FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Winter Exhibitions at Richmond Art Center
Art of the African Diaspora | 3 Dykes Walk into a Bar | Spotlight on the Ceramics Studio
Richmond, CA: Richmond Art Center kicks off its 90th anniversary year with three new exhibitions celebrating the creativity of our community: from the artists of Art of the African Diaspora, to weaving educator dani lopez, to ceramics students showcasing their work. The exhibitions open January 14 and run through March 14, 2026, with an opening reception on Saturday, January 24, from 1pm to 3pm.
“We are excited to kick off our 90th anniversary year with exhibitions and programs that celebrate our commitment to diversity and celebrate the vibrant artistic spirit of of our community,” says Jeff Nathanson, Richmond Art Center’s interim executive director.
Now in its 29th year, Art of the African Diaspora (AOTAD) shines a spotlight brighter than ever on the creative achievements of artists of African descent. The Main Gallery features work by over 150 local Black artists in the Bay Area’s largest non-juried exhibition of its kind, while the West Gallery highlights the work of Ashlie Kègo, Paradise, and Max Wheaton.
As part of the AOTAD exhibition, a special Public Art in Our Communities Panel Discussion will take place on Saturday, February 21, from 12pm to 1:30pm. Artists Kristine Mays, James Moore, and Malik Seneferu will be joined by public art administrator Denise Pate to explore the power and process of public art.
In the South Gallery, 3 Dykes Walk into a Bar…, a solo exhibition by dani lopez, presents a series of “tapestry stills” following three young dykes coming of age from the 1990s to the present. These woven visual excerpts from the characters’ lives create an intimate space where fragments of queer memory, identity, and joy come together. dani lopez will participate in an Artist Talk with Elena Gross on Saturday, February 28, from 2pm to 3pm. Those interested in exploring tapestry weaving further can take lopez’s class, Line by Line: Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, starting January 8 in Richmond Art Center’s weaving studio.
Lastly, in the Community Gallery, Spotlight on the Ceramics Studio highlights the creative talent of twenty-seven students, whose hands-on work in the studio results in a lively collection of sculptural and functional ceramics. Special guest John Toki will present the Artistic Achievement Awards, to be announced at the opening reception.
Key Events
- Exhibition Dates: January 14 – March 14, 2026
- Opening Reception: Saturday, January 24, 1pm-3pm
- Art of the African Diaspora (AOTAD) Artistic Achievement Awardee Talk: Saturday, January 24, 11am-2:30pm
- Line by Line: Introduction to Tapestry Weaving with dani lopez: Starts Wednesday, January 8
- AOTAD Public Art in Our Communities Panel Discussion: Saturday, February 21, 12pm-1:30pm
- 3 Dykes Walk into a Bar: Artist Talk with dani lopez: Saturday, February 28, 2pm-3pm
- AOTAD Closing Reception: Sunday, March 15, 2pm-4pm
Location & Hours
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804
Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-4pm | Admission: Free
About Richmond Art Center: Richmond Art Center has been sharing art and creating with the community since 1936. Our programs include classes, exhibitions, and events at our facility in Richmond’s Civic Center, as well as off-site activities that bring free, high-quality art experiences to WCCUSD schools and community partners. richmondartcenter.
For more information contact:
Amy Spencer, amy@richmondartcenter.org, 646-301-1307
Images (top to bottom): Artworks by dani lopez, Ashlie Kègo, dani lopez, and Alex Martinez
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