Little Journey: Light, Craft, and Sacred Geometry: A Master Artisan’s Journey: Thomas Kegler
Roycroft Master Painter and nationally renowned artist Thomas Kegler will serve as the Roycrofters at Large guest speaker for the October Little Journey, presenting “Light, Craft, and Sacred Geometry: A Master Artisan’s Journey,” on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 inside the Roycroft Chapel.
Kegler’s lecture will present an exploration into the intersection of 19th-century American landscape traditions and the enduring philosophy of the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement. In this presentation tailored for artists, collectors, historians, and lovers of classical art, Kegler will pull back the curtain on his studio and field methods.
Discover how traditional Hudson River School techniques—from outdoor plein air studies and sacred geometry composition to historic canvas preparation, underpaintings, and optical glazes—are brought to life through the spirit of “head, hand, and heart.”
Kegler’s Little Journey connects his practice and his place within the Arts & Crafts disciplines with the American Landscape movement and offers a graceful insight into the Hudson River School field of study. Whether you are curious about the chemistry of archival oil painting, the
craftsmanship of period-inspired framing, or the philosophy driving modern classical realism in East Aurora, this talk offers a rare insider look at the dedication behind a master’s brush.
Thomas Kegler “Lamar River, Psalms 130:5” oil, 9×12
Kegler will be available for a 15-minute Q&A session following the presentation.
This Little Journey coincides with the RALA Annual Meeting and Elections, which will commence at 5:30 p.m. inside the Chapel. Members who wish to attend may select either or both. The evening’s Little Journey will begin at 6 p.m. in the Roycroft Chapel following the
conclusion of the annual report to membership.
Roycroft Master Kegler is an internationally recognized traditional oil painter inspired by the American landscape and educational film producer. Self-taught, he is also a renowned art educator and champion of future artists, young and old. His work draws on the techniques and sensibilities of the Hudson River school, Tonalism and Lumanism movements of the mid-1800’s. Each piece celebrates the grandeur and mystery of God’s creation through careful attention to often-overlooked subtleties.
Thomas Kegler
Thomas is recognized as a top artist among many national organizations and has been featured in numerous publications. His work is showcased in galleries, collections, and publications worldwide. Kegler was juried as a Roycroft Artisan in Painting in 2001 and achieved Master in just two short years. He has been a Master Roycroft Painter since 2003. His work is the subject of an upcoming solo exhibition at Meibohm Fine Arts in East Aurora: Four Seasons opens on October 23, 2026.
This presentation and exhibition is proudly presented as part of the RALA50 celebratory programming available to the public as part of the Roycrofters at Large 50th anniversary regional programming schedule, made possible through funding from Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, and RALA50 sponsorship from the Aurora Historical Society, the Starks Family Trust and the family of the late Roycroft Master Suzanne Mair in Her Honor.
Work by Kegler is also included in the upcoming exhibition “Fifty Years of RALA” at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, opening Friday, October 9, 2026 and on view through March 28, 2027.
Plato’s Cave, “Apple Tree,” Thomas Kegler, 2009, Oil on board, 12 x 9, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Gift of John and Carol Kociela, 2014. On view October 9, 2026 at Burchfield Penney, “Fifty Years of RALA.”
About the Roycroft Little Journey Speaker Series:
RALA’s Little Journeys connects Roycroft Artisans with the community by offering artist talks, demonstrations and lectures in the Masters’ mediums that educate and create opportunities for collectors and members of the Roycroft community to connect with the modern Roycroft artists, and serves as a homage to Elbert Hubbard’s original Little Journeys, small trips to artists of note that shared intimate glimpses behind their process and lives. For years, this series was an important part of RALA’s presence on South Grove, and offered “show and tell” by Masters and Artisans, Artisan Forums and visiting nationally known speakers. RALA is proud to bring this lecture series back to its birthplace at The Roycroft Inn and to collaborate with The Roycroft Inn as event sponsor.
The Little Journey speaker series is presented in two parts within The Roycroft Inn Complex on South Grove on the first Wednesday evening of even months. The evening’s program will begin with a relaxed cocktail hour at 4:30 pm in the Library Bar before attendees to the lecture will move to the Roycroft Chapel for the presentation beginning at 6pm. Those who wish to dine following the lecture will receive 10% off of their dinner at The Roycroft Inn that evening beginning at 7:15 p.m. by mentioning Little Journeys when making a reservation.
As a RALA Little Journeys, this presentation is offered at no cost, but requires advance registration. Tickets are needed for entry to The Chapel. Reserve your space online at roycroftartisans.org. Active RALA Patrons and Members who cannot attend in person will have
the option to join via member livestream.
Membership opportunities and tickets for the 2026 Goodie Box Fundraiser will be available atthe evening’s event prior to and immediately following the meeting and presentation.