Notes from the Director,

An art legend walks into the Richmond Art Center every week – or so it seems. Regularly people come to the RAC for many reasons, and some of the highly recognized artists of today were often students, teachers, or exhibitors here prior to their rise to notoriety. As the Richmond Art Center prepares to have a year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary beginning this September, I suspect these incidents will happen on a regular basis.

It is not solely the art legends that enhance the RAC. It is the diverse membership, many volunteers, dynamic board members and committees, dedicated staff, amazing teachers and inspiring students who define the character of the Art Center year after year. The bar was set high by founder Hazel Salmi whose unswerving commitment to community-based fine arts education has made the Art Center what it is today.

A recent visitor was former RAC director, Jeff Nathanson who guided the organization from 1990 – 2000. His ten year effort gave rise to exhibitions like the enduring Art of Living Black exhibit, and the establishment of an endowment fund. During his tenure the RAC also made strides in its contribution to the documented history of Northern California art through exhibition research. His return to Richmond after moving to the east coast was celebratory as he saw some of the great improvements we've made over the past two years. I'm so glad he came by for a visit!

Throughout the next twelve months, the Richmond Art Center will be celebrating its artistic legacy and future direction with outstanding exhibits and programs. In September, for example a one-person show featuring the furniture work of Oakland artist, Garry Knox Bennett, will be on view in the Main Gallery from September 14 – November 13. Also, the taiko drums of Tatsumaki Taiko will announce our first ever Raku Festival on Saturday, September 18th. A partnering exhibit, Raku Mastery featuring the work of David Kuraoka, Paul Soldner and others will be on display in the West Gallery.

Everyone is beginning to sense that something very special will be taking place at the Richmond Art Center over the course of this year. I hope you will find your place among friends old and new during a time of reflection, creativity, and growth.

Most Sincerely,

Nancy M. Servis
Executive Director
Richmond Art Center