Could there be a more perfect cover artwork for our Spring Catalog than instructor Chris Harper Triplett’s Flower Cowgirl? Some students may recognize this piece as Chris created it as a demo in her watercolor class back in 2018.
As Covid-19 case numbers continue to go down and the Bay Area gradually “opens up” you’ll see some positive changes rolling out at Richmond Art Center. Our gallery hours are expanding (Wed-Sat 10am-4pm), new staff hires are arriving (welcome Elaine Moreno, our new Visitor Services Coordinator), and more in-person classes will run as part of our Spring Session schedule. A highlight for me in the galleries this spring is—after a two year pause—the return of the WCCUSD Student Art Show. Be inspired by the skill and vision of the next generation of local artists.
There’s also a lot happening behind the scenes at RAC. Our education team is collaborating with RYSE Youth Center and East Bay Center for the Performing Arts to run a professional development training series for educators. The makeover of the metals studio continues and we are hosting the Metal Arts Guild Picnic. Artists-in-residence Liberación Gráfica are working in the print studio with a group of students from Richmond High. And we were excited to send three staff to the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference in Sacramento this past March. Marisa Burman, RAC’s Ceramics Manager, described the event as, “rich and stimulating”.
Join Richmond Art Center’s team. We’re looking for an Education Coordinator to support all Education Programs, Projects, Partnerships and Personnel – Online, On-site, and Off-site.
We are so happy to welcome Elaine Moreno to Richmond Art Center’s staff team. Elaine is our new Visitor Services Coordinator.
Please say hello and welcome to Elaine at the front desk next time you are at RAC!
About Elaine: Elaine Moreno is a Bay Area born and raised Visual Artist, primarily working with Film and Digital Photography. Elaine’s passion for the arts started at an early age, and brought her to California College of the Arts where she graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Photography and Visual Studies Minor. Elaine aims to give back to her community that helped propel her artistic journey in hopes to inspire and guide others along their artistic paths.
These eight Richmond artists will contribute work to an exhibition to be presented in Richmond Art Center’s South Gallery that will run from April 7 through to June 3, 2022. Participating artists are selected for their risk-taking and visionary creative practices. More info about the exhibition coming soon!
We Found Joy In Art-Making / Encontramos La Felicidad Haciendo Arte
Sharing these wonderful photos by R.D. Lopez/Shots From Richmond & Froggie Violet Vega documenting Rebeca García-González creating a new mural at the 25th Street entrance of Richmond Art Center. The mural is called We Found Joy In Art-Making / Encontramos La Felicidad Haciendo Arte and was completed in December 2021.
Rebeca was assisted by Richmond youth, Leslie Poblano and Denise Campos.
For Black History Month, Richmond Art Center will present Patricia Mapps: From Africa to Richmond, on Monday, February 28 at 7pm. Through archival research, oral history, and DNA, Patricia has traced her ancestors to Africa and uncovered a story of enslavement, emancipation, the decision to purchase and live on the land they “tamed” when enslaved, their transition to farm laborers then to farmers, and Civil Rights activism in Richmond. In this special online event, Patricia will share the story her research has uncovered in a presentation which will be followed by a Q&A session. This event is free but registration is required to access the zoom link.
We have updated our vaccination requirement for students taking in-person classes at Richmond Art Center. As of 2/1/22 all students must be fully vaccinated to the maximum extent for which they are eligible. Students enrolled in current classes should have their proof of vaccination documents ready to show a RAC staff person at their first class. See below for more information.
IN THE STUDIOS
Proof of vaccination is required to attend in-person classes at Richmond Art Center. This policy applies to everyone five years old and above. Please refer to the below list of acceptable forms of vaccination verification.
How to Show Proof of Vaccination You can show proof of vaccination by showing photo ID and one of the following items:
A Vaccination Card issued by the CDC or a foreign governmental jurisdiction
IN THE GALLERIES, PUBLIC SPACES AND AT SPECIAL EVENTS
Mask wearing and signing a Visitor Waiver is a condition of entry to RAC galleries, courtyard and public spaces. We track attendee numbers to ensure spaces do not get too crowded.
Our galleries are currently open Thursdays through Saturdays, 10am-2pm. Entry is free and no advance appointment is required. Please observe social distancing in the galleries.
Deadline to Enter: Monday, February 21 (free entry!)
All artists who live and/or work in Richmond are invited to submit work for Right Here, Right Now: A Biennial of Richmond Art. Now in its second iteration, this exhibition looks at the excellent and risk-taking new work being made in our city. The exhibition will be installed in Richmond Art Center’s South Gallery in March.
Background image: Artwork by Roz Ritter, Missing, 2019, Hand embroidery of pancreatic beta cells. Roz was an exhibiting artist in Right Here, Right Now in 2020.
Join us for a special reception on Sunday, March 6, 12pm-4:30pm for Art of the African Diaspora 2022! Mix and mingle with exhibiting artists, enjoy art and music, and let’s celebrate 25 years of the Bay Area’s Black Artists Exhibition at Richmond Art Center.
Space is limited, RSVP required, don’t forget to reserve your space!
Live Music by Sean Norris
Gathering During a Pandemic: Because of the Covid-19 pandemic we are organizing the reception a little differently this year. To maximize social distancing and the flow of people through the galleries, folks are invited to sign up for ‘timeslots’ to ensure spaces do not get overcrowded. Our courtyard will be open for mingling and refreshments, and gallery numbers will be monitored. Mask wearing is required.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Art of the African Diaspora in 2022.
