Richard Wilke is a Santa Barbara artist and printmaker who worked with the likes of Robert Rauschenberg, Claes Oldenburg, and Walt Disney. Wilke’s portfolio boasts a variety of media including various printmaking techniques, painting, drawing, set design, and wood carvings. His most recent body of work – woodblock prints – exhibits his love of carving and international design in a graphic and stunning grouping of prints.
Wilke’s intricate drawings are transferred to a block of wood which he carves by hand in great detail before printing on handmade rice paper. The larger images are silkscreen prints on silk which gives the rustic designs an elegant feel. Wilke earned his Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art at Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, and today continues to inspire young artists at Santa Barbara Middle School.
EDUCATION 
VIDEO: "Portrait of the Artist"
BA, Fine Art; Chouinard Art Institute/California Institute of the Arts. 1964-1968
PROFESSIONAL DESIGN EXPERIENCE
Artist in Residence, Walt Disney Studios. 1967-1968
Printmaker, Gemini G.E.L. with Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg and Claes Oldenburg. 1968-1970
Printmaker, Untitled Press in Captiva, Florida. 1970-1971
Design and creation of hand-cast stepping stones for use in upscale landscaping
Owner & Illustrator, Pyramid Production Publishing Co.
SET DESIGN & TEACHING EXPERIENCE
VIDEO: "Richard H. Wilke"
Resident Artist, Santa Barbara Middle School. 2001-present
Set Designer, Santa Barbara Middle School Summerstock Productions. 2000-present
Set Designer, Cold Spring Elementary School. 1990-1996
Resident Artist & Instructor, Carpinteria High School Musical Productions. 1990-1996
Resident Artist, Summerland and Aliso Elementary Schools. 1974-1996
EXHIBITIONS 
Proof: The Rise of Printmaking in Southern California, Norton Simon Museum. October 2011-April 2012
5x5: An Invitational, Westmont Museum of Art. 2011
Solo Exhibition of Canvas Fish, Santa Barbara Frame Shop & Gallery. October 2011
Solo Exhibition of Woodblock Prints, Santa Barbara Frame Shop & Gallery. May 2010
Solo Exhibition at Paradise Cove, Malibu. 2008
Two Solo Exhibitions at the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. 1970 & 1980