Marti’s gallery features sculptures by Richard Bannister in final show of season

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Richard Bannister is pictured with his sculpture, “ET’s Baby.” It is made from spalted maple on painted steel.

Bannister, a Barre resident, has 18 sculptures on display at the Marti’s on Main Gallery at 20 South Main St. Friday was the opening reception for the show and about 50 people attended.

Bannister has displayed his work in art shows in seven states and in Mexico, but this is the first time in Albion. Genesee Community College in Batavia also has 21 of his pieces on display until the end of October at the Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Art Gallery.

Bannister created “Reclining Nude” from black cherry on pine. Reflect in mirror is the sculpture, “Large Hipped Lady,” which is made of black cherry wood on painted steel.

Kim Martillotta-Muscarella, owner of the gallery, said Bannister is “a legend.” She is thrilled to feature his sculptures to close out this year’s exhibits.

 The gallery is open by appointment. Contact Martillotta-Muscarella at (585) 590-9211 for more information.

(Left) “Oh No, Pregnant Again?” is made from black cherry on painted steel and (Right) is “Eiffel Tower.”

“Breast Cancer” made from a weeping willow.

“Elongated Pregnant Woman” is among the sculptures that Bannister made using chisels. Bannister said he doesn’t start working on a piece of wood with an end result in mind.

“It has taken 30 years for me to realize that this isn’t me at all,” Bannister said about the sculptures. “It is very humbling. It is a gift.”