Bill Crane Retrospective

Bill Crane (b. 1963) has practiced at Interact since it opened in 1996, and he has one of the longest running tenures at our studio. In the last 28 years, Crane has developed a massive body of work composed largely of ink drawings and acrylic paintings. His eponymous retrospective, BILL CRANE, will feature an extensive part of his archive. In densely filled drawings, explosive fields of color, and loosely rendered figures, Crane observes nature, family, and friends – often referencing scenes from the Interact studio, where he has long found inspiration. Alongside numerous portraits and landscapes, Crane's abstract works are deeply emotive, employing quick gestures and energetic pops of color.

Crane, who is Deaf, uses a combination of ASL and invented signs to communicate. His decades-long career as an artist expands on these modes of expression, each piece a site for novel connection. Community has been central to Crane's work for years. He works amongst Interact colleagues daily, sometimes enlisting them in his creative process. BILL CRANE will include an ongoing mixed media installation that he began in 2023, which has engaged assistance from Fiber Specialist Soph Munic (staff) and fellow artists throughout its creation. Crane's exploration of new media is fearless. Composed of drawings on cardboard, fabric, and other found materials, the installation will grow during his residency at Interact Gallery, likely extending from floor to ceiling by the time the exhibition opens. 

Coinciding zine release

Interact's Writers' Workshop, a group consisting of 15 artists, will visit the gallery during the course of Crane's residency. Crane, his archive, and his in-progress installation will serve as a catalyst for a zine that features poems, short fiction, and experimental written works. The zine will be released at the opening reception on September 26, and a number of artists will read their work aloud. ASL interpretation will be provided.

Open by appointment | Visit our calendly or reach out to us to make an appointment.

View online | gallery.interactcenter.org.

Accessibility | ASL interpretation will be provided for readings at the event. Please see below for additional accessibility information.

Additional Accessibility Information

Please feel free to reach out to us for more information about getting to Interact Gallery.

Interact strives to make its programs a welcoming and accessible experience for all.  If there is something that we can do to make it easier to experience an exhibition, please contact us at gallery@interactcenter.com . We welcome all suggestions and requests.