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Free Winter Art Events at the Richmond Art Center

A variety of free art-related activities, talks and events slated for January – February 2017 bring adults, families, and children to the Richmond Art Center. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Richmond Art Center will be hosting a variety of free events in January and February to coincide with the newly opened Winter Exhibitions and Studio Education Programs.

Artist Talk with Guy Diehl

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 @ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

In this illustrated talk with acclaimed still life artist Guy Diehl, the artist will share his views on realism and his methods for rendering calm beauty while conjuring life into objects that seem to breathe on the canvas. Widely exhibited, Diehl’s work resides in museums including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the Oakland Museum of California, San Jose Museum of Art and many public collections. Diehl is an American artist best known for still life paintings and prints, many of which incorporate direct references to historically significant artists and artworks. 

See & Make Art

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

The free, family friendly event takes place on the last Saturday afternoon of each month. Meet the Art Center team in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at the Richmond Public Library, Main Branch (325 Civic Center Plaza) for a story, make some art, then head over to the Art Center galleries to view the latest exhibitions. Open to all ages. Families welcome.

 

 

Glass Round Table: Clifford Rainey, Mary B. White & Nate Watson

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

In conjunction with the exhibition Marvin Lipofsky: Molten Matter/Fantastic Form, the Richmond Art Center is pleased to present a round table discussion about current practices and trends in the glass movement. With renowned glass artists and instructors Clifford Rainey, Mary Bayard White, and Nate Watson.

The Art of Living Black Artists Talks

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 @ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

The Art of Living Black was founded by the sculptor Jan Hart-Schuyers and painter Rae Louise Hayward after their realization that black artists were not being represented by galleries in any significant way. This year’s exhibition will showcase a broad range of works by artists throughout the Bay Area, combining the exploration of art in a variety of mediums, while many pieces offer spiritual or political messages. Continuing the dedication to community engagement, the Richmond Art Center is hosting an enlightening talk with artists exhibiting in the 21st Annual Art of Living Black.

Image: Balance, Lorraine Bonner

 

 

 

Opening Reception for Winter Exhibitions

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 @ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Please join us for the Opening Reception for our Winter Exhibitions: The 21st Annual Art of Living Black, Marvin Lipofsky: Molten Matter/Fantastic Form, and Teacher Is Artist: Studio/AIC Faculty Show. Images: Nyé Lyn Tho, Marvin Lipofksy, Joyce Shon

Special Talk with Richard Mayhew

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 @ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

In conjunction with the 21st Annual Art of Living Black, the Richmond Art Center is pleased to present a talk with acclaimed painter Richard Mayhew. Committed to the idea that art can play a role in racial equality, Richard Mayhew creates emotionally evocative landscapes that often feature a nondescript, solitary tree. He developed his improvisational approach from the Abstract Expressionists he met at the Cedar Bar, a bohemian hangout in New York City, conceiving of painting as something akin to jazz. “Landscape has no space, no identity,” Mayhew once said. “It allows the painting to be about emotion.”

Image: Scarlet Solitude, 2011

 

 

Jazz Art

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 @ 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Listen to acclaimed musicians and let their music inspire you to make art. This hands-on art-making event is perfect for everyone in your family to get in the groove and express themselves by drawing, painting and collaging. Materials are provided by the Art Center, but feel free to bring your own. All ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP appreciated for groups larger than six by calling 510.620.6772 or sending an email to Education@RichmondArtCenter.org.

Sip & Make

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 @ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Join the Art Center staff and community for after hours in the courtyard and galleries for an evening of music, art-making, and warm tasty drinks!

 

We’re Hiring: Human Resources & Operations Director (HR/OD)

Position:  Human Resources & Operations Director (HR/OD)
Full Time, exempt position
Supervisor:   Executive Director

Key Responsibilities:

  • Human Resources management
  • Front Desk Administrative Staff supervision
  • IT oversight
  • Event support
  • Facilities and Grounds oversight

Overview/ Essential Duties:

We’re looking for a talented, hands on administrator to join our creative and passionate team at the Richmond Art Center, where we’re proud to have provided over 80 years of excellence in arts education and exhibitions in the East Bay. As a dynamic arts organization that empowers and transforms individuals and the community through creative exploration, experience and education, we are looking to add an enthusiastic and resourceful person with the right blend of HR and operations management experience to our team.

The Human Resources & Operations Director (HR/OD) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Human Resource function and Front Desk Administrative Support. In addition, this position has oversight responsibility for Facilities, IT, and coordination of support for Art Center events. The HR/OD Director reports directly to the Executive Director and is a member of the Art Center executive team. The HR/OD position supervises three FTE.

With responsibility for personnel matters, the HR/OD Director takes the lead in fostering a work environment that supports all staff individually and as members of the Art Center team. The HR/OD Director helps promote high employee morale through fostering an environment of respect, teamwork, and professionalism.  In addition, the HR/OD provides oversight of various aspects of customer service, operations, and event planning.   Finally, the HR/OD Director is responsible for ensuring that the IT, facilities are safe, maintained, and serviced in a prompt manner.  The HR/OD Director is also a key team member in developing and implementing the Administrative departmental budget, strategic plan, and as they relate to internal operations

Responsibilities:

Personnel/Human Resources Management

  • Promote an organizational culture that fosters cooperation, communication, teamwork and trust
  • Lead regular review of Art Center’s human resources policies, procedures and practices in collaboration with other members of the executive team; oversee implementation and communication of new or updated workplace policies, procedures, and practices
  • Oversee annual performance evaluation process and support professional development planning for all employees
  • Develop and foster an environment to maximize employee growth and retention
  • Manage the employee recruitment process to interview stage in coordination with the supervisor for the posted position; ensure that all hiring procedures are in keeping with the law
  • Conduct background checks of chosen prospects
  • Plan and conduct new employee orientations to ensure that new employees understand established policies and procedures; Issue keys, email addresses and alarm codes
  • Oversee sexual harassment prevention training and IT training
  • Manage IIPP (Injury & Illness Prevention Program), including occupational safety and health standards and practices in keeping with the law
  • Ensure all HR postings and notifications are in accordance with the law
  • Provide mediation and conflict resolution for Art Center employees; Partner with supervisors to resolve employee conflicts and situations in a timely and thorough manner

Administrative and Operations

  • Recruit, evaluate, and train operations staff
  • Supervise the Visitor Services Coordinator who manages the front desk operations including class registration and customer service
  • Oversees all aspects of Customer Service ensuring a welcoming, safe, and informative environment.
  • Supervise the Visitor Services/ Volunteer Coordinator to manage the volunteer program including the recruiting, training and scheduling of volunteers, interns and Community Service workers
  • Ensure that there are standard operating procedures for all positions
  • Oversee management of database system and completeness of reports.
  • Assist in developing and monitoring administrative budget
  • Oversee the acquisition of office supplies and arrange maintenance of office equipment
  • Maintain necessary operating licenses  

IT Oversight

  • Manage set-up of appropriate work spaces including computers, email access, telephone
  • Be the point person for all IT software and hardware, telephone, alarm systems and other equipment needs, ensuring repair and maintenance takes place in a timely manner
  • Manage internal information system including Google docs, calendars

Events

  • Work with key staff and a board committee to assure that necessary resources are available
  • Manage all logistical aspects of events working with staff and external partners, from event setup to takedown
  • Supervise the arrangement of audio/visual systems and appropriate furnishings for events
  • Help evaluate and improve the Art Center’s events

Facilities and Grounds:

  • Supervise facilities and grounds maintenance and cleaning schedule
  • Support the Facility Coordinator; Order supplies, maintaining necessary inventory
  • Serve as the primary contact with the City of Richmond for facility, telephone and equipment repairs
  • Manage facilities rentals program including calendar management and provision of needed equipment.
  • Implement and update the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and oversee prescribed training sessions for staff and Volunteers.
  • Oversee Safety Committee

 Other:

  • Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications:  

  • BA/BS degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience in progressively more responsible HR, administrative, office, and operations management positions in nonprofit organizations or equivalent education and experience
  • Strong background, and training in Human Resources management, including current knowledge labor law and HR protocol
  • Experience in coordinating and overseeing public events
  • Strong experience in supervision of administrative and operations staff
  • Outstanding interpersonal communication and mediation skills within a cross-cultural and intergenerational environment
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to coordinate and prioritize a number of activities with attention to detail and independent follow through.
  • Experience with IT management/oversight, including both MAC and PC operating systems
  • Intermediate to advanced Excel and Word skills and knowledge of data base systems
  • Facilities safety and IIPP (Injury & Illness Prevention Program) experience

About the Richmond Art Center: 

A non-profit organization, the Richmond Art Center has provided 80 years of excellence in arts education and exhibitions for the East Bay region. The Art Center’s mission is to be a dynamic arts organization that empowers and transforms individuals and the community through creative exploration, experience and education. The largest Art Center in the East Bay, the 1951 vintage modern facility is part of Richmond’s Civic Center Plaza and receives partial funding from the City of Richmond. The Art Center offers one of the most extensive schedules of exhibitions and art instruction programs in the East Bay, presenting 14 to 16 exhibitions in four galleries and providing 50-60 art classes and workshops in six studios four times a year to 450-500 students each quarter, ages 5 and up of all skill levels. In addition, the Art Center reestablished its Art in the Community program in 2012, providing after school art experiences to 21 schools and various community centers, engaging nearly 2000 underserved student age children. The Art Center has over 600 members, 100 volunteers, 12 full-time and four part-time staff. The Center has an operating budget of just over $1.4 million.  

To apply, please submit the following materials via email:
Resume and a cover letter introducing yourself, stating how your work experience qualifies you for this position, how this opportunity supports your career goals, and specifying experience you have had in a role that cultivates a positive and collaborative workplace culture. Also include the names and contact information for three professional references. Open until filled.

Send all materials to jobsapp@therac.org
Compensation & Benefits: $54,000-$58,000.

DOE, includes vacation, sick, holidays and contribution to group health plan.
The Richmond Art Center is an equal opportunity employer, values diversity and respects differences.
Principals only. Recruiters please don’t contact this job poster.
Do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers
OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities

The Art of Living Black: An Interview with Nyé Lyn Tho

Photo by Andrew Rodriguez

Nye’ Lyn Tho is a West Oakland resident of 9 years, hailing from Philadelphia, PA. She was born and raised in New York with her 10 siblings and currently resides with her partner, Ahmunet Jessica Jordon. She currently runs a Photography & Graphic Design studio operating out of American Steel Studios with a focus on portraits, commercial/ad work and branding.

What do you find most inspiring about photography? Tell us about your current projects.

I’m in love with the psychological and soulful vulnerabilities of Photography. The moments that one can’t usually pick up on because they happen so fast. I can shoot a room of people and literally read the room when I review the shot. For instance, I can tell this one individual is in love with the woman he is talking to by how lost he is in her eyes. How his body is leaning toward her with his chest, his heart, reaching for her. While on the completely opposite side of the room some lady is dying to get out of a conversation. In one photo I discovered that a groom in a wedding I shot had a deep dislike for his father. Something he confirmed months later. So many things can be read in body language, facial expressions, and general energy that aren’t readily available in real-time observations because they can happen in an instant.

Even with studio portraits there is a certain psychological playful manipulation. I love digging for the genuine moments. For instance if a woman’s face lights up when she starts talking about her son, I may dig for her to tell me something funny he did. One of my favorite shots of this guy came from me poking fun at his adoration of his girlfriend as he had mentioned her 3 times in the span of 5 minutes. He did a sheepish shift in stance with a huge grin on his face while briefly looking away from the camera. I love the dance between myself, the camera, and the subject. The moments where I capture someone’s true self, the un-guarded self, their soul. It really makes me understand why people of certain cultures do not want their photo taken. It truly is the capturing of one’s soul. Having someone be spiritually nude for me is an honor and I take the way I handle it very seriously.

How did you become involved with The Art of Living Black? How does your work represent and uphold the tradition of this exhibition?

One of my mentors, Stephen Bruce, introduced me to The Art of Living Black. Before this my art was limited to the Graphic Design/Commercial Photography world so it was a very new and intimidating world that I harassed him with way too many questions about. He basically told me to quit bugging out and make something…anything…and just put it on the wall. Haha!

I Tried to Smudge It Away, 2016

Natural Heir is very much the art of living black, as it is a visual pun of the state of having natural hair within the black community. It relates to natural hair and the political ties that the black community has in regards to embracing it. There is a lot of controversy in regards to embracing our coils, “kinks,” and rough texture. When we do, it is often considered unprofessional in the workplace, people think reaching in to touch it is okay, it is considered unkempt. We are expected to straighten it to fit European standards of beauty. I named one piece Melba Tolliver, for a woman who worked for ABC and refused to cover up her afro in order to look more “professional” to cover the White House wedding of President Richard Nixon’s daughter.

So far, I have photographed 12 subjects, studied their personality, observed their crowns, and matched them to relating plant life that historically represent African and African American culture. For instance, I replaced one subject’s hair with cotton, another with collard greens, one figure has a head of sage while another, a calla lilly.

What was your path to becoming an artist? Please share some of your favorite work.

Salassie, 2016

My mother used to draw these portraits in pencil and it always looked like magic the way she took a blank sheet of paper and sketched family members faces onto it. She may as well have pulled a quarter out of thin air. Anyway, I tried to draw like her and became really obsessive about nailing it. Then I got into construction because I wanted to be a “builder” and then someone convinced me to combine the two so I went to college for Architecture and after interning at an Architectural firm and realizing that’s not what I wanted to do at all, I discovered Graphic Design. I moved to California, went to the Academy of Art for as long as I could afford it, and then obtained my first Graphic Design job where I stayed for 7 years living in Photoshop and Illustrator while teaching myself Photography. I wanted to do it all. I still do. Except now I do it all at once. Natural Heir is a combination of all of the artistic skill sets that I’ve been obsessing with for the past 7 years.

Who are your inspirations?

I’m inspired by doers. Folks who do whatever drives them all day everyday. Folks who do it so often that they have mastered whatever it is that their doing. Folks who bare their entire soul within their creation. I’m also intrigued by folks who have discovered a non-conventional way of creating. Artists who create otherworldly art, fantasies, magic, the surreal. I love artists who can tell a million stories with one single image, song, scene. Gordon Parks, Ava Duvernay, Annie Liebovitz, Kara Walker, Solange, Frida, Shepard Fairey, Whitney Houston, Tim Burton, Shonda Rhimes, Michael Jackson, Justin Bua, Basquiat, Rodrigo Coral, Rog Walker, Bryant Terry, Stephen Bruce, Syd the Kid.

They Call It Kinky, 2016

What do you like to do when you’re not taking pictures?

I like eating. Haha! Really, just sitting with my partner, off and on staring at her, while watching an epic move with great cinematography and stuffing my face. I’m a Taurus. I also like getting to know people…not what people are telling my about themselves but by observing them, reading their body, listening to not what they say but how they say it…what my subconscious tells me about them. Usually this happens one on one and not very often as I really like spending time alone. I’m a Scorpio Moon.

What’s on your bucket list?

  • Live in the woods near water.
  • Own a home/property.
  • Raise a family.
  • Marry my partner.
  • Capturing (or maybe just witness) the Northern Lights.
  • To eat at a restaurant that has a top chef (like in the worlds top 10).
  • To capture Barack and Michelle Obama.
  • Movie Cinematography.
  • Grow my own food.
  • Master an instrument (drums, violin, or bass).

If you could meet one artist, living or not, who would it be and why?

Man! I had an older cousin, Dee Dee, who died in a car accident when I was a kid. She was magical and whenever she would visit she would show me all of these things she created….clothing, jewelry, things that lit up, sketches. I was a shy kid so I would just become dumbfounded sit back and observe her, thinking “she feels just like me!”. I never felt so close to someone but her spirit felt so similar to mine. I never really talked to her. I would love to talk to her and look at all of the things that came out of her mind and ask her questions about them. She was brilliant.

Thank you for your time, Nyé Lyn.

To see Nyé Lyn’s work, and the work of the other artists on exhibition for The Art of Living Black, please visit our galleries starting Tuesday, January 10. The exhibition, along with our other Winter shows, continues through March 4, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Our galleries are always free to the public. Please visit our Exhibition Events for links to events associated with our galleries, including receptions and artists talks.

For more information about Nyé Lyn’s work:

Press Release: Art of Living Black Exhibition Returns for the 21st Year at the Richmond Art Center

Art of Living Black Exhibition Returns for the 21st Year at the Richmond Art Center

The only annual exhibition in the Bay Area that exclusively features regional artists of African descent opens on January 10, 2017.

RICHMOND, CA — December 23, 2016 — The Richmond Art Center is proud to host the only annual exhibition in the Bay Area to exclusively feature regional artists of African descent. This year’s exhibition will feature over 40 local artists, including work by this year’s featured artists: Gene Dominique, Justice Renaissance, and Nyé Lyn Tho.
The Art of Living Black was founded by the sculptor Jan Hart-Schuyers and painter Rae Louise Hayward after their realization that black artists were not being represented by galleries in any significant way. This year’s exhibition will showcase a broad range of works by artists throughout the Bay Area, combining the exploration of art in a variety of mediums, while many pieces offer spiritual or political messages.

“The Art of Living Black continues to provide a key opportunity for local artists to show their work,” says Orlonda Uffre, Exhibition Coordinator. “The exhibition is always a vibrant mixture of works, yet representing the myriad facets of life for artists of the African Diaspora.”

“This exhibition is always relevant and always changing,” says Ric Ambrose, Executive Director of the Richmond Art Center. “The Art of Living Black creates a supportive forum for the artists to display their creative talents and to share their stories with their colleagues, art enthusiasts and the community at large.”

The Art of Living Black opens in the Main and West Galleries on January 10, 2017, at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA. Continuing the dedication to community engagement, the Richmond Art Center is hosting an artists talk for the Art of Living Black on Saturday, February 4, from noon to 2 pm, with the opening reception for all three Winter Exhibitions to follow, from 2 – 5pm. For more information about the Art of Living Black and the concurrent Winter exhibitions programming and events, please visit the Richmond Art Center’s website: https://richmondartcenter.org

Image: Natural Heir Series: Queen, Nyé Lyn Tho, 2016

About the Richmond Art Center:
The Richmond Art Center is the largest visual arts center in the East Bay, delivering exciting arts experiences to young and old alike who reflect the diverse richness of our community. The Art Center features hands-on learning, well-equipped studios, Art in the Community programs and contemporary exhibitions in its galleries.

Every year, the Richmond Art Center serves thousands of students through classes and programs taught by professional artists, both onsite at the Art Center and at sites throughout Richmond. The Art Center’s four galleries mount rotating exhibitions that display the works of emerging and established Bay Area artists. Artists such as Richard Diebenkorn, Jay DeFeo, Wanxin Zhang, Mildred Howard, Bella Feldman, Hung Liu, William Wiley and Peter Voulkos have been showcased here.

Now celebrating its 80th anniversary, the Richmond Art Center originated in 1936, when local artist Hazel Salmi, who worked for the WPA, traversed the streets of Richmond with a suitcase packed with art supplies, eager to teach art to anyone interested. Today, everything at the Art Center continues to breathe life into Salmi’s original vision: That within every person lives an artist.

Visit the Richmond Art Center’s website for more information: https://richmondartcenter.org/

Contact:
Julie Sparenberg
Communications Manager
julie@richmondartcenter.org
510-620-6772

Download a PDF of the press release here.

Press Release: Influential Glass Artist Marvin Lipofsky Exhibition Opens at the Richmond Art Center in January 2017

Influential Glass Artist Marvin Lipofsky Exhibition Opens at the Richmond Art Center in January 2017
Exploring the legacy of the artist and cornerstone of the Studio Glass Movement in an intimate selection of works from his private estate.

RICHMOND, CA — December 20, 2016 — A leading figure in the world of glass, the late Marvin Lipofsky was instrumental in establishing and promoting the Studio Glass Movement on the West Coast.  The Richmond Art Center will exhibit a collection of his works in Marvin Lipofsky: Molten Matter/Fantastic Form, which opens in the South Gallery on January 10, 2017. The works selected from his estate represent a curated glimpse into his decades of artistry.

“This exhibition moves from some of his earliest work through phases of formal exploration and aesthetic mastery,” says Jan Wurm, Director of Exhibitions. “With the beginning foundation of a sculptor’s approach to form, Lipofsky pursued the molten mass of hot glass to blow, cut, etch, sandblast, and flock as he found shape, opened interiors, rearranged parts, and dazzled with color. We are thrilled to be able to share these fascinating works with our visitors.”

Lipofsky was a revered figure in the American Studio Glass Movement, as the founder of the glass program at the the University of California, Berkeley and the California College of Arts and Crafts, and as one of the first American glass artists to travel to Czechoslovakia. Well known for his traveling and teaching in and beyond California: to Europe, Russia, Japan, and China – Lipofsky shared his passion and experience while gathering new inflections and influences in an ever-refining practice.

Marvin Lipofsky: Molten Matter/Fantastic Form opens to the public on Tuesday, January 10 and runs through March 4, 2017. For more information about the Richmond Art Center’s Exhibitions program, please visit their website: https://richmondartcenter.org/

Images:
Top Left
California Loop Series #4, 1970
Photo: M. Lee Fatherree
Collection of the Artist

Center Left
Series Crystalex–Hantich Novy Bor #1, 1982
Photo: M. Lee Fatherree

Bottom Left
Pilchuck Summer Series, 1988-1989 #9, 1989
Photo: M. Lee Fatherree
Collection of the Artist

About the Richmond Art Center:

The Richmond Art Center is the largest visual arts center in the East Bay, delivering exciting arts experiences to young and old alike who reflect the diverse richness of our community. The Art Center features hands-on learning, well-equipped studios, Art in the Community programs and contemporary exhibitions in its galleries.

Every year, the Richmond Art Center serves thousands of students through classes and programs taught by professional artists, both onsite at the Art Center and at sites throughout Richmond. The Art Center’s four galleries mount rotating exhibitions that display the works of emerging and established Bay Area artists. Artists such as Richard Diebenkorn, Jay DeFeo, Wanxin Zhang, Mildred Howard, Bella Feldman, Hung Liu, William Wiley and Peter Voulkos have been showcased here.

Now celebrating its 80th anniversary, the Richmond Art Center originated in 1936, when local artist Hazel Salmi, who worked for the WPA, traversed the streets of Richmond with a suitcase packed with art supplies, eager to teach art to anyone interested. Today, everything at the Art Center continues to breathe life into Salmi’s original vision: That within every person lives an artist.

Visit the Richmond Art Center’s website for more information: https://richmondartcenter.org/

Contact:

Julie Sparenberg
Communications Manager
julie@richmondartcenter.org
510-620-6772

Download a PDF of the press release here.

Our Top Ten Art Classes to Start 2017!

Weave on a tabletop. Make collagraph prints. Learn to etch photos and screenprint in full color. Turn crochet into a soft sculpture. Learn a variety of jewelry techniques.

All of these skills and more await. Check out this short list of picks we think you should know about. Registration for Winter session continues through the new year, and classes start in early January!

Click the links to learn more. See you in school!

Beginning Sculpture Techniques
Beginning Jewelry Techniques
Freestyle on Table Top
Full Spectrum Screenprinting
Weaving Roundup
Collagraph
Art Embroidery
Soft Sculpture Knit & Crochet
Moldmaking for Functional Forms
Photo Etching

 

Richmond Standard: Richmond Art Center’s 54th Holiday Arts Fest draws a crowd

holidayart-12-5-2

Thanks to the Richmond Standard for this great recap of our 2016 Holiday Arts Festival! “The Richmond Art Center (RAC) hosted the 54th edition of their popular Holiday Arts Fest on Sunday, and a bustling turnout enjoyed the 50-plus artisan vendors, engaging make-your-own-art tables and some tasty food offerings.”

Read the rest of the article here: http://richmondstandard.com/2016/12/richmond-art-centers-54th-holiday-arts-fest-draws-crowd/

A December Message from Our Executive Director

ric drawing 4Dear Richmond Art Center family,

As the Richmond Standard wrote in the October 18, 2016  issue:

When it comes to treasured resources in the Bay Area, it’s hard to top what the Richmond Art Center has brought to the area for 80 years. The robust venue . . .  is accessible, attractive and overflowing with artistic offerings for every age group and interest.

I see the energy created by our diverse offerings virtually every day – when  guests arrive for artists’ talks, to see new works by Bay Area artists, students creating new art forms with their hands and innate inspiration, or joining in on the fun at a  family event in our Courtyard. I am especially honored to lead this award-winning organization that provides a community forum for people of all ages to see, make art and learn about art.

We have continued to expand our Art in the Community outreach program to deliver more after school programs to Richmond elementary and middle schools, and community centers; continuing our free family weekend activities that encourage multi-generational learning; and providing professional development to elementary teachers to integrate creative art making  into their curriculum; presented increasingly ambitious art exhibitions like , David Park and the Human Spirit,  and Making Our Mark,  attracting new audiences and national acclaim. We have also added new teaching artists to provide lifelong learning opportunities for youth and adults while keeping our classes affordable and offering more scholarships.

I know that you understand the importance of the Art Center, and I hope that you will consider continuing your commitment to supporting our ongoing efforts to bring art to thousands of people each year. I am also pleased to announce that your contribution will be matched 1:1 by anonymous donors who share your commitment to the Art Center. Your tax-deductible gift will help support our exhibition, studio, and community-based programs. You can donate online here right now.

I would value the opportunity to meet with you to discuss what your contribution can mean to us. You can reach me at Richard@therichmondartcenter.org, or by phone at (510) 620-6777.

Thank you again for your invaluable support.

Sincerely,

Richard Ambrose

Press Release: Make Room for Lunch: Food Trucks Bring Their Best to the Richmond Art Center’s Holiday Arts Festival

There’s more than just art to buy at this year’s Art Center’s annual holiday festival with food trucks and Richmond’s own craft brewery and cidery participating.

RICHMOND, CA — November 29, 2016—On Sunday, December 4, 2016, the largest community event and fundraiser for the Richmond Art Center returns for its 54th year, with over 50 local artists and artisan collectives participating. In addition, this year’s festival is also hosting three local food trucks, as well as two other Richmond-based vendors: a craft brewery and a cidery.

“So much of bringing people together for this event is centered around artists, which makes perfect sense,” says Nisha Chauhan-McGrath, Volunteer Services Coordinator and Holiday Arts Festival coordinator. “We wanted to make sure that our visitors have an all-around great shopping experience, and that has to include good food and drink, and a place to mingle and connect.”

The food truck idea is a new one for the decades old arts festival but a welcome one at the Richmond Art Center. Participating vendors include Curbside Kitchen, a gourmet mobile food truck based out of San Pablo, CA, that offers Filipino-American cuisine, with hints of Latin and Southeast Asian flair. Favorite dishes include their Curb-bahn mi, described as traditional Filipino adobo meets bahn mi, and small plates that include Filipino street tacos and Mom’s lumpia.

Opie’s Gourmet Stacked Burgers will be on hand, serving up their sizzling full menu of signature “absolute best Gourmet STACKED Burgers” (not to mention herb/garlic fries and the “Herbavoire” for vegetarians).

DUM Indian Soul Food will treat customers to a modern interpretation of classic Indian flavors, “ the best of flavors and textures from north, east and south India to the streets of Bombay!” with specialties including Paneer Skewers seasoned with North Indian spices and served with tangy coconut chutney.

Local Richmond-based craft brewery Benoit-Casper Brewing Company (“Good Beer for Good People”), established in 2014 by two craft beer obsessed friends, Marc Benoit and Chad Casper, run a production-only brewery located in the heart of Richmond, and will be sharing several new drafts.

And Far West Cider Company will be sharing their hand-crafted ciders as Richmond’s only farm-to-glass cidery. Far West Cider Company specializes in uniquely Californian hard ciders made exclusively from apples grown on Chinchiolo Family Farms; a fourth generation family farm located in rural San Joaquin County, CA.

The festival opens its doors to the public at 11am and ends at 5pm at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue in Richmond, CA. Attendees will be able to decorate their own canvas tote bag, perfect for shopping or carrying art supplies, create their own handmade terrariums, bid on silent auction items, mingle with many local artists and Richmond Art Center art instructors, and learn more about what’s happening in the Richmond nonprofit community.

This year’s Holiday Arts Festival features many new artist vendors, and gourmet food trucks and food vendors on site. Art collectors mark the day as an opportunity to bid on collectible, prized works by notable Bay Area artists. To see the list of vendors and community partners participating in this event, please visit the Holiday Art Festival’s web page as it will be continuously updated with current information: https://richmondartcenter.org/holiday-arts-festival/

About the Richmond Art Center:

The Richmond Art Center is the largest visual arts center in the East Bay, delivering exciting arts experiences to young and old alike who reflect the diverse richness of our community. The Art Center features hands-on learning, well-equipped studios, Art in the Community programs and contemporary exhibitions in its galleries.

Every year, the Richmond Art Center serves thousands of students through classes and programs taught by professional artists, both onsite at the Art Center and at sites throughout Richmond. The Art Center’s four galleries mount rotating exhibitions that display the works of emerging and established Bay Area artists. Artists such as Richard Diebenkorn, Jay DeFeo, Wanxin Zhang, Hung Liu, William Wiley and Peter Voulkos have been showcased here.

Now celebrating its 80th anniversary, the Richmond Art Center originated in 1936, when local artist Hazel Salmi, who worked for the WPA, traversed the streets of Richmond with a suitcase packed with art supplies, eager to teach art to anyone interested. Today, everything at the Art Center continues to breathe life into Salmi’s original vision: That within every person lives an artist.

Visit the Richmond Art Center’s website for more information: https://richmondartcenter.org/

Contact:

Julie Sparenberg
Communications Manager
julie@richmondartcenter.org
510-620-6772

Download a PDF of the press release here.

Visit and Contact

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

 

Contact and Visitor Info
Gallery Hours: Wed-Sat 10am-4pm