Invention and prophecy in Dewey Crumpler’s shipping containers
Exhibition: April 6 – June 4, 2022 Reception: Saturday, April 2, 2pm-4pm Artist’s Talk: Saturday, April 30, 1pm
Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10am-2pm Location: Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804
Richmond, CA: Richmond Art Center announces Dewey Crumpler: Crossings, the first survey of Dewey Crumpler’s shipping container series work to be exhibited in the Bay Area. The exhibition will include over 120 works that ask us to consider the history, lived legacy and future impact of the global shipping industry.
Dewey Crumpler: Crossings will present work from sketches to large scale paintings that show twenty-five years of investigation into the beauty and power of ribbed, metal cargo boxes. Growing up in the Bayview, Crumpler became interested in ports, especially the massive forms of shipping containers. As a young artist he often sketched plein air along the waterfront. Since the late 1990s, he has been developing his studies into paintings of containers that move between abstraction and representation. More recently Crumpler has added sequins, collage, gold leaf and pop cultural references to his work, suggesting the bling and flash of commodification, as well as spiritual awakening.
In Crumpler’s work shipping containers are dense metaphors; encompassing stories of mass migration, transformation and voyages destined to be repeated. They trace transatlantic trade routes that emerged in the 15th century and are still used today. They also show industry that has irrevocably shaped port cities like San Francisco, Oakland and Richmond. Through connecting historical and contemporary systems, time in Crumpler’s work becomes a loop of rebirth and decline pressed forward through the crossing of water. Crumpler explains, “At the heart of these works is memory.”
This exhibition was originally scheduled for spring 2020, but was postponed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In this short time the world has seen financial crisis, climate disruption, global pandemic, and wars with no historical parallel, and Crumpler’s shipping containers have become even more prophetic; predicting the collapse of globalism and events that continue to shape the first decades of the 21st century.
Dewey Crumpler: Crossings will be on view in Richmond Art Center’s Main Gallery from April 6 through to June 4, 2022. An exhibition reception will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2pm-4pm, and an Artist’s Talk will be held on Saturday, April 30 starting at 1pm. Exhibition and events are free and open to the public. A print publication featuring a new essay by Thea Quiray Tagle will accompany the exhibition. Dewey Crumpler: Crossings is organized with assistance from Marguerite Thompson Browne.
About the Artist: Dewey Crumpler is an Associate Professor of painting at San Francisco Art Institute. His current work examines issues of globalization and cultural co-modification through the integration of digital imagery, video and traditional painting techniques. Crumpler’s works are in the permanent collections of the California African American Museum, Triton Museum of Art Los Angeles and Oakland Museum Of California. Crumpler has received the Flintridge Foundation Award, National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, as well as The Fleishhacker Foundation Fellowship Eureka Award. Collapse was Crumpler’s most recent exhibition at Seattle University’s Hedreen Gallery. He is represented by Jenkins Johnson Gallery. deweycrumpler.com
About Richmond Art Center: Richmond Art Center has been sharing art and creating with the community since 1936. Our programs encompass classes, exhibitions and events at our facility in downtown Richmond, as well as off-site activities that bring free, high-quality art making experiences to WCCUSD schools and community partners. richmondartcenter.org
For Black History Month, Richmond Art Center will present Patricia Mapps: From Africa to Richmond, on Monday, February 28 at 7pm. Through archival research, oral history, and DNA, Patricia has traced her ancestors to Africa and uncovered a story of enslavement, emancipation, the decision to purchase and live on the land they “tamed” when enslaved, their transition to farm laborers then to farmers, and Civil Rights activism in Richmond. In this special online event, Patricia will share the story her research has uncovered in a presentation which will be followed by a Q&A session. This event is free but registration is required to access the zoom link.
Scroll down to see Art of the African Diaspora at Richmond Art Center listed in the San Francisco Chronicle among many awesome events happening during Black History Month!
Black History Month 2022: events, performances and more ways to celebrate in the Bay Area
Anne Schrager January 31, 2022Updated: February 2, 2022, 3:23 pm
February is officially dedicated to celebrating the legacy of African culture in America. However, with events commemorating the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. starting in mid-January, the San Francisco Public Library programming notes that it’s “More Than a Month.”
As we enter the third year of the pandemic and face other worldly challenges, community members may take pause and look inward, asking what they can do to better confront racism and inequality and take part in making our world a healthier, happier and more peaceful place to live. Through visual art, social action, lectures, performances and more, we can honor the people, events and achievements that originate from the diverse African diaspora.
Here’s how some Bay Area organizations and arts institutions plan to celebrate Black History Month in 2022. Event information is subject to change, so check the venue or organization website for the latest updates.
Meditation in the S.F. Public Library African American Center
Take time each week to build up your mindfulness through weekly secular meditation, hosted by Dennis Billups, blind disability rights activist and contributor to the Netflix documentary “Crip Camp.”
Noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays. Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23. Free; vaccination proof and masks required. African American Center Exhibit Space, S.F. Public Library, main branch, 100 Larkin St., S.F. 415-557-4400. sfpl.org
“More Than a Month” is San Francisco’s celebration of Black History Month, featuring events and exhibits at the main branch of San Francisco Public Library.Photo: More Than a Month
Marin Theatre Company presents: ‘Pass Over’
Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu’s acclaimed play about two Black men trapped by fear and confusion, in a world where many of their peers have been killed by police, was originally scheduled to start on Jan. 27 but was postponed. Performances will now begin on Wednesday, Feb. 2, and run through Feb. 20.
Wednesday, Feb. 2. Through Feb. 20. $25–$60; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. 415-388-5208. marintheatre.org
24th annual S.F. Independent Film Festival presents: ‘The Sleeping Negro’ and ‘Across’
Filmmaker Skinner Myers presents a tale focused on a young Black man who struggles for self-peace after committing fraud under orders from his white boss in “The Sleeping Negro.” This festival opening-night screening is also set to include Matthew Riutta’s short film “Across” and a discussion moderated by San Francisco Examiner race and equity columnist Teresa Moore.
7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. $14-$15; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Available to view online from Feb. 3-10. Roxie Theater House, 3117 16th St., S.F. sfindiefest2022.eventive.org
BAMPFA presents: An online conversation with Robert Moses
Join a live-stream discussion from the museum with the Robert Moses Kin director/choreographer. Moses has choreographed for many companies including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the San Francisco Opera and Lorraine Hansberry Theater, and has taught at festivals and college campuses across the world.
The Grammy Award-winning trumpet player is set to perform in celebration of his quintet’s 25th anniversary and Black History Month. Featuring saxophonist Tim Warfield, pianist Anthony Wonsey, bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Adonis Rose.
7 and 8:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Feb. 4-6; 10:15 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 4-5. $25-$45; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Black Cat Club, 400 Eddy St., S.F. 415-358-1999. blackcatsf.com
Camille A. Brown & Dancers in “ink,” a work that examines the culture of Black life that is often appropriated, rewritten or silenced.Photo: Christopher Duggan / Hammer Theatre Center
Hammer Theatre Center presents: Camille A. Brown & Dancers
The New York choreographer Camille A. Brown offers a historically informed dance theater piece focused on issues of race, culture and identity.
7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 4-5. $25-$60; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Live-stream viewing option available. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 408-924-8501. hammertheatre.com
MoAD and the Lorraine Hansberry Theater present: ‘The DePriest Incident’ online reading
Award-winning playwright Charles White’s drama, set in 1929, depicts a Black civil rights advocate elected to represent Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives who stages a debate focused on political strategy practices for social change.
Pear Theatre presents: ‘The Mountaintop’ and ‘Sunset Baby’
Directed by Sinjin Jones, playwrights Katori Hall and Dominique Morisseau’s works address Black activism through the eyes of a chambermaid in 1968 Memphis and a widowed black revolutionary with an estranged daughter.
“The Mountaintop” performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays; “Sunset Baby” at 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Friday, Feb. 4. Through Feb. 20. $20-$42; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Live stream available. Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. 650-254-1148. thepear.org
Flutist-composer Nicole Mitchell will perform at Mills College on Saturday, Feb. 5.Photo: Mills Music Now
Mills Music Now: Nicole Mitchell
Mills College Music Department and the Center for Contemporary Music present a performance from Jean Macduff Vaux 2021-22 composer in residence flutist Nicole Mitchell. Her weeklong residency will culminate in this concert featuring her works with harpist Zeena Parkins.
8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5. Free-$15; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Live-stream viewing link provided on the day of the event. Littlefield Concert Hall, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-430-2191. performingarts.mills.edu
Melvin Seals and JGB
The former Jerry Garcia Band keyboardist and vocalist invites attendees to dance the night away to the jam-band quartet’s good vibes.
Jazz saxophonist Kenny Garrett will join Faye Carol at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle on Sunday, Feb. 6.Photo: Geoffrey
Faye and the Folks February Jazz Series
A weekly Sunday concert series celebrating Black History Month will be hosted by vocalist Faye Carol, in collaboration with renowned jazz artists including saxophonist Kenny Garrett, bassist Essiet Essiet, vocalist Kenny Washington, drummer Dennis Chambers, trombonist Steve Turre, flutist Elena Pinderhughes, pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph and others.
Thomas’ multidisciplinary artworks include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and installations addressing issues of race and gender and reflecting feminism through the lens of African American protest and social traditions. See her work at Mills College Art Museum in “Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of the Paulson Fontaine Press,” an exhibition on display through March 13. The college also plans to host other Black History Month events online throughout the month. See its website for more information.
7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9. Free; registration required. Online event. Mills College Art Museum, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-430-2164. mcam.mills.edu
Quincy Troupe in online conversation with Danny Glover & Terry McMillan
Troupe is joined in conversation by actor Danny Glover and best-selling author Terry McMillan in an online discussion moderated by Kim McMillon, celebrating the release of Troupe’s new poetry collection, “Duende: Poems, 1966–Now” (Seven Stories Press). The program will also feature appearances from artist-educator Mildred Howard and musicians Will Calhoun and J.D. Parran.
2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10. Free; live stream available on the S.F. Public Library YouTube channel. 415-557-4400. sfpl.org/events
Zaccho Dance Theatre presents: ‘Love, a State of Grace’
A dance performance installation, with choreography and direction by Joanna Haigood, in one-hour cycles repeated over three hours on each performance date. The program features Bay Area aerial dancers performing to composer Walter Kitundu’s score, which incorporates recorded and live music activation within the space. Theologians Yohana Junker and Cláudio Carvalhaes will offer meditation and small rituals that the audience may engage with as they move freely throughout the cathedral.
‘Reparations’ — an all-Black drag show with Kerri Colby
Nicki Jizz hosts the late-evening show featuring performances from Mahlae Balenciaga, Sir Joq, Dvvsk, bebe Sweetbriar, Alotta Boutte and others with music from Jason Godfrey.
Pianist Michelle Cann is scheduled to perform as part of the Santa Rosa Symphony’s “American Rhapsody” program at Green Music Hall on Feb. 12-14.Photo: Santa Rosa Symphony
Santa Rosa Symphony: ‘American Rhapsody’
2020 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award winner Aram Demirjian is set to conduct the symphony in a performance of works by American composers Florence Price, William Grant Still and George Gershwin, featuring pianist Michelle Cann. There will be half-hour pre-concert talks with Demirjian and Cann one hour before each performance.
2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 (open rehearsal); 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 and Feb. 14; 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. $10-$97; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Weill Hall, Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park. 707-546-8742. srsymphony.org
54th California International Antiquarian Book Fair: ‘Collecting Oakland’s Activist Roots — Black Panthers and Beyond’
As part of the event’s multiday lineup, Black Panther Party archivist, publisher and activist Lisbet Tellefsen and historian/Bolerium Books owner Alexander Akin plan to show and discuss a selection of historical ephemera from past social movements in Oakland. For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual book fair will be available online from 9 a.m. Feb. 12 through 5 p.m. Feb. 14 at abaa.org/vbf.
4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. Included with admission to the fair. Event hours: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. $10-$25. Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland. 415-919-9220. cabookfair.com
SFBATCO Presents: ‘I, Too, Sing America’
Composer Othello Jefferson’s work presents a diverse cross section of people of color in theater, represented through stories focused not on negativity, but rather joy, striving and other positive themes through poetry, music and dance. The program features direction by Jamie Yuen-Shore and choreography from Christine Chung.
8 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays through Feb. 13. $15-$40, vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th St., S.F. 415-484-8566. sfbatco.org
The Marsh presents: ‘Talk to Your People’
Award-winning actor and playwright Dan Hoyle returns to perform his latest thought-provoking, video- and music-laced comedic performance piece addressing race, power, privilege and masculinity in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement.
7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11; 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. Through April 16. $25-$100; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. themarsh.org
10th Annual San Jose Jazz Winter Fest presents: Tiffany Austin
The jazz vocalist will perform with her quartet, featuring drummer Leon Joyce, bassist Marcus Shelby and pianist Adam Shulman. The festival runs from Feb. 11 to 27. See the website for the full performance schedule.
8 p.m. Feb. 17. $25; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Hammer4 Theater, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 408 288-7557. sanjosejazz.org
Brian Copeland: ‘Not a Genuine Black Man’
Told with wit and clearheaded honesty, Copeland’s one-man comedy show confronts what it meant to grow up as an outsider in a largely white Northern California suburb in the 1970s.
2 p.m. Feb. 20. $20, vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Arts and Education Center, 2250 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro. sanleandrohistory.org
Black History Month film screening: ‘Evolutionary Blues … West Oakland’s Music Legacy’
A full-length documentary featuring interviews with artists who played regularly in clubs that used to line the blocks of Seventh Street, before an “urban renewal” plan decimated the formerly musically vibrant West Oakland Black neighborhood. A discussion with the director, Cheryl Fabio, is planned following the screening.
6:30 p.m. Feb. 24. $14; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Grand Lake Theatre, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. 510-452-3556. oakland-rotary.org
SFJazz and MoAD present: Black History Month concert with Martin Luther McCoy
A closing reception for “Amoako Boafo: Souls of Black Folk” and “Billie Zangewa: Thread for a Web Begun” exhibitions with a performance from San Francisco native Martin Luther McCoy (the Roots).
4 p.m. Feb. 26. Included with museum admission. Vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., S.F. 415-358-7200. moadsf.org
Paradise DuBois at the Black Joy Parade in Oakland in 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle 2018
Fifth annual Black Joy Parade and Festival
This family-friendly event celebrates joy in California’s Black community. The festival is set to feature more than 200 local artists, food and drink vendors, live performances, and more.
12:30 p.m. Feb. 27 parade; noon-7 p.m. festival. Free; registration highly encouraged. Parade starts at 14th and Broadway, Oakland. Festival entrance at 20th Street and Broadway, Oakland. blackjoyparade.org
‘Dust Specks on the Sea’: Contemporary Sculpture From the French Caribbean and Haiti
A mixed-media group exhibition focused on sculptural works by contemporary artists from Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana and Haiti. Curated by Arden Sherman with Katie Hood Morgan and Marie Vickles for Hunter East Harlem Gallery in New York, it includes works from Mathieu Kleyebe Abonnenc, Raphaël Barontini, Sylvia Berté, Julie Bessard, Hervé Beuze, Jean-François Boclé, Alex Burke, Ronald Cyrille, Jérémie Paul, Marielle Plaisir, Tabita Rezaire, Yoan Sorin, Jude Papaloko Thegenus and others.
Noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Through February. Free, masks required. Walter and McBean Galleries, S.F. Art Institute, 800 Chestnut St., S.F. 415-749-4500. sfai.edu
Museum of the African Diaspora February exhibitions
“Soul of Black Folks,” is a solo exhibition of paintings created from 2018 to 2021 by Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo. “Thread for a Web Begun” presents Johannesburg artist Billie Zangewa’s first solo U.S. museum exhibition including layered silk tapestry works. The “Beyond the Sky” installation features short films from a selection of contemporary African filmmakers. Films include Kalu Oji’s “Beyond the Moon,” Lebohang Kganye’s “Ke sale teng,” Yo-Yo Gonthier’s “Burey Bambata” and Tabita Rezaire’s “Deep Down Tidal.” Also, 2019-20 Emerging Artist Vincent Miranda’s “Florida jitt,” an exhibition of sculptures, and “Sam Vernon: Impasse of Desires,” a site-specific installation and exhibition of paintings and prints.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. $6-$12, under 12 free. Through Feb. 27. Vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., S.F. 415-318-7152. moadsf.org
Fan Lee Warren’s “Legacy-B {Migration},” 2015. Acrylic and watercolor on monoprint will be part of the “Art of the African Diaspora 2022” group exhibition.Photo: Art of the African Diaspora/Richmond Art Center
Richmond Art Center presents: Art of the African Diaspora 2022
The 25th anniversary Bay Area Black artists group exhibition features works from more than 100 artists of African descent showcased at the Richmond Art Center as well as in open studios and satellite exhibitions at different venues across the Bay Area. See website for offsite schedule details.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Through March 19. Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 510-620-6772. richmondartcenter.org
‘We Are Not Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural California’
A touring exhibition and education program highlighting the diversity of experiences of African American pioneers, miners, farmers and civic leaders in rural California. An adjacent exhibition also features portraits from the collection of the African American Museum and Library in Oakland, artifacts on loan from the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum and images of rural life during the early years of statehood, courtesy of California State Parks.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Through Aug. 12. Free, masks required. Society of California Pioneers Museum and Library, 101 Montgomery St., S.F. Presidio. 415-957-1849. californiapioneers.org
We have updated our vaccination requirement for students taking in-person classes at Richmond Art Center. As of 2/1/22 all students must be fully vaccinated to the maximum extent for which they are eligible. Students enrolled in current classes should have their proof of vaccination documents ready to show a RAC staff person at their first class. See below for more information.
IN THE STUDIOS
Proof of vaccination is required to attend in-person classes at Richmond Art Center. This policy applies to everyone five years old and above. Please refer to the below list of acceptable forms of vaccination verification.
How to Show Proof of Vaccination You can show proof of vaccination by showing photo ID and one of the following items:
A Vaccination Card issued by the CDC or a foreign governmental jurisdiction
IN THE GALLERIES, PUBLIC SPACES AND AT SPECIAL EVENTS
Mask wearing and signing a Visitor Waiver is a condition of entry to RAC galleries, courtyard and public spaces. We track attendee numbers to ensure spaces do not get too crowded.
Our galleries are currently open Thursdays through Saturdays, 10am-2pm. Entry is free and no advance appointment is required. Please observe social distancing in the galleries.
Deadline to Enter: Monday, February 21 (free entry!)
All artists who live and/or work in Richmond are invited to submit work for Right Here, Right Now: A Biennial of Richmond Art. Now in its second iteration, this exhibition looks at the excellent and risk-taking new work being made in our city. The exhibition will be installed in Richmond Art Center’s South Gallery in March.
Background image: Artwork by Roz Ritter, Missing, 2019, Hand embroidery of pancreatic beta cells. Roz was an exhibiting artist in Right Here, Right Now in 2020.
Join us for a special reception on Sunday, March 6, 12pm-4:30pm for Art of the African Diaspora 2022! Mix and mingle with exhibiting artists, enjoy art and music, and let’s celebrate 25 years of the Bay Area’s Black Artists Exhibition at Richmond Art Center.
Space is limited, RSVP required, don’t forget to reserve your space!
Live Music by Sean Norris
Gathering During a Pandemic: Because of the Covid-19 pandemic we are organizing the reception a little differently this year. To maximize social distancing and the flow of people through the galleries, folks are invited to sign up for ‘timeslots’ to ensure spaces do not get overcrowded. Our courtyard will be open for mingling and refreshments, and gallery numbers will be monitored. Mask wearing is required.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Art of the African Diaspora in 2022.
Due to the surge in Covid-19 cases we are postponing on-site classes for the safety of everyone involved for a few weeks. Students enrolled in in-person actvities will receive updates about their classes.
Exhibitions
New winter exhibitions are scheduled to open on January 20, 2022. To prevent the spread of Covid-19, mask wearing and signing a waiver/tracking form are currently a condition of entry to Richmond Art Center. Only a limited number of visitors will be allowed in our galleries at one time. Read more about our Covid-19 Prevention measures here: richmondartcenter.org/about/covid/
Gallery Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 10am-2pm
Please check our website for updates and before you plan a visit to Richmond Art Center – things could change suddenly!
For any questions please email admin@richmondartcenter.org
Cover image: Detail of a color study by Rebeca Garcia-González for a large-scale mural to be unveiled at RAC in 2022. Rebeca is also teaching Fundamental Drawing this winter.
Thank you for being an important part of Richmond Art Center’s vibrant and creative community. We really appreciate your generosity — especially now when your continued financial support is so vital to keep Richmond Art Center running.
For 85 years Richmond Art Center has been sharing and nurturing creativity in Richmond, CA. We are the largest visual arts center in the East Bay, a showcase and hands-on learning center that gives wide-ranging audiences the opportunity to create, see and learn about art. And this last year was momentous. After an eighteen month closure of our facility due to Covid-19, in September we successfully reopened for classes, exhibitions and some fabulous community events (see below for some highlights of 2021).
But these successes came at a cost. Richmond Art Center continues to take a financial hit with reduced enrollments, limited capacity for community activities, and shortened gallery and studio hours. We have ambitious plans for 2022, but with Covid-19 numbers currently increasing, we know we need to be poised for whatever comes our way.
Your donation, whatever the amount, will support our efforts to sustain our current activities, develop new programs, and be ready to tackle our next challenge.
We look forward to seeing you back at Richmond Art Center in 2022. Until then, we hope you stay safe and well.
With gratitude,
José Rivera Executive Director
Carlos Privat President, Board of Directors
Thank you to our community who came together in 2021 to…
Make our facility sparkle with renovated galleries & public spaces!
Run in-person, online & off-site classes for over 1,300 students!
Present 5 in-person exhibitions, 6 online exhibitions & 6 artist talks featuring over 350 artists!
Expand our scholarship program & free classes (30% of students took a class for free)!
Bring hundreds of people together safely in our courtyard for special events celebrating local art & artists, Día de los Muertos, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
Begin an artist residency with print collective Liberación Gráfica!
Plus so much more… and we ask for your help to keep going!
“It gave me a sense of hope and that my circle of support was widening at a time when we were all feeling increased isolation.”
By Laura Kamian McDermott
In Summer of 2019 I dropped off my “Studio Ceiling, Giant Trade Center” tapestry at the Richmond Art Center for their annual Members Exhibition. I was elated to hear from the curator on the eve of the opening that this tapestry had earned me a 3-person exhibition to be held in the Summer of 2020! The other artists chosen were Steven Morales, a Richmond-based mixed-media artist who is influenced by materials and themes in his architecture practice, and Oakland-based ceramicist and painter Leslie Plato Smith whose work focuses on climate issues.
Leslie, Steven and I started having rotating potluck dinners at each other’s houses to get to know each other better and talk art. In January of 2020 Amy Spencer, the RAC Exhibitions Director, came to our studios to choose work for the summer show. Then came March 2020…
Throughout the shutdown, all four of us kept in touch, checking in on each other, our families, our art practices, and how we were all coping. It was comforting to have these brand-new connections in my life. It gave me a sense of hope and that my circle of support was widening at a time when we were all feeling increased isolation. Big thanks to Amy, Leslie, and Steven for staying in touch!
Fast forward to Fall 2021… We are cautiously entering better times! The galleries at the Richmond Art Center are now open and they are offering some in-person classes in addition to the online classes they hosted throughout the pandemic. Our show, now titled “Opossum Magic,” based on an opossum trapped in Leslie’s studio, is one of 4 shows on display during this tender moment of reopening. The theme of our show centers on our shared use of materials and inspirations from our everyday life in our creative work. My “Jagged Skyline of Car Keys” series, based on keys from my junk drawer, is on display as well as several other tapestries. Also included is a large-scale felted I-Cord (knitted tube), hung in the abstract gesture and knotted shape that the felting process helped set it into. I also updated my Armenian Alphabet series, spelling out some new words related to our shared pandemic experience and re-opening: “Breath, shunch”, “Community, hamaynk”, and “Connection, kap.” My work is interspersed with Leslie and Steven’s throughout the gallery. All our works are full of rich textures and vivid colors, a great celebration for the RAC’s re-opening! We were able to hold a Covid19-friendly reception on October 16th, making use of the outdoor courtyard. It very nearly felt like a normal reception and was so good for the soul. Thank you Care and Dance for coming out! Throughout the show I’ve been meeting friends and family, some of whom I haven’t seen in over two years, at the gallery for intimate small group visits. It has been a sweet and hopeful way to re-gather. As of this writing, two of the key skyline pieces have sold from the RAC show, and I’ve also sold a few pieces off of my website and Instagram earlier in the year. Priorities shifted during the past couple of years, and I’m glad to see personal art purchases bringing joy and comfort into people’s homes.
Opossum Magic is on display through November 18th. I hope those of you who are nearby get a chance to see it in person! Let me know if you are planning a visit, I’m 10 minutes away and may be able to meet you. And check out the three other exhibits while you are there:
Laura Kamian McDermott wrote this piece for the Tapestry Weavers West newsletter. Thank you for sharing it with us also, Laura! tapestryweaverswest.org
Top Image: Leslie Smith (left), Steven Morales (center), and Laura Kamian McDermott (right) at Richmond Art Center. Note, masks were temporarily removed for this photo. Please wear your mask at RAC. 🙂
