RICH HOUCK’S career has provided him with experience in a variety of industries including theatre set design and construction, publishing, finance and the non-profit sector, but his passion has always been art. Today Rich, 39, is a juried studio artist at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. He also teaches at the community arts center, Alvernia University and Yocum Institute for Art Education. He enjoys working with young artists and having the chance to talk to anyone who is thinking about going into the art field. Green is more than a color in Rich’s palette. He often recycles materials by incorporating them into his works of art.
From where did your interest in art stem?
Since second grade, I was known as the artist in the class. Art came very naturally for me as a way to express myself. My parents were incredibly supportive, exposing me to shows and museums as a child. In college, they made it possible for me to study abroad in Rome. I feel fortunate to have had the experience to live in another country and to see how others view the United States. It has given me such an amazing base to draw from. My parents continue to be so supportive, such as by watching our children so I can attend an art exhibition opening.
What inspires your work?
I grew up on 10 acres in Stonersville. I always loved being outside, climbing cherry trees and noticing the blossoms drop. I became very aware of the garden and the cycle of the seasons we have in Pennsylvania. I still go back to that as influence for my painting. I also have always been affected by “stuff.” I take raw materials and repurpose them in art or use them when I teach. When there is a chance to reuse something for kids or for art, I think that is a wonderful thing.
Tell us about your experience working in set design.
I started working with theatre and performance as a set designer at Exeter High School. I attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, which is like the college version of GoggleWorks, and continued working in theatre. I met my wife, Beverly, there. After college, she had an opportunity to act at Hedgerow Theatre in Media. I was then hired as Hedgerow’s resident senior designer. For one production, I designed a wedding set. Beverly was in the show. The day of our wedding, her grandmother bought the entire theatre so all our guests could see the production. Then we took part of the set outside for our ceremony, which was in a beautiful garden.
You have a variety of diverse career experience. What are a few highlights?
After Hedgerow, I worked for the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, welding aluminum and building large-scale sets. That led to an opportunity with Atomic Design based in Lititz, which was more artsy. I worked on some big-time production sets like Radio City Music Hall, MTV and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There was the glamorous side, like being backstage and seeing Paul McCartney just six steps away, and the not so glamorous side, including working 20-hour days and pulling all-nighters. In 1998, I was hired as a scenic artist by a shop in Chelsea, and we made the move to New York City. I did that for about a year and a half, and decided I needed a change from set design. For the next few years, I was a temp in NYC. It was one of the most awesome experiences. I got to see different industries and areas of the city.
What brought you back to Reading?
Our son Nathaniel was born in New York. We loved Manhattan, but we wanted to grow our family. As a child, I attended holiday and birthday parties with 50-60 family members. I wanted our kids to have that option, too. We moved back in 2004. Today, Nathaniel is 9, Benjamin is 7, and our daughter Sabina is 4. We live in the house my mom grew up in.
You have “green” practices in your artwork. What about at home?
We recycle. We also compost vegetables, fruit and coffee grounds. My parents always had a compost pile. I feel someday we will be mining landfills. All the good things are sandwiched in between metals and plastic. So we do our part by composting the good things.
What is your favorite local outdoor spot?
I love working outside in my own garden. And I enjoy walking around my parents’ house, seeing how big the trees are, experiencing the seasons and how the trees grow full and then lose their leaves, which uncovers different views. Also, the view from the Pagoda is wonderful, but looking up and seeing it is special. I see it as Reading’s nightlight. When you see the Pagoda, you know you are home.
BY KRISTIN KRAMER | PHOTO BY JOHN SECOGES
