Meet Somerset’s Own Rick Akers
Rick Akers hanging “The Czechoslovakian Window” in the Sheridan Suite, which was also accepted to the Ohio State Fair this year.
If you’ve ever strolled through Somerset, Ohio, you may have already caught a glimpse of the vivid colors and dynamic textures that define the work of local artist Rick Akers. Rick’s paintings carry the unmistakable influence of legendary Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters like Van Gogh, Gauguin, Degas, and Monet. Yet, his art is also deeply tied to home—his admiration for Ohio-based Impressionist painters is evident not only in his style but in the impressive fine art collection he has built over the years.
Known for painting en plein air—French for “painting under the open sky”—Rick can often be found capturing the landscapes and quiet beauty of southeast Ohio. His journeys have also taken him from the rocky shores of Maine to the vast plains of Montana and the warm coasts of Florida, each destination offering new light, color, and inspiration. Using only a palette knife, Rick applies thick, textured layers of paint to create mood-rich scenes—sometimes soft and contemplative, other times bursting with spontaneity and life.
Born in the majestic region of Appalachia, Tennessee, Rick’s journey as an artist began with a BFA in Commercial Design from the University of Dayton, followed by a 40-year career that exposed him to countless designers and fine artists who shaped his creative vision. Over time, his work has found homes with more than 600 private collectors, art dealers, and patrons across the country. Along the way, he’s been honored with numerous awards, including multiple acceptances into the prestigious Ohio State Fair “All Ohio Show” and national juried exhibitions, one of which earned him a second-place prize.
Artist Rick Akers and his daughter, Alexis, stand in front of his painting Lotus Lilies, which was accepted into the Ohio State Fair this year. Lotus Lillies is beautifully framed above the bed in the Johnson Suite.
His paintings have been featured on the walls of the Columbus Museum of Art, The Georgian, the Decorative Arts Center, and the Zanesville Museum of Art. But perhaps just as notable as his talent is his generosity. Rick has donated many of his works to support organizations like Art for Life, BRAVO! for Children, and Art Recovery.
If you visit The Pigfoot Inn, you’ll see some of Rick’s latest works on display and available for purchase. Whether you’re drawn to his bold brushwork, the richness of his colors, or the stories his landscapes seem to tell, one thing is certain: Rick Akers’ art is a reflection of both the beauty of the world and the heart of the man who paints it.