Richmond Art Center Richmond Art Center

Time and Tide: John Wehrle

Time and Tide: John Wehrle

Exhibition: April 16 – June 14, 2025
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 12, 2025, 1pm-3pm

Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804

Time and Tide is the first major exhibition to offer a comprehensive survey of the work of Richmond-based artist John Wehrle (born 1941). This exhibition narrates Wehrle’s 50-year artistic journey, featuring replicas of his murals and gateways throughout Richmond, as well as original paintings and sketches he created as a combat artist during the Vietnam War. It also includes early studies, sculptures, photographs, and large-scale paintings.

John Wehrle’s work is characterized by a unique blend of whimsy, allegory, and playful historical references, creating vibrant public art that responds to local stories and community experiences. His murals are prominent and familiar landmarks in Richmond’s urban landscape. From the iconic Plunge (2010) at the Richmond Municipal Natatorium (The Richmond Plunge) to Revisionist History (1995) under the I-80 underpass on San Pablo Avenue, these site-specific, large-scale works capture community histories and inspire a sense of place among Richmond residents. In addition to highlighting Wehrle’s artistic contributions to Richmond, Time and Tide will showcase the wide array of public artworks he has created in cities across California.

As a beloved Richmond artist, Wehrle received a lifetime achievement award in 2006 from AC5, Contra Costa’s Arts and Culture Commission. In 2018, he was proclaimed the “greatest single contributor to public art murals in Richmond” by the Richmond City Council.

Organized by guest curator Jeff Nathanson, Time and Tide will be accompanied by a catalogue, a series of public programs, mural tours, and educational offerings for youth.

The Art of Sumi-e

The Art of Sumi-e

Exhibition: September 4 – November 21, 2024
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7, 1pm-3pm | Learn more…

Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804

A student showcase of Japanese ink brush paintings from Fumiyo Yoshikawa’s beginner sumi-e class at Richmond Art Center. Sumi-e is a traditional East Asian painting technique that uses black ink (sumi) on paper. Originating in China and later flourishing in Japan, sumi-e emphasizes simplicity, fluidity, and the potential of expressive brushstrokes to capture the essence or spirit of a subject. The students in Sensei Yoshikawa’s class also explored the connections between this traditional art form and concepts of Zen and Wabi Sabi. Through regular practice, the students learned to cultivate both their artistic prowess and inner tranquility, with each stroke honing their skills while also unveiling a path to daily serenity.

Image: Artwork by Fumiyo Yoshikawa

Abi Mustapha

Abi Mustapha

Exhibition: September 4 – November 21, 2024
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7, 1pm-3pm  |  Learn more…

Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804

 

Sentinels & Saviors

Sentinels & Saviors

An exhibition of work by Joell Jones and Kim Thoman

Exhibition Dates: September 4 – November 21, 2024
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7, 1pm-3pm  |  Learn more…
Artist Talk: Saturday, October 5, 1pm start

Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804

In these tumultuous times, the artwork in Sentinels & Saviors encourages us to focus inward and find symbols that guide and uplift us amid feelings of powerlessness.

The exhibition features the work of Joell Jones and Kim Thoman, who create space for introspection. Jones’ pictorial work explores her journey into the unconscious, portraying a woman’s quest for self-discovery. Thoman’s abstract steel figures, inspired by Chinese Terracotta Warriors, represent protective guardians and emerged from her desire for protection during recovery from a serious illness. Together, these bodies of work serve as iconic avatars, encouraging viewers to pay closer attention to themselves, their thoughts, and their feelings.

Right Here, Right Now: A Biennial of Richmond Art

Right Here, Right Now: A Biennial of Richmond Art

Anthony Delgado, Art Hazelwood, e bond, Erin McCluskey Wheeler, Helia Pouyanfar, Quinn Keck, Taro Hattori

Exhibition Dates: September 4 – November 21, 2024
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7, 1pm-3pm  |  Learn more…

Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804

In its third iteration, the Right Here, Right Now biennial exhibition celebrates local, visionary art and ideas through commissioning new artwork from artists who either live or work in Richmond, California.

PRESS RELEASE ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT

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Richmond Art Center
2540 Barrett Avenue
Richmond, CA 94804-1600

 

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Gallery Hours: Wed-Sat 10am-4pm