FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Richmond Art Center Announces the Appointment of Vicky Chen as Executive Director
Richmond, CA: Richmond Art Center is pleased to announce Vicky Chen as its new Executive Director.
“After an extensive search that included input from staff and community members, we are thrilled to welcome Vicky to Richmond Art Center and excited to see her vision for the organization take shape,” said Nettie Hoge, Board President.
Chen brings extensive experience in nonprofit management, arts education, and community engagement. For the past nine years, she served as Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement at Children’s Fairyland, where she expanded youth programs, increased access for underserved communities, and produced community gatherings and cultural celebrations in collaboration with local artists and partner organizations. She holds an MFA in Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design and began her Bay Area career as a visual artist, printmaking and bookmaking teacher, and gallery associate at Pro Arts. She has received public art commissions and served two terms on the Alameda County Arts Commission’s Public Art Advisory Committee.
Chen will officially begin her role as Executive Director on September 21, just days before Richmond Art Center’s 90th Anniversary Gala on September 25, where she will have an opportunity to connect with the organization’s community of supporters.
“Since my first visit to Richmond Art Center as an emerging artist, I have been in awe of the studio and gallery spaces, the robust education programs, and the people who keep this institution thriving,” Says Chen. “Richmond Art Center is a testament to the fact that art is essential to our lives and strengthens our community. I am honored and grateful to the Board of Directors for this opportunity, and I look forward to collaborating with our incredible board, staff, and community partners.”
As Executive Director, Chen will lead Richmond Art Center into its next chapter, building on its 90-year history of arts education, exhibitions, and community engagement in Richmond.
“This is an exciting time for Vicky to join Richmond Art Center,” said Interim Executive Director Jeff Nathanson. “During our 90th anniversary year, we’ve been reflecting on the organization’s nine decades of impact and thinking about where to go from here. Vicky brings a rare combination of experience as an artist, educator, and community builder, and I’m excited to welcome her as she helps lead Richmond Art Center into the future.”
Chen is already thinking long-term. “I am thrilled to steward this beloved place toward its 100th anniversary, connecting more people to Richmond Art Center while contributing to Richmond’s vibrant creative community.”
About Richmond Art Center: Founded in 1936, Richmond Art Center is a nonprofit arts organization with a mission to be a catalyst in Richmond for learning and living through art. Our programs include classes, exhibitions, and events at our facility in Richmond’s Civic Center, as well as off-site activities that bring free, high-quality art experiences to WCCUSD schools and community partners. richmondartcenter.org
Press Contact: Amy Spencer, amy@richmondartcenter.org
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