University of Texas-Arlington (BFA 1978). Randy's student history and career archives are being preserved by the UTA Library as part of their <b><a href=https://library.uta.edu/txdisabilityhistory/img/20036051>"Texas Disability History Collection."</a></b> An authorized biography about the artist will be published soon.
<b>Career:</b>
A full time artist (painter) since 1978-- 6 years after a severe spinal cord injury resulted in permanent disability (tetraplegia).
Founded Souders Gallery and became an art publisher in 1980. Exhibited in an estimated 300 individual and group shows.
Invited to become a featured gallery artist for the <b><a href=http://randysouders.com/disney>Walt Disney Company</a></b> in 1990 -a relationship that remains ongoing. Other notable clients and corporate collectors include MGM/Turner Entertainment, Kraft General Foods, State Farm Insurance, Maytag, Humana, Texas Instruments, Capitol Records, Texaco and Southwestern Bell who featured his work on millions of phone books in the 1980's.
<b>Philanthropy and Public Service:</b>
Served 15 years on the national board of directors of <b><a href=http://education.kennedy-center.org/education/vsa>VSA Arts</a></b> (formerly Very Special Arts) -an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Each year across America and in 52 international affiliates approximately 7 million people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, in every aspect of the arts – from visual arts, performing arts, to the literary arts.
Profiled in the book <b><a href=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronicles_of_Courage:_Very_Special_Artists>"Chronicles of Courage"</a></b> (Random House) co-written by <b><a href=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Plimpton>George Plimpton</a></b> (Paris Review) and <b><a href=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Kennedy_Smith>Jean Kennedy Smith</a></b> -former US Ambassador to Ireland, founder of Very Special Arts, and sister to President John F. Kennedy. A full page excerpt of Randy appeared in <b><a href=http://www.randysouders.com/Parade.jpg>PARADE Magazine</a></b> which was read by millions.
"An American Collection" --commissioned to create a painting commemorating the 200th anniversary of Washington as the United States Capitol. This painting toured the world as part of an exhibition entitled "An American Collection."
Participant in the “Art in Embassies” program with a painting exhibited in the US Embassy in Ireland.
Served the national arts juror for the Nestle´ Corporation’s “Very Best in Youth” program. This national program was established by Nestle´ to award scholarships and grants to individuals and groups who achieve excellence in arts, athletics, and community service.
Co-founded and exhibited at "Call to Rise" -the first national juried exhibition of artworks by professionals with disabilities held in 1988 at the Orlando Museum of Art in Florida. Sponsored by Humana. The jury included J. Carter Brown (director of the National Gallery of Art), Barbara Haskell (curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art) and internationally known contemporary artist Frank Stella.
Served on the executive editiorial committee and wrote the forward to the book <b><a href=https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwib7vr5nIrhAhVOcq0KHag6CvYQFjACegQIBxAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Feducation.kennedy-center.org%2Feducation%2Fvsa%2Fresources%2Fintrocontents.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1qeNWQHTNSQiWOMzlMMMLc>"Putting Creativity to Work"</a></b>(PDF download) -a career guide for people with disabilities who seeking employment in the arts. The project was underwritten by American Express and the Social Security Administration.
Granted permission for artworks for to be used for fundraising and awareness campaigns by the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Was designated as being one of their "Heroes for Hope."
Created an artwork and fundraising print campaign for the Texas Historic Foundation.
Hundreds of works are owned and on display in hospitals and physical rehabilitation centers nationwide.
