R Gallery at Arlene's
Playable Field Game
November 7, 2025 - November 29, 2025
Arlene’s Artist Materials and the R Gallery at Arlene’s are proud to present Playable Field Game, the culminating exhibition of Rainier Bernhardt, one of our 2024–25 Artists in Residence project. This imaginative and ecologically driven project transforms the traditional deck of playing cards into a vibrant celebration of local conservation efforts and regional biodiversity.
During their residency, Rainier created a full deck of 52 illustrated cards, each one highlighting flora and fauna specific to four local ecological nonprofits:
Each organization is represented as a distinct suit, with individual cards featuring species and landscapes tied to their mission. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the full deck, learn more about each group’s work, and discover how art can be a powerful tool for environmental storytelling.
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All 52 cards will be on display, accompanied by interpretive materials that connect each illustration to its corresponding organization. Prints and decks will be available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a piece of the project and support future creative conservation efforts.
Artist Reception: Friday, November 7, 2025,
from 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Monday- Friday: 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: CLOSED
R Gallery at Arlene's -
Arlene's Artist Materials
57 Fuller Rd
Albany NY, 12205
(behind the front counter)
MEET THE ARTIST:
RAINER BERNHARDT
Rainier Bernhardt is a multimedia artist based in New York’s Capital Region whose work spans cut-paper illustration, paper sculpture, watercolor, and ink drawing. With a background in the natural sciences and a passion for intricate detail, Rainier creates delicate imagery of animal forms that explore themes of beauty, grief, and ecological connection.
Influenced by scientific illustration and printmaking, their ink drawings often feature layered animal forms, highlighting contrasts in texture and movement. Rainier earned a Bachelor’s in Studio Art from Skidmore College, where they received the Student Opportunity Fund grant for their senior thesis.
Since 2022, Rainier has taught workshops at the Arts Center of the Capital Region, and was recently awarded a grant to design public art for a downtown Albany electric box. They are currently an Artist in Residence at Arlene’s Artist Materials for the 2024–25 season.