String Theory, an exhibition of recent works by abstract painter and printmaker Sarah Lutz ’85, opened Tuesday, April 26, in the Sue and Eugene Mercy Jr. Gallery in the Richmond Art Center and is on display through June 12.  

The exhibition features 32 small-panel and triptych paintings, prints, and fiber art sculptures, including several pieces created in collaboration with other artists.  

Speaking to students, faculty, and staff gathered in the gallery for the opening, Sarah reflected on her journey back to the Island and the Mercy Gallery while describing the works displayed in the exhibit.  

“The exhibition was scheduled for the Spring of 2020, and then it was postponed, twice,” she said. The postponements and the pause in everyday life caused by the pandemic “provided an incredible opportunity for me to work in my studio and have some interesting collaborative experiences with other artists,” she added.  

Sarah spent the week before the exhibit opening as a Visiting Artist on campus, working on new pieces, demonstrating her printmaking and painting techniques, and spending time with Printmaking, College-Level Studio Art, and Painting classes. Students also painted alongside Sarah and helped her to install part of her exhibition, said art teacher Mark Zunino, who directs the Visiting Artist program.  

Watch a video of the opening reception:

Mercy Gallery Art Opening: Sarah Lutz ’85

Sarah earned her undergraduate degree in studio art from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, and a graduate degree in fine arts from American University in Washington, D.C. She has exhibited her work in galleries across the United States and Central America. A former Loomis Chaffee Trustee, Sarah lives and works in upstate New York. 

Artists with whom Sarah collaborated for several of the pieces in the String Theory exhibit include master printer Maria Ancona of Ten Grand Press; La Nueva Fábrica; and artist Eve van Rens, who is Sarah’s daughter. 

String Theory coincides with an exhibition of artwork by students in advanced and college-level art courses on display in the Barnes and Wilde galleries.