Skylands Museum of Art hosts Night at the Museum event
Lafayette. New Jersey artist David Derr discussed his mythology-inspired artwork during a gallery talk Aug. 21 at the Skylands Museum of Art in Lafayette.
| 24 Aug 2026 | 12:15
David Derr stands next to his favorite painting "Realising the Fury." (
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Rima Hamade of Sparta stands in front of a painting. (
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The Skylands Museum of Art hosted “Night at the Museum: Odyssey Edition” on Aug. 21, featuring a gallery talk with New Jersey artist David Derr focused on Greek and Roman mythology and his artwork inspired by heroic tales.
The event connected the current film “The Odyssey,” starring Matt Damon, with Homer’s eighth-century B.C. epic poem on which the movie is loosely based.
Derr’s work often focuses on characters from Greek and Roman mythology, including several pieces on permanent display in the museum’s third-floor Mythology Room. During the gallery talk, Derr discussed his artwork, creative process and the inspiration he draws from classic myths.
His large oil paintings include “Pegasus,” “Medusa” and “Leda and the Swan.” His work also was featured in “METAmorphosis,” a temporary exhibition presented at Sussex County Community College this spring.
Derr recently was accepted as an associate artist by the Joseph Campbell Foundation, an organization that brings together people interested in mythology, the writings of Joseph Campbell and the concept of the Hero’s Journey.
Born in northwest New Jersey in 1954, Derr studied at the Art Students League of New York and has exhibited his work in the United States and internationally. His work includes digital and oil paintings, mixed media, assemblages and photography.
