RICHMOND ART CENTER
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Mission Statement
Mission and History: The Richmond Art Center (RAC) is a dynamic arts organization that empowers and transforms individuals and the community through creative exploration, experience, and education.
About This Cause
In 1936, working for the WPA, local artist Hazel Salmi walked and rode streetcars throughout what was then the small industrial town of Richmond, carrying a suitcase filled with art supplies. Underlying her classes for adults and children was Hazel's firm belief that there is an artist in everyone and that art is as vital as breathing. “It was a step through an open door into a new world for many of these people,” Hazel wrote. As World War II raged, Richmond’s population boomed from defense industry work, so Salmi sent more artists out into the growing neighborhoods and established a base known as the Richmond Art Craft Center. Shortly after WWII, recognizing the arts as an essential strand in its civic cultural fabric, the city of Richmond purposely included the Richmond Art Center in its new civic center for occupancy by the newly incorporated nonprofit, and in 1951, the Center moved into over 25,000 square feet of space, including four galleries and six studios. Since then, the RAC has served as a magnet for visual artists, professionals and amateurs, throughout the Bay Area and as a critical cultural, social and life-affirming hub for all who enter its doors. The RAC draws students and visitors from throughout the Greater Bay Area; however, its regular programming predominately serves the residents of the Richmond area—the majority of whom are low-income. To fulfill its mission, the RAC provides three distinct yet interrelated programs: Exhibitions, Studio Art and Art in the Community. RAC Programs and Services • Exhibitions: The RAC mounts an engaging annual program of 14 -16 exhibitions featuring emerging and established Bay Area artists in four spacious galleries and an outside courtyard. Ranging from the annual exhibition of local children’s work to group, solo and juried exhibitions of artwork by Bay Area artists, RAC historically showcases both new and established artists, many of whom have launched their careers at the Center. Recent exhibitions of distinction include: "Closely Considered: Diebenkorn in Berkeley,” “Breakfast Group: Jive and Java,” “Unlock the Talk, The American Teenager Project,” a Retrospective of Bella Feldman glass and steel sculptures and paintings, legendary gallerist Ruth Braunstein’s personal collection contemporary ceramic art, and the upcoming Mildred Howard retrospective exhibition to mention a few. The exhibitions are complimented by a comprehensive series of artist’s talks, studio demonstrations, panel discussions and docent-led tours for adults and children. • Studio Arts Education: The RAC offers a comprehensive schedule of classes, and workshops in its six studio spaces for adults, youth and children. Choosing from 40 to 50 class offerings, 420-450 students participate each quarter exploring a wide range media including metal/jewelry, textiles, silk-screening, ceramics, painting and mix media arts taught by artists actively practicing in their fields. Instilling the value of multi-generational learning, the RAC also offers family activities to celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Skeleton Fest), and Earth Day (Richmond Upcycle!), as well as the annual Holiday Arts Festival and Art in Jazz program. • Education Outreach – Art in the Community (AIC): RAC’s Art in the Community (AIC) after school art programs are conducted at located WCCUSD school sites, Richmond Community Centers, and the Richmond Library. The RAC provides free, multi-week AIC after school art education classes in 10 WCCUSD schools (Lincoln, Dover, Lake, Downer, Cesar Chavez, Grant, Washington, DeJean Middle and Helms Middle), Richmond High School, two Richmond Community Centers (Nevin and Shields Reid), the Richmond Public Library, at YES camps and at Pogo Park. These sites serve the Iron Triangle and North Richmond and Richmond's immediate neighboring city, San Pablo. More than 90% of the students in the programs are eligible for free or reduced breakfast/lunch programs. In addition the Center’s education team has provided Professional Development workshops for Elementary School Teachers to incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) into their curriculum, and provides ongoing professional training for its Teaching Artists to incorporate STEM into their afterschool curriculum.