A gift of donation will help the Art Center provide:
Free enriched art experiences for over 1,800 underserved students participating in our Art in the Community program at schools and community centers throughout Richmond.
Free admission to attend our regionally acclaimed art exhibitions.
Free admission to our family day events, talks, and performances held throughout the year.
Scholarships for youth and adults who could not afford but wish to participate in our robust Studio Art program.
Thank you so much for all you do to support Richmond Art Center.
A reception to celebrate Ed Lay’s life will take place on Saturday, November 18th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Richmond Art Center. Please join us for a reception in the Art Center’s main gallery, with the RAC community and students, friends from ACCI Gallery, and Ed’s family and friends.
Ed was our Head Metals Studio Instructor, and he passed away on November 1. Ed taught Metals at the Art Center for the past 8 years, and prior to teaching with us, was a student for 17 years. Ed was the heart and soul of the Metals program. An humble person, patient and thoughtful instructor, Ed drew the best from each of his dedicated students, many of whom studied under him for several years.
If you have images of Ed to share during the event for a special slideshow, please email them to julie@richmondartcenter.org by Wednesday, November 15.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Ed’s family and our community of students for whom Ed was a treasured friend and mentor.
The hearts at the Richmond Art Center are broken today, as we share the news that Ed Lay, our Head Metals Studio Instructor, has passed away.
Ed taught Metals at the Art Center for the past 8 years, and prior to teaching with us, was a student for 17 years. Ed was the heart and soul of the Metals program. An humble person, patient and thoughtful instructor, Ed drew the best from each of his dedicated students, many of whom studied under him for several years.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Ed’s family and our community of students for whom Ed was a treasured friend and mentor.
We will announce memorial plans and remembrances for Ed as soon as we have more information.
Please take a moment to watch this short video about Ed, filmed recently by Richmond Confidential.
We are working with local artist Joani Share, Creative Sonoma, and the Napa Valley Arts Council to collect new and gently used art supplies to donate to artists who have lost their homes and studios in the recent wildfires in the North Bay.
We encourage you to bring any art supplies you would like to offer, including drawing pads, drawing paper, charcoal paper, oil paint, oil pastels, a variety of drawing pencils, and paint brushes. Printmaking materials, ceramics, tools, and fabric paint and textile arts materials are also welcome!
To donate
Bring your art supplies to the Front Desk during regular business hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
We will also be collecting art supplies at our Closing Reception, on Saturday, November 11 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
Joani shared her thoughts about the donation drive with us: “The news of the fires that spread so quickly through Napa and Sonoma were so upsetting to watch on the news. As an artist, I would be so distraught if my entire body of work and all my art supplies went up in flames in just a matter of minutes. I tried to put myself into the mind of the artists who lost everything in the inferno, so at the meeting of the Concord Art Association which was held a day after the fires began I asked my fellow members to bring new or gently used art supplies to our next meeting. I didn’t have a name yet for this campaign, but when I got home, it was clear- it had to be called “stART over” – because that is what the artists who lost everything would be doing. I contacted the largest art organizations in that area, Creative Sonoma and the Napa Valley Arts Council, and both were happy for the help, and were willing to distribute the supplies to the artists in need.
I am just an artist, one of many in this community. I wanted to do something to help other artists besides giving cash (which I am sure is also needed), but having actual art materials on hand without having to go out to purchase them will allow the creative process to begin faster and help with the healing that will be a long haul.”
Fall Family Day:
Saturday, October 28
12:30pm to 3:00pm
Free!
The annual celebration welcoming family, honoring Dia del los Muertos through artmaking activities, and sharing a Community Altar takes place on Saturday, October 28, 2017.
The Richmond Art Center once again offers its popular Fall event, Fall Family Day, welcoming the community to this all-ages, free event to make art and celebrate family with a special Community Altar. The event will take place at the Richmond Art Center, located in Civic Center Plaza, 2540 Barrett Avenue, in Richmond from 12:30 to 3:00pm on Saturday, October 28. The Exhibition galleries will also be open to visitors, to experience the current Fall collections, which include Joan Brown: In Living Color; Earth, Wind, and Fire; and Pogo Park.
The planned artmaking activities are free, and children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. The day’s activities include:
Little Piñatas with Isaías D. Rodríguez, the Little Piñata Maker
A piñata is a container often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth; it is decorated, and filled with small toys or candy, or both, and then broken as part of a ceremony or celebration. According to local records, the Mexican piñata tradition began in the town of Acolman, just north of Mexico City, where piñatas were introduced for catechism purposes as well as to co-opt the Huitzilopochtli ceremony. Today, the piñata is still part of Mexican culture, the cultures of other countries in Latin America, as well as the United States.
Metal Nichos/Milagros with Malena Lopez-Maggi
Nicho art originated as a popular adaptation of the Roman Catholic retablo tradition of painting patron saints on wood or tin. Unlike the large, flat panels of retablo, nichos are small and built in shadow box style. Common structural conventions include hinged doors, carved borders, and multiple panels. Within the box there is a key object or central figure for whose honor or memory the nicho has been created. Nichos are usually painted with striking colors and are decorated with all variety of images and objects from religious and popular culture, especially depictions of the Virgin Mary, saints, the sacred heart, figures from loteria, Dia de los Muertos characters and objects, and folk heroes. They can act as shrines, protection, or devotional objects.
Paper Flowers with Lisa di Prima
Why marigolds? It is believed that the spirits of the dead visit the living during the celebration. Marigolds guide the spirits to their altars using their vibrant colors and scent. Marigolds, or flowers in general, also represent the fragility of life.
Community Altar
Building a Dia de los Muertos altar is an important part of celebrating Mexico’s most famous holiday, Day of the Dead. Traditionally, families will build altars in their homes during the weeks leading up to November 1st, as a way to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed to the other side.
Together we will remember our loved ones and those who are no longer with us, in creating a Community Altar. We invite you to be a part of the Richmond Art Center’s Community Altar, please bring pictures, objects, fabrics or an altar offering. Items should be limited 16 inches or less and no flames/candles will be lit. All items for the altar must be properly labeled with your first name, last name and phone number. Drop off for the Community Altar is between Tuesday, October 24 and Friday, October 27, 9am-5pm, to the Studio Education Office. All items should be picked up by Friday, November 3. Questions? Call the Education Office at 510.620.1245.
Screen Printing Bags with Joyce Shon
Have fun learning the basics of screenprinting on fabric with our longtime teaching artist Joyce Shon.
Our hearts are with all of those affected by the tragic, ongoing fires in the North Bay and all that has been lost.
One of our extended RAC family, artist Clifford Rainey, lost his home and his studio in the fire. Here he is, standing in front of one of his pieces currently on display in our Fall Exhibition: Earth, Wind, and Fire. This large glass installation is titled “No Man Is an Island.” The very works in this current show address, investigate, and reflect a vision of the environment, nature, and human nature as played out in an ecology of imminent concern.
Please join us in helping Clifford overcome this tragic loss. We are donating our exhibition proceeds this Fall to him. Please visit our touching and relevant exhibition, and leave some money for him in the donation box. Our galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am to 5pm.
Join us in building a Dia de los Muertos altar for Fall Family Day! These altars are an important part of celebrating Mexico’s most famous holiday, Day of the Dead. Traditionally, families will build altars in their homes during the weeks leading up to November 1st, as a way to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed to the other side.
Together we will remember our loved ones and those who are no longer with us, in creating a Community Altar. We invite you to be a part of the Richmond Art Center’s Community Altar, please bring pictures, objects, fabrics or an altar offering. Items should be limited 16 inches or less and no flames/candles will be lit. All items for the altar must be properly labeled with your first name, last name and phone number. Drop off for the Community Altar is between Tuesday, October 24 and Friday, October 27, 9am-5pm, to the Studio Education Office. All items should be picked up by Friday, November 3. Questions? Call the Education Office at 510.620.1245.
For more information about Fall Family Day, please check our Events Page: https://richmondartcenter.org/event/fall-family-day/
Image: Altar by Albessa V Blythe, also known as La Artista Vargas.
These past four weeks of Summer Art Camp for kids has been a blast. We loved providing creative learning and making environments for children 5 to 14. Our thanks go out to all of the children, parents, staff, teaching artists and volunteers who made this year’s camp offerings our best yet.
Here’s a taste of summer from some of our fun classes. We look forward to welcoming your children back next summer!
Position: Human Resources Manager Part-time, non-exempt position Flexible work schedule
Supervisor: Executive Director
Overview/ Essential Duties:
The Human Resources Manager is responsible for the oversight of Human Resources administrative functions and takes the lead in fostering a work environment that supports all staff individually and as members of the Art Center team. The HR Manager helps promote high employee morale through fostering an environment of respect, teamwork, and professionalism.
Responsibilities:
Promote an organizational culture that fosters cooperation, communication, teamwork and trust
Lead regular review of Art Center’s human resources policies, procedures and practices.
Oversee annual performance evaluation process and support professional development planning for all employees.
Develop and foster an environment to maximize employee growth and retention
Work with Operations Manager in employee recruitment process to interview stage in coordination with the supervisor for the posted position.
Work with Finance Director and Operations Manager in overseeing new employee orientations to ensure that new employees understand established policies and procedures.
Oversee sexual harassment prevention training.
Ensure all HR postings and notifications are in accordance with the law
Provide mediation and conflict resolution for Art Center employees; Partner with supervisors to resolve employee conflicts and situations in a timely and thorough manner
Qualifications:
BA/BS degree with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in responsible HR, in nonprofit organizations or equivalent education and experience
Strong background, and training in Human Resources management, including current knowledge labor law and HR protocol
Outstanding interpersonal communication and mediation skills within a cross-cultural and intergenerational environment
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong organizational skills, ability to coordinate and prioritize activities with attention to detail and independent follow through.
Intermediate to advanced Excel and Word skills.
Comfortable using the Google Suite (Docs, Sheets & File Share)
About the Richmond Art Center:
A non-profit organization, the Richmond Art Center has provided 80 years of excellence in arts education and exhibitions for the East Bay region. The Art Center’s mission is to be a dynamic arts organization that empowers and transforms individuals and the community through creative exploration, experience and education. The largest Art Center in the East Bay, the 1951 vintage modern facility is part of Richmond’s Civic Center Plaza and receives partial funding from the City of Richmond. The Art Center offers one of the most extensive schedules of exhibitions and art instruction programs in the East Bay, presenting 14 to 16 exhibitions in four galleries and providing 50-60 art classes and workshops in six studios four times a year to 450-500 students each quarter, ages 5 and up of all skill levels. In addition, the Art Center reestablished its Art in the Community program in 2012, providing after school art experiences to schools and various community centers, engaging nearly 1700 underserved student age children. The Art Center has over 600 members, 100 volunteers, 11 full-time and four part-time staff. The Center has an operating budget of just over $1.3 million. To apply, please submit the following materials via email: Resume and a cover letter introducing yourself, stating how your work experience qualifies you for this position, how this opportunity supports your career goals, and specifying experience you have had in a role that cultivates a positive and collaborative workplace culture. Also include the names and contact information for three professional references. Open until filled. Send all materials to jobsapp@therac.org
Compensation & Benefits: 10-14 hours a week $32-$35 per hour DOE, includes prorated vacation, sick, and holidays The Richmond Art Center is an equal opportunity employer, values diversity and respects differences.
Principals only. Recruiters please don’t contact this job poster.
Do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers
The Richmond Art Center is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board, which is elected by our members, is responsible for the organization’s financial health and achievement of its mission. Board members serve a three-year term.
We’d like to offer our deepest thanks and recognition to four of our Board members, who have given so much to the Richmond Art Center during their tenure. We are greatly in the debt of gratitude to the following people, who have made important and lasting contributions to the Art Center, our community, and our staff:
Anna Blackman
Anna retired as the deputy superintendent of West Contra Costa Unified School District in 2000 after a long career in Richmond Unified and WCCUSD. She has since mentored and supervised student teachers and worked as a teaching performance assessor. Anna served on the board of the Richmond Art Center in the 1990s.
Matt D. Jacobson
Matt is the managing partner of Jacobs & Company, an investment management firm. He began working there in 1979 as an Associate and became a partner in 1987. Before joining Jacobs & Company, Matt was a reporter and feature writer for the Richmond Independent/Berkeley Daily Gazette newspapers. He earned a BA in urban economic geography from UC Berkeley. Matt lives in Richmond. His mother is a long-time supporter of the Richmond Art Center where Matt regularly visited in his youth.
Ellengale Toki Oakley
Ellengale grew up in a local family of artists with Leslie Ceramics as the family business. She and her brothers spent much of their childhood connected to the Art Center. Her mother served on the board. One of her brothers served as board president. Ellengale’s husband, Owen, is a Richmond Art Center student. Ellengale has volunteered as a court-appointed special advocate for foster children. She earned a PhD in early childhood math education and a BA and MA from UC Berkeley.
Susan Wittenberg
Susan has a long history of working to improve the education and well being of West Contra Costa County children. She was founding executive director of the West Contra Costa Public Education Fund (Ed Fund) for 25 years, founding member of the Building Blocks for Kids (BBK) Collaborative and served as an alternate commissioner on the Contra Costa County First 5 Commission. She has designed and managed programs and raised millions of dollars to provide services and meet the needs of children throughout the county.
And welcoming our newest Board members…
At the annual RAC members meeting on June 10, five new members were voted in to serve their first three-year term, effective July 1. We’d like to welcome Sarah Antonich, Phil Linhares, Karen McKeown, Steve Nomura, and Hertha Sweet Wong. You can read their bios here.
Giving Tuesday was created to unite us all in a day of generosity, to make a difference in the world at the start of this busy holiday season.
A reception to celebrate Ed Lay’s life will take place on 
We are working with local artist Joani Share, Creative Sonoma, and the Napa Valley Arts Council to collect new and gently used art supplies to donate to artists who have lost their homes and studios in the recent wildfires in the North Bay.
Fall Family Day:
A piñata is a container often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth; it is decorated, and filled with small toys or candy, or both, and then broken as part of a ceremony or celebration. According to local records, the Mexican piñata tradition began in the town of Acolman, just north of Mexico City, where piñatas were introduced for catechism purposes as well as to co-opt the Huitzilopochtli ceremony. Today, the piñata is still part of Mexican culture, the cultures of other countries in Latin America, as well as the United States.
Building a 
Our hearts are with all of those affected by the tragic, ongoing fires in the North Bay and all that has been lost.
Join us in building a Dia de los Muertos altar for 
Anna Blackman
