heather ryan kelley

reserved for fire

January 31 - February 22, 2026

FIRST WEDNESDAY OPENING: Feb 4, FROM 6 - 9PM

ARTICULATE ARTIST TALK: SUNDAY, Feb 8, AT 4PM.

NORMAL GALLERY HOURS: TUE - SUN, 12PM - 6PM

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Heather Ryan Kelley was born in New Haven, Connecticut. She has a BFA in printmaking from Southern Methodist University and an MA in painting from Northwestern State University. Kelley retired in 2021 as professor of art from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where she taught painting and book arts.

Kelley’s work is a part of the New York Public Library’s Berg Collection, Cornell University Library, SUNY at Buffalo’s Poetry Collection, James Joyce Centre, Dublin, Ireland, Notre Dame’s Hesburgh Library, Kansas University’s Spencer Library, and the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at UT, Austin.

“The series Reserved for Fire examines the destructive, transformative, and hypnotic nature of fire. One point of reference for this body of work is Archimboldo’s painting titled Fire from his Four Elements series. Archimboldo inventively represented manifestations of fire as a source of light and warmth and for its use in weaponry.
Reserved for fire extends and updates Arcimboldo’s fire allusions to include the idea of climate-driven fire seasons, fire as a term of dismissal, and fire as an agent of refining and judgement. The series contains modern versions of the implements of fire--including lighters, ash containers, and matches.
In addition to Archimboldo’s influence, there are references to Susan Sontag’s The Volcano Lover (the book cover painting and Ascent by night) and other literary works including A World Lit Only by Fire and The Crucible.” - Kelley

This exhibition is presented alongside the latest works from Kathryn Baczeski, Christopher Scott Brumfield, & Rosemary Goodell. All works from these artists are on view, free of charge, during regular gallery hours (12 - 6 p.m., Tue - Sun) from Jan 31 - Feb 22, 2026.