As the Richmond Standard wrote in the October 18, 2016 issue:
When it comes to treasured resources in the Bay Area, it’s hard to top what the Richmond Art Center has brought to the area for 80 years. The robust venue . . . is accessible, attractive and overflowing with artistic offerings for every age group and interest.
I see the energy created by our diverse offerings virtually every day – when guests arrive for artists’ talks, to see new works by Bay Area artists, students creating new art forms with their hands and innate inspiration, or joining in on the fun at a family event in our Courtyard. I am especially honored to lead this award-winning organization that provides a community forum for people of all ages to see, make art and learn about art.
We have continued to expand our Art in the Community outreach program to deliver more after school programs to Richmond elementary and middle schools, and community centers; continuing our free family weekend activities that encourage multi-generational learning; and providing professional development to elementary teachers to integrate creative art making into their curriculum; presented increasingly ambitious art exhibitions like, David Park and the Human Spirit, and Making Our Mark, attracting new audiences and national acclaim. We have also added new teaching artists to provide lifelong learning opportunities for youth and adults while keeping our classes affordable and offering more scholarships.
I know that you understand the importance of the Art Center, and I hope that you will consider continuing your commitment to supporting our ongoing efforts to bring art to thousands of people each year. I am also pleased to announce that your contribution will be matched 1:1 by anonymous donors who share your commitment to the Art Center. Your tax-deductible gift will help support our exhibition, studio, and community-based programs. You can donate online here right now.
I would value the opportunity to meet with you to discuss what your contribution can mean to us. You can reach me at Richard@therichmondartcenter.org, or by phone at (510) 620-6777.
Donate today to help support our scholarships for local youth and adults, free community classes and events, and our galleries and exhibitions. Today your donation will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous anonymous donor.
Become a volunteer. Our volunteers are a vital part of the work we do and they help us with a variety of really important projects.
Give us a thumb’s up review on Facebook, Google or Yelp. Tell others why you love coming to the Richmond Art Center.
Support your local artists and buy local. Check out the Silent Auction, have lunch at the food trucks, sample local beer and cider and meet our Community Partners at the Holiday Arts Festival on Sunday, December 4.
About Dawline-Jane’s work: “I am an Oakland-based visual artist whose current work is focused primarily on the urban landscape. An avid observer and prolific photographer, I employ a vast catalog of visual notes and memories to create my work. A lover of materials and process, I uses a range of media including relief print making, watercolor, pen and ink and encaustic. I make work that ranges from lighthearted illustration work to bold relief prints. Strategic use of color and composition are important parts of my work.”
Dawline-Jane Oni-Eseleh is a New York native who currently calls the Bay Area Home. She attended the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Art and Science in Manhattan. Her work has been exhibited across the Bay Area and as far way as Japan.
Looking to add some creativity to your holidays? Or perhaps you want to make some gifts to give this season? Check out these holiday-themed one-day workshops and sign up soon!
Family Holiday Workshop: Gingerbread & Printmaking
Get ready for the holidays with some art making fun! Parents and children are invited to create fun and festive projects together including a Gingerbread sculpture to help kick off the holiday season. You’ll enjoy using a variety of materials and supplies.
Print Your Own Holiday Cards (Adults)
Looking for something unique to send out to friends and family this holiday season? Join us for this one day workshop to design and create your own holiday card using a variety of materials and techniques. No experience necessary!
Gifting From The Heart
Often, making something for someone else can free us up to access our own authentic creativity. Join us for this workshop to prepare two paintings to give as gifts or to get a jump on your own creative practice.
Felted Holiday Ornaments (Adults)
Create something special this holiday season and make your own felted holiday ornament. You’ll learn a simple and fun felting technique and come away with your own festive ornament to celebrate the holidays.
About Rebeca’s work: “I am a Richmond resident, a representational painter working from life and depicting East Bay landscapes and their people.
Rebeca is a Puerto Rican visual artist who completed her BFA at the University of Puerto Rico. Originally a printmaker, she taught herself painting after she came to live in California 30 years ago.
It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Art Center. As we close our celebrations of 80 years this year — and begin to look forward, we continue to ask ourselves, “What does it mean to be a community arts space in Richmond?” For us that means taking a closer look at our long, rich history, exploring how we connect with our community and finding ways to do it better.
We continue to strive for the Art Center to be a space where all feel welcome — whether you’re a first time visitor, someone trying out a workshop or class for the first time, or a long-time returning student. The Education Office is conveniently located right at the Studio/25th Street entrance. Lukaza, Marisa, and I are here for you — to lend a helping hand and provide support in ways we can.
And with the new year, we’re embracing a new look for our class catalog, a tree-friendly version — which acts as a simple brochure with additional details on our website. We’ll be sharing an online version of this new catalog after November 9, and we’re very excited for you to get a peek at our Winter quarter classes. You can register for classes and workshops on November 29.
We look forward to seeing you around the Art Center this quarter!
This year’s vibrant Fall Family Day, Skeletonfest, welcomed almost 350 people to the Art Center. Focused on traditional arts associated with Dia de los Muertos, kids and grownups enjoyed making paper flowers, mini pinatas, metal milgros and Calavera hats. DJ Agana kept the mood lively and we were so proud to share our space with so many of our RAC family members. Read more from the Richmond Standard, 4Richmond, Richmond Confidential, and check out even more photos on our Facebook page.
Celebrate the Fall and upcoming Day of the Dead at the Richmond Art Center with an afternoon full of fun and art-making for all ages. Make Calavera hats with Dawn Gonzales, mini honoring pinatas with Isaías Rodríguez, paper flowers with Lisa diPrima, and milagros and nichos with Malena Lopez-Maggi and Taylor Zarkades King. This event is free and open to all ages. Create and honor with us!
Back to school also means back to school for art. Check out these great class offerings for kids and teens to add creativity and color to their week! You can register online via the links below.
Calder Circus (Ages 6 – 8): Be inspired by the magic of Alexander Calder’s 1927 Circus to create dioramas, small wooden figures, animals and other fantastical creatures. We will work in variety of mediums including clay, found materials, fabric and paint.
Forms in Clay (Ages 8 – 11): Work with clay! In this class, young artists will learn a variety of techniques for making functional vessels in clay.
Home School (Ages 6 – 10): Students engage diverse art making approaches utilizing painting, clay, and drawing.
This year the Richmond Art Center turned 80 and we threw two big parties to celebrate! We’re looking forward to the next 80 years of sharing art, education and community with you.
Our Back to School Community Celebration was a family-friendly event, full of heart, art, and delicious food. All ages were welcome to share a meal with us at our new communal tables in the courtyard, and the first 80 guests received a special handmade ceramic bowl crafted by none other than our talented ceramics manager, Marisa Burman. Delicious rice bowls were cooked and served by RAC students and volunteers, and our bar was staffed by RAC staff. DJ Juice provided danceable music for hours and our teaching artists Michael Perkin and Joyce Shon showed people the ropes in how to screenprint their own limited edition tote bags (with hand-drawn art by our Studio Education Coordinator Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo).
Our 80th Anniversary Gala was a stylish, elegant event where guests mingled in the galleries, met some of the artists—including Hung Liu, Jim Melchert, Richard Shaw, William Wiley, Mary Hull Webster and Lia Cook—whose works are now on exhibition in Making Our Mark. With Board President Inez Brooks-Myers and Board member Susan Wittenberg driving months of planning, this gala was beautifully executed by our entire Board and a team of volunteers (with thanks to our Volunteer Coordinator Nisha Chauhan-McGrath). Custom screenprinted tortillas featuring RAC founder Hazel Salmi were a big hit, thanks to the Great Tortilla Conspiracy, and guests listened to jazz singer Terrie Odabi in our Main Gallery while enjoying refreshing Vodka cocktails and wine bar , which were supported by donations from St. George Spirits in Alameda, and Jacobs & Co. and Vintage 59 Imports.
Almost 200 guests enjoyed a 3-course dinner, catered by Richmond favorite Menbere Aklilu and her restaurant Salute E Vita. The evening ended with a lively auction offering donated art, trips, theater and sports events to a very generous crowd. The funds raised from the auction and the Fund-a-Need will go towards supporting the Art Center in the upcoming year.
Dear Richmond Art Center family,
Dear Art Center Family,
