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John Wehrle’s work is characterized by a unique blend of whimsy, allegory, and playful historical references, creating vibrant public art that responds to local stories and community experiences.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.