Mahler Ryder

According to his daughter, Ulli K. Ryder, Ph.D,, Mahler Ryder loved technology and showed talent for art at an early age. Raised by his grandparents, who were sharecroppers, Ryder studied at the Columbus College of Art and Design, Ohio State University, the Art Students League, and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. During his early life, Ryder traveled the country from coast to coast exhibiting his artwork. Ryder was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Although he was unable to finish his education, Ryder valued knowledge and education tremendously. Mahler founded the Studio Museum in Harlem, NYC, and exhibited his work in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

–Written by Lydia Kelow-Bennett

1969

Artists Mahler Ryder begins teaching at the Rhode Island School of Design

Mahler Ryder was a teacher of illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Prior to coming to RISD, Ryder founded the Studio Museum in Harlem, NYC. He traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Europe exhibiting his art, and some of his visual work was inspired by jazz music.

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