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.
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
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The Rhode Island School of Design is among the country's oldest and one of the most prestigious colleges specializing in fine arts and design located in Providence, RI. It was founded in 1877 when the 34 members of the Rhode Island Women’s Centennial Commission voted to invest their group’s surplus funding of $1,675 in founding The Rhode Island School of Design. The school was then lead by Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf and has consistently remained at the forefront of art and design education. - written by Keila Davis
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