Our new President of the Board of Directors, Inez Brooks-Myers, reflects on her personal history with the Richmond Art Center. Click here to learn more about our Board and the people who provide governance of the Art Center.
Inez in our Weaving Studio. Inez is passionate about textiles!
My mother, Hattiemay, loved the Richmond Art Center. After she retired, she volunteered on Friday mornings, answering the telephone, taking messages and greeting Art Center guests. My father, Ed, was president of the Richmond Civic Music Association, bringing artists like Robert Merrill and the Vienna Boys Choir to perform in Richmond. My parents set an example of volunteer civic service.
The Richmond Art Center has been important to me since I was a student at Lincoln Grammar School. I went to the Art Center, located above a garage on 9th Street, just behind the Macdonald Avenue branch of the Mechanics Bank. Hazel Salmi worked with my Girl Scout Troop, helping us to qualify for badge work.
In 1951 I was excited to attend the dedication of the new Richmond Civic Center, where our Governor, Earl Warren (later Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court), spoke. The new location of the Art Center made it more visible, and greater studio space allowed for a variety of artistic endeavors. Richmond’s leaders understood the importance of art in the daily lives of the people of the community—not only making a painting or a sculpture—but the ability of each of us to appreciate those things that are tactile or visual, that are beyond words. Placing the Art Center in the Civic Center was indicative of the commitment that the city had to the cultural life of its citizens.
Since my childhood days, art has been eliminated from public school classrooms. The Richmond Art Center is doing something about that. This year, some 2,000 Richmond school age students have been give free lessons in art at schools and community centers all over the city. Our Art Center offers on-site classes to adults, teens and children and continues to delight the public with free art exhibitions. I personally enjoy coming to the exhibitions, especially those focused on textiles, crafts and design. In this 80th anniversary year for the Richmond Art Center, my hope is that we can each appreciate the good works we have inherited and improve on them for the generations to come.
In Fall 2016, the Richmond Art Center continues to celebrate 80 years of community art making in Richmond and its surrounding areas with its Back to School community event. This all-ages event is open to Art Center constituents old and new and serves as a means for our community to celebrate and contribute to its 80-year milestone for our students, teaching artists, and larger Art Center community. Guests will participate in hands-on activities, including art making and contributing to a “Making Our Mark” memory wall.
Images by Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo
This event serves as a celebration and small fundraiser for the active Richmond Art Center community including its students, instructors and extended Art Center family. The $25 sliding scale ticket includes informal dinner and one drink ticket. In addition, the first 80 attendees at the door will receive a hand-thrown bowl for their meal and to take home, made by the Art Center’s Ceramics Manager Marisa Burman.
The main event will take place in the Richmond Art Center’s Courtyard, with additional art making activities in several studios, including button making and screenprinting tote bags, led by teaching artist Michael Perkin. Music for the evening will be provided by San Francisco-based DJ The Juice (http://www.mixcrate.com/mightyjuicy). This event has sponsored in part by Lagunitas Brewing Company.
Guests can also visit the Main, West, South and Community galleries, where the Fall Exhibitions Making Our Mark and Marking New Paths will be on display. For more information about this exhibition, please visit: http://richmondartcenter.org/exhibitions/making-our-mark/
Our catalog is full of many great classes and workshops (and don’t forget our Parents’ Press award-winning classes for kids), we’ve highlighted a few we don’t want you to miss!
Social Media for Artists: Get an introductory artist’s guide to using social media as a promotional tool for your work and your brand. Printmaking Extravaganza: Learn various types of printmaking: carve linoleum, experiment with collagraph, drypoint, and monoprinting. Color Theory: Learn color theory through painting a still life object from life. Encaustic Hot Wax: Learn to use a beeswax-based painting technique that was first practiced by the Greeks in the 5th century. Experimental, Expressive Drawing: Express yourself and your personal form of handwriting. Stacking Rings: Design and create a series of rings that interact with each other harmoniously despite their differences. Patterns and Color: Weave with sumptuous wool yarns and learn techniques for blending colors, using solid or multiple colors together on a single bobbin and using techniques unique to tapestry weaving. Bookbinding: Learn structures, techniques, and materials of bookbinding. Slipcasting: 3D Collage: Get an introduction to making clay multiples with plaster molds. 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.
Mechanical Dobby Loom for sale – $1800 obo
in very good condition
48″, 16 Harness #380077
– 48″ weaving width
– 16 Harness, polyester heddles
– Mechanical dobby with dobby bar, pegs
– Plain warp beam
– Sectional beam
– Standard Beater
– Built in bench
– Designed and used as a rug loom
Please contact our Studio Education Coordinator, Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo, if you are interested in this loom or have questions about it.
This year the Richmond Art Center turns 80! We’re planning a fun-filled event to celebrate the Art Center’s remarkable growth over the past four years and to honor our past, our present and our exciting future.
Early Bird pricing for tickets is $135 per seat and begins August 15 until September 5 (or are sold out). After September 6th, the price of a gala ticket will increase to $150. You can purchase tickets at our front desk or by calling 510.620.6772.
The night’s events include special guest Ryan Coogler, Sundance Film Festival winner and critically acclaimed director and screenwriter.
Coogler’s Fruitvale Station and Creed have captured film industry awards, and his upcoming movie, Black Panther, will bring Marvel comic book’s iconic hero to the screen. Born in Oakland, Ryan Coogler grew up in Richmond. His love of filmmaking began at Sacramento State University; he went on to earn an MFA degree from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.
Enjoy a wonderful dinner catered by Richmond’s own Salute e Vita Ristorante
Relax to the music of Blues and Soul vocalist Terrie Odabi
Purchase exceptional art or a one-of-a-kind experiences at our live auction
Proceeds will benefit the Richmond Art Center’s award-winning programs. Our Fund-A-Need will benefit the Kato Jaworski Youth Scholarship Fund. We hope you’ll join us on October 1.
In honor of our 80th Anniversary, we’d love to hear from all of our past exhibiting artists who have shown work in our juried shows and curated exhibitions. Our goal is to compile and share your memories, art, and experiences as the Art Center has grown and changed.
If you would like to participate as a former exhibiting artist, we welcome you to complete this form and share what you can. Thank you for being instrumental to making the Richmond Art Center what it is today!
Our partnership with RYSE Center to complete a vivid, artistic new mural at our 25th Street entrance is moving right along. Thanks to the Richmond Community Foundation, we received a mini-grant to work with our partner RYSE to completely revamp our mural. Students meet each week for several hours to work on the design they’ve created. We hope to have the project completed in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to check it out when you visit the Art Center!
Below is the original artists’ concept, designed by the participants.
“In July of 2016 the Visual Arts team at Ryse Youth Center started an incredible partnership with the Richmond Art Center. The youth started, sketched, planned, and started painting a mural at the entrance of the Richmond Art Center building with “What makes Richmond Beautiful” as the theme. There were many sessions of planning and brainstorming which sparked a lot of dialogue and ideas of how to maintain the cities beauty. The youth are very excited to add a visual voice to their cities landscape and a few of the young artists live across the street from the mural and get to enjoy it from their window. The young artists are taking a lot of pride in the learning process and it has been amazing to see their creative abilities unfold, develop and grow throughout the opportunity.” – Vanessa “Agana” Espinoza
All photos courtesy of Vanessa “Agana” Espinoza, RYSE Center.
Position: Facilities Assistant Schedule: Part-time, 16 hours/week, flexible, non-exempt Supervisor: Director of Human Resources and Operations
Essential Functions:
Under the direction of the Director of Human Resources and Operations (Director of HR/O), the Facilities Assistant is responsible for general maintenance of the Art Center’s galleries, studios and support spaces. Troubleshoots and performs minor repairs to equipment and furniture, some janitorial duties, setup and takedown of special events. Knowledge and experience of basic maintenance techniques is essential.
Responsibilities:
Make minor building repairs(including replacement of light bulbs and furniture and equipment maintenance or improvements
Assist with the prepping of art galleries for each exhibition and occasional art handling, installation of artwork and arrangement of gallery lights.
Conduct minor landscaping and clean-up in the courtyard area.
Assist with setup and takedown and cleaning of special events.
Sweep, vacuum, and mop all floors in studios, offices, galleries, halls and restrooms and coordinate the waxing of the floors as needed.
Restock all janitorial supplies in bathrooms.
Working as part of team the jobholder must be able to work under their own initiative to cope with rearranged priorities.
Interact with staff and visitors with a friendly and courteous attitude at all times.
Carrying out routine checks and inspection of facilities and equipment.
Be part of Safety Committee to follow health and safety procedures and assist with specific health and safety procedures.
Work in a safe manner and utilize tools of the trade skillfully.
Other duties as assigned by the Director of HR/O.
Qualifications:
A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for the Facilities Assistant.
Some work experience as a handyman or in a skilled trade, carpentry or electrical is desirable.
Ability to bend and stand for periods of time is needed. Ability to lift as much as 30 pounds.
Enthusiasm for the work of the Richmond Art Center
Ability to coordinate a number of activities with multiple components requiring independent follow through and attention to detail
About the Richmond Art Center:
A non-profit organization, the Richmond Art Center has provided nearly 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 400-450 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 17 schools and various community centers. The Art Center has over 670 members, 150 volunteers, 12 full-time and five part-time staff. The Center has an operating budget of just over $1 million. To apply, please submit the following materials via email: Resume and a cover letter introducing yourself. Also include the names and contact information for three professional references. Open until filled
Send all materials to applynow@therac.org Compensation & Benefits: $13/hr plus paid, vacation, sick & holidays.
As condition of employment the jobholder is required to complete a live scan for fingerprint clearance and a (TB) Test.
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
We still have spaces available in our next Professional Development for Educators workshop series!
Bring Art to Your Classroom Workshop Series
Our engaging and informative Bring Art to Your Classroom workshop series is aimed at K-6 public, charter and private educators based in West Contra Costa who are interested in integrating art into other core subject areas, such as language arts, social studies, math and science or teaching art as a stand-alone discipline. This series is offered as three consecutive Saturday workshops. They are led by teaching artists familiar with students of various backgrounds and abilities.
Upcoming Workshops
Our next Bring Art To Your Classroom Professional Development Workshop series will talk place on July 30th, August 6th and August 13th from 1-5.
If you are interested and can attend all three dates, please apply here.
Position open until filled. Hoping to hire by September 1, 2016
Richmond Art Center: The Richmond Art Center is the largest visual arts center in the East Bay, and we offer exciting arts experiences for all ages. We do this through hands-on learning, well-equipped studios, traveling Art in the Community programs and contemporary exhibitions in our galleries.
Every year, we serve thousands of students through classes and programs taught by professional artists, both onsite at the Art Center and at sites throughout Richmond. Our four galleries allow us to mount rotating exhibitions that display the works of emerging and established Bay Area artists.
Art in the Community Program: The Richmond Art Center began in 1936 with the vision of one woman devoted to sharing her love of art with the Richmond community. Today, we bring high quality art-making experiences to young people and families across Richmond and neighboring cities. Art in the Community classes:
Essential Functions: The Richmond Art Center is looking for a collaborative, experienced and self-motivated Program Coordinator to join our Education team. Our Art in the Community program is growing and we are looking to hire an additional coordinator to meet the growing demands of our sites. Under the direction of the Art in the Community Director, and working closely with the existing Coordinator, the new Coordinator’s primary responsibility is the coordination of offsite Arts Education Programs. This includes visits to sites, providing oversight of the program implementation, and supervising the teaching artists and volunteers responsible for instruction at various sites in Richmond and San Pablo. This team member also supports and helps shape the development of new relationships with collaborating organizations, the expansion of our programs, and the planning and implementation of our professional developments series for teaching artists. This wide-ranging position requires a strong commitment to equity & social justice, the ability to strategize creatively, and an outgoing and collaborative personality. The hours of position may increase over the course of this year.
Responsibilities:
In collaboration with the AIC Team, manage our partnerships with schools, community organizations and agencies which host the Art in the Community programs.
Supervise teaching artists and volunteers. Give constructive feedback and monitor instructional outcomes.
Participate in the development or revision of program policies and best practices. Make recommendations based on field experiences and program data.
Document and report on program implementation (enrollment, instruction, and compliance with agreements).
Attend and represent the AIC program at relevant partner and community meetings
Monitor teaching artist timesheets, requests for payment and/or reimbursement.
Assist in the planning and implementation of AIC professional development offerings.
Manage program tools and supplies.
Generate, review or update AIC supporting materials.
Coordinate the staffing of AIC tables at community events.
Other duties as assigned by the Art in the Community Director.
Qualifications and Dispositions:
Art program administration experience a plus
At least 3 years of Teaching Artist experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work in a range of community and program settings
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Thrives in a flexible and collaborative work environment
Ability to make independent decisions on the spot
Experience working with diverse learners across a range of age groups a plus
Experience planning/delivering professional development experience a plus
Personal creative practice a plus
East Bay resident preferred
Ability to lift 50 lbs
Access to a car for all scheduled work hours
Compensation and Benefits:
$18- $20 DOE
Vacation, sick and holidays.
Richmond Art Center membership and NARM benefits
Quarterly free class at Richmond Art Center
To apply:Please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references to applynow@richmondartcenter.org
The main event will take place in the Richmond Art Center’s Courtyard, with additional art making activities in several studios, including button making and screenprinting tote bags, led by teaching artist Michael Perkin. Music for the evening will be provided by San Francisco-based DJ The Juice (http://www.mixcrate.com/mightyjuicy). This event has sponsored in part by Lagunitas Brewing Company.
