Enroll your kids in our Parents’ Press award-winning classes this Fall! Our Studio Education team has selected their top three favorites… see which one is right for you and your family.
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. We explore how clay has been used to make functional forms throughout history and around the world. Work will be fired, decorated, and glazed. We will see the whole ceramics process through from start to finish, and even learn some of the science behind ceramic!
Teen Printmaking (Ages 13+)
Teens will explore the processes of printmaking. Through demos and experimentation, students will learn a variety of techniques and will design and print their own unique prints to take home.
The Richmond Art Center’s ongoing See and Make Art Free Family Workshops were started in 2014 to broaden our arts offerings and include our community in new experiences around the making of art. Centered at the main branch of the Richmond Library, each workshop starts with a story, continues with an art-making project, and then finishes with a guided tour of the galleries at the Art Center.
Our August class marked a special new partnership experience with the local Richmond-based nonprofit, Girls Incorporated of West Contra Costa County. Their goal: to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold, provides school and community based programming that serves the unique needs of girls, ages 5-18, living in West Contra Costa County.
Crystal Banagan, Associate Director of this local branch of Girls Inc., partnered with our Art in the Community and Studio Education teams to put on the August Bookmaker Faire event.
The class was led by the Art Center’s teaching artist Dawn Gonzales and our Studio Education Coordinator Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo. “It was such a success and by far one of my favorite teaching experiences,” said Gonzales. “I was happy to see children and adults of all ages making lots of books and I hope that they will continue to teach others what they learned.”
Participating families worked together, making keepsake books with Turkish map folded papers inside. The class decorated their handmade books, read a story about sharing family stories, and had an all around great time making and enjoying time with the people we hold dear. Everyone who joined the class got a brand new book to take home.
“I was so happy to plan and watch this partnership come to fruition, with so much success,” said Branfman-Verissimo. “The See & Make Art Free Family Workshops were started to broaden and include our community in new experiences around the making of art centered at the library and this partnership did just that and more. It was really great to bring Girls Inc into the library and shine a light on their hard work side by side learning how to make our own handmade books to tell our stories.”
We look forward to more creative partnerships with our neighboring community partners. To learn more about our See and Make Art Workshops, contact our Studio Education office at education@richmondartcenter.org. (The class is offered on the last Saturday of each month and is free to families and children. Be sure to check out our Events calendar for upcoming workshops and other free events.)
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: https://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
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.
Work with clay! In this class, young artists will learn a variety of techniques for making functional vessels in clay. We explore how clay has been used to make functional forms throughout history and around the world. Work will be fired, decorated, and glazed. We will see the whole ceramics process through from start to finish, and even learn some of the science behind ceramic!
Teens will explore the processes of printmaking. Through demos and experimentation, students will learn a variety of techniques and will design and print their own unique prints to take home.
Participating families worked together, making keepsake books with Turkish map folded papers inside. The class decorated their handmade books, read a story about sharing family stories, and had an all around great time making and enjoying time with the people we hold dear. Everyone who joined the class got a brand new book to take home.
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.
