FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Richmond Art Center Celebrates 90 Years with Free Community Birthday Party and Anniversary Gala
Richmond, CA: Richmond Art Center celebrates its 90th anniversary with two special events this fall: a free Birthday Party on Saturday, August 29, and a 90th Anniversary Gala on Friday, September 25… and everyone is invited!
“Together, these two events celebrate the many ways Richmond Art Center has brought people together through art for 90 years,” says Interim Executive Director Jeff Nathanson. “The free Birthday Party welcomes the entire community to join in the fun, while the ticketed benefit Gala offers guests an opportunity to enjoy a memorable night out while supporting Richmond Art Center.”
90th Birthday Party
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 12pm-3pm
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA
Free and open to all
Learn more: richmondartcenter.org/party
It’s our birthday, come celebrate with us! Enjoy a free, all-ages afternoon of art-making, live music, food, birthday cake, and family-friendly fun.
In honor of Richmond Art Center founder, artist, and educator Hazel Salmi and her love of flower arranging, guests can create colorful floral adornments, including flower crowns and corsages. Additional activities include screenprinting, drop-in art stations, door prizes, and a community sharing display. The celebration also marks the opening of three anniversary exhibitions: One Artist Contributes, Then Another, Then Another, Ninety@Ninety, and First Impressions.
90th Anniversary Gala
Friday, September 25, 2026, 5:30pm-9:30pm
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA
Tickets now on sale
Learn more: richmondartcenter.org/gala
Join us for Richmond Art Center’s 90th Anniversary Gala, celebrating nine decades of art, community, and giving. “This momentous event honors Richmond Art Center’s 90 years of service to the community with, through, and for art,” says Susan Wittenberg, Co-Chair of the Gala Organizing Committee.
Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring a rare performance of Tom Marioni‘s Beer Drinking Sonata for Thirteen Players, edible art by the Great Tortilla Conspiracy, a cocktail reception, and seated dinner by La Strada restaurant.
Guests can also add to (or begin!) their art collections through a live auction of works by renowned artists and the Ninety@Ninety small works sale, featuring 90 original artworks in an exhibition celebrating Richmond Art Center’s artist community. A silent auction will offer handcrafted items and unique experiences.
Artistic attire is encouraged. Tickets are limited. Purchase your tickets today at richmondartcenter.org/gala.
—
Accessibility & Parking: Ample free parking and wheelchair access available. Parking and Entrance Map
About Richmond Art Center: Founded by artist and educator Hazel Salmi in 1936 through a WPA Depression-era initiative, Richmond Art Center has served the community through art for 90 years. Based in Richmond’s Civic Center, the nonprofit offers classes, exhibitions, and events, while also bringing free, high-quality arts experiences to WCCUSD schools and community partners. richmondartcenter.org
For more information contact:
Amy Spencer, amy@richmondartcenter.org
