Richmond Parkway Bay Trail between Gertrude and Vernon Avenues
On Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, community members gathered at the Richmond Parkway Bay Trail to install the hundreds of painted wooden slats that make up the Fencelines public artwork. The site of the installation – an existing chain link fence – highlights the close proximity between the Chevron petroleum refinery and Richmond residential neighborhoods. For generations, the refinery has polluted the neighboring community’s air, water, land and people.
Fencelines represents the collective voice of hundreds of individuals and families who, over the past year, gathered at events to paint their stories and messages on the slats, responding to the questions: “What message do you have for the polluting industry here in Richmond?” and “What vision do you have for your community in the future?” The resulting public artwork documents the impact of the petroleum industry; As you travel along this fence you will see messages of hope, unity, and care woven together into a collective monument to the resistance and resilience of Richmond.
Fencelines project is created by Graham L.P., Princess Robinson, and Gita Khandagle, local artists and organizers; inviting participation from Richmond & North Richmond community members and working in partnership with the Richmond Our Power Coalition to envision a just and regenerative future.
Special thanks to Richmond LAND for hosting the Earth Day event on the parkway, and Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez for his participation and support.
S.P.O.T.S: Supporting Peoples Outlooks, Talents, and Speech
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3pm to 6pm
The painting spot, the gathering spot, the spot light or epicenter of action.
Public art is a powerful tool for community building. This program will introduce young artists to the means to create vibrant community art works. A cohort of twelve young artists (ages 14-24) will learn about different models of community art projects, help to define how the program will local youth, and create a collaborative mural project. Students will learn basic color theory, composition, and painting methods.
CLICK HERE to view the mural created by youth participating in the program in 2021.
CLICK HERE to view the mural created by youth participating in the program in 2022.
Eligibility: This seven week class is for youth ages 14-24 who live, work or study in Richmond.
Stipend: Each student will receive a $250 stipend for their work at the completion of the program.
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3pm to 6pm from June 13 to August 3, 2023
Instructors: Fred Alvarado and Keena Azania Romano
This class welcomes Spanish speakers and is an inclusive bilingual space. El Artista Maestro habla Español.
S.P.O.T.S: Supporting Peoples Outlooks, Talents, and Speech
Aprenda cómo el arte público es una herramienta poderosa para crear comunidad. Una grupo de doce artistas jóvenes (de 14 a 24 años) creará un proyecto de mural colaborativo en el Centro de Arte de Richmond este verano con los artistas Fred Alvarado y Keena Azania Romano. Los estudiantes que completen el programa recibirán un estipendio de $250 por su trabajo.
Horario: Martes y jueves, de 15:00 a 18:00 horas del 13 de junio al 27 de julio de 2023
Ubicación: Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804
Elegibilidad: para jóvenes de 14 a 24 años en Richmond
Recently at Richmond Art Center instructor Maxon McCarter and students got creative with copper in the metals studio (see photos below by Elaine Moreno).
Do you like sculptural art and jewelry? Want to learn how to shape metal to create something amazing? Check out these classes starting soon at RAC…
Intermediate Jewelry
Practice and refine your skills using a jewelers saw, shaping techniques, textures and finishing with patina and polishing.
Do you dream of making your own silver creations? Then join us in this exploration of silversmithing and get started making your silver dreams come true.
An introduction to working with bronze and silver metal clay. Projects will include pendants, rings, stone setting and mold making with a focus on different methods for creating, firing and finishing designs.
Check out the Spring Catalog for information about upcoming classes, exhibitions and special events. CLICK HERE to see the catalog online, or pick up a copy at Richmond Art Center.
A Message from RAC’s Executive Director
Hello Friends,
Sunny weather is coming and we have a couple of “not to be missed” events at Richmond Art Center this season. First, it’s Spring Family Day. This time, this free event will celebrate advocacy for environmental justice through art-making. And then in April, it’s the West Contra Costa Unified School District Student Art Show. It always astonishes me to see the incredible artistic talent of local middle and high school students. And this year marks the 57th year of the exhibition.
Meanwhile, a new and exciting class is launching: blacksmithing! It will be held in the courtyard to keep everyone safe (and no need to carry your own anvil!)
Finally, a few weeks ago we were happy to welcome to Richmond Art Center Tony Tamayo, Chief of Staff to Richmond’s Mayor and B.K. White, Public Policy Director in the Office of the Mayor. Tony and BK toured our facilities and we talked about upcoming events and how the Office of the Mayor can assist RAC in its efforts. We are so appreciative that the Mayor’s Office visited us during their busy transition time. We look forward to a great relationship with them.
Join us at Richmond Art Center to celebrate one last time our winter exhibitions! We’ll also be having a free photo session with ENOUGH Considered and hosting a visioning session for the establishment of an Arts Council and an Arts & Culture Strategic Plan for our county.
What’s Happening:
Visioning Session for Arts & Culture in Contra Costa County, 10am-11:30am | More info…
Art of the African Diaspora Closing Party, 2pm-4pm | More info…
Connected Always and Remembrance Project Closing Reception, 2pm-4pm | More info…
ENOUGH: Photo Portrait Session, 2pm-4pm | More info…
Kimberly Ross joins Richmond Art Center’s staff team with extensive experience in the fashion industry, as well as entrepreneurial endeavors in event production and image consulting. As Public Programs Coordinator Kimberly will coordinate the volunteer program and special events, as well as support front desk activities. Kimberly is a Richmond native, with roots in Oakland and San Francisco.
Say hello to Kimberly at the front desk next time you are at RAC!
Or connect with her at kimberly@richmondartcenter.org
Did you know we have a school tours program? Bring your class to Richmond Art Center and enjoy a guided tour of current exhibitions. Students also get to visit studio spaces and engage in an art-making activity.
(Psssst Richmond youth organizations, groups and schools can book a tour for FREE thanks to funding from California Arts Council)
In these informal online sessions RAC’s Education Team will share information about our hiring process and teaching opportunities.
Richmond Art Center offers visual arts education programs for the community year round, on-site at RAC, off-site in the community and online via Zoom. We work collaboratively with Teaching Artists to develop dynamic and inclusive arts education programs that cultivate, support and build our creative community here in Richmond. RAC currently offers visual arts programs and media under the following disciplines: Ceramic Arts & Sculpture, Digital Arts & Sculpture, Drawing & Painting, Glass Arts & Sculpture, Jewelry & Metal Arts, Printmaking Arts, Textiles & Fiber Arts, Mixed Media Arts & Sculpture. TEACHING ARTIST JOB DESCRIPTION
Spring Class Registration Opens Wednesday, February 15
Spring classes are now posted (don’t worry if the class says ‘Fully Booked’ this will change once registration opens). Browse listings and plan which class or workshop you’ll sign up for when classes open for registration on Wednesday, February 15 at 10am.
