Stephen Rybacki

Stephen Rybacki’s work brings a deep sensitivity to surface, texture, and natural process to the space. Currently refining his artistic voice, Stephen’s mixed media work explores the delicate beauty of oxidation intermixed with contemporary abstract painting. Layering materials of rust, plaster, fabric, and various paper into tactile compositions that speak to time, imperfection, and presence.

Stephen’s work is built on a dialogue between control and chance. While he creates the conditions for oxidation to take shape, the final outcome is never fully in his hands. His relationship with his work happens up close. He often studies small sections where oxidation has left its mark, or imperfections deserve to be acknowledged. These intimate moments in the studio shape the soul of each piece. The surfaces aren’t polished or manufactured- they’re honest records of interaction between material, time, and intention.
When viewers encounter Stephen Rybacki’s work, their reactions are almost always the same: curiosity, followed by a step closer. His pieces don’t reveal everything at once...they invite exploration to what he hopes is a gateway- a way to remind viewers to slow down and notice the overlooked.
Stephen has exhibited locally in th...

Education: BFA- California Polytechnic University, Pomona. 2009

Art Mentor: Fr. Bill Moore

Nov 2025- ACA 2025 Group Show- ADC Fine Art, Cincinnati. OH,
Aug 2025- St Louis Artist Guild “A Quiet Composition”- St Louis MO, Juror Michael Shemchuk wMay 2025- Gallery 906 Group Show- Wilmington, NC
April 2025- Uxval Gochez Gallery Group Show- Barcelona Spain
Jan 2025- Rukh Art Hub/Mriya Gallery Group Show- New York NY
Jan 2025- TAG Gallery Group Show- Los Angeles CA
March 2024- Sandstone Gallery- Guest- Laguna Beach CA
Nov 2023- Bunny Gunner Gallery- Solo- Claremont CA
Sept/Oct 2023- Sandstone Gallery- Guest- Laguna Beach CA
Sept 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025- “The Other Art Fair” with SaatchiArt- Los Angeles/London wMay-July 2023- Ontario Open Group Exhibition- Ontario CA
April 2022- Studio C Gallery- Solo exhibition “Rust”- Claremont CA
March 2020- Sasse Museum of Art- Group exhibition “Soul Stories”- Upland CA
Aug 2019- Progress Gallery- “Under the Influence” Solo- Pomona CA