting artists who attended the Mini Portfolio Day exercise in early October, 2023 and provided portfolio feedback to Perpich Visual Arts and Media Arts seniors to help them prepare for Portfolio Day on October 9, 2023.

Connor’s artist talk centered on his artistic career, process, and life as an artist. Growing up in South Minneapolis, Rice attended Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He shared his inspirations and influences and encouraged students to pursue the resources available to artists in Minnesota.

“Speaking with the students at Perpich was very inspiring,” said Rice. “I was impressed not only by their technical skills but also by the depth of their curiosity and passion for their work. I was excited to see how hungry the students were to improve their craft and how open they were to talking as well as thinking about art. I would share with young artists to keep the enthusiasm that they have now and to trust their gut. There are so many pathways available to them within the arts so it’s important to not feel afraid to change and grow with their creative careers.”

“We were privileged to have local artist, Connor Rice, join us to share his artistic journey and current practice,” said Kathryn D’Elia, Visual Arts Instructor and Studio Arts Chair. “His ‘just keep applying for things’ approach sets a great example for our students as they approach how to support themselves as artists. There are so many opportunities to take advance of, and no limit to the way your work can turn up and transform. Connor has been a participant in many cohorts and creative group projects, exploring the ways that we can grow together with the support of our community.”

Connor Rice, who goes by CRICE professionally, is a mixed-media artist from Minneapolis. He takes visual inspiration from hieroglyphs and graffiti. CRICE’s work chronicles the issues and motifs of pan-Africanist realities across time and space. By employing ancient symbols and blending them with a modern sensibility, CRICE’s art seeks to distort our preconceived notions of human history.