Rick Atwell, May Speaker

Born in St. Louis, raised in Kansas City, Rick Atwell went to New York at age 17 and spent the next 48 years of his life working in the performing arts as a dancer, singer, actor, then choreographer/director and later as a master teacher. He worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in television, videos, commercials and film.

In his free time he enjoyed sailing the Long Island Sound, the shores of Connecticut, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and anchoring in cozy ports and harbors along the way.

It was during these sails - passing majestic lighthouses, walking deserted beaches and watching stormy skies approach - that he discovered his desire to paint. He bought a watercolor set, a few books on the subject, and began painting.

Before leaving New York City he had his own exhibition called “Coastal Colors” in a midtown Manhattan gallery and sold several of his works.

Now residing in Springfield, MO Rick is a member of Studio 55 Art Guild and Springfield Art Council.

He won the Juror's Choice Award at the JKH Senior Art Exhibition in 2016 and won first place at the Studio 55 Annual Art Exhibition.

He was a member of 'Fresh Gallery', exhibited at the historic 'Walnut Street Inn', and presently displays his work at

'Formed Gallery'.