A chance meeting with a Judo teacher who also taught art, proved fortuitous for young Richard Mitchell. If he wanted to take Judo, he had to take art. After only a few classes, the hidden artist burst forth. Soon, art became his passion, earning him multiple degrees in art education, archeology and elementary education. Now, some 30 years later, he has become a world-renowned artist of extraordinary range and skill. He is also amazingly prolific, averaging a staggering 130 pieces a year. Varying styles and mediums, because his artistic sense leads him in so many different directions, he is even usually three or four projects behind in his mind. While the vast percentage of his art deals with painting, he also finds time to explore works in metal and clay. He even uses inanimate objects from everyday life, sometimes combining materials and mediums in several striking and emotionally powerful presentations. He is a member of the Cortland County Cultural Council and holds advisory positions in other art organizations as well. His goal is to help expand the opportunities for artists and increase public awareness of the value of art to any community. | 
