For The Press
Rebeca Garcia-Gonzalez, Director
rebeca@visualartistsofrichmond.org
510-932-1526
Contact Info
Mailing Address
PO Box 5393, Richmond, CA 94805
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For Immediate Release
July 10, 2024
Bay Area art lovers are invited to the Richmond Open Studios to be held August 17 and 18, 2024, from 11-5 pm. This free event will introduce the public to the rich and diverse work of 48 artists opening their studios or showing their work at three partner sites.
This is a fantastic story because Richmond Open Studios is the grassroots, no budget, independent project of a group of five working artists. It is the first time such an effort takes place in Richmond (it is not part of the East Bay Open Studios). Erin McCluskey Wheeler is part of the Visual Artists of Richmond leadership team and she cannot recall if there was a similar event: “Not as far as I can remember, and I grew up here. We’ve never had our own open studios in Richmond.”
“It was put together without city, state or private funding,” says Rebeca Garcia-Gonzalez, the group’s director. “Local non-profits and businesses know economic transformations can be triggered by artist-organized events such as open studios. They are sponsoring us or opening up their facilities to the public during this event.”
“Taking a look at our Preview Exhibition can help visitors plan their studio visits,” adds Brian Conery, the visual artist who designed the event’s colorful map. The show at the Richmond Art Center’s South Gallery features most of the artists participating in the Richmond Open Studios and ends on Aug 17. He points out that “Many are surprised to learn there are so many artists living in Richmond, but those who live here know Richmond is a very art-friendly city!”
The Visual Artists of Richmond is an all-volunteer group of local artists fiscally-sponsored by Intersection for The Arts. For almost two years now, they've been creating opportunities to celebrate and promote the work of Richmond artists. Some of their projects include an online directory, hosting six artist gatherings a year, and promoting the work of their members. Artists participating in the Richmond Open Studios are all members of the Visual Artists of Richmond, and membership is free to those who live in the city or have a studio in it.
Learn more at visualartistsofrichmond.org
About VAR
The Visual Artists of Richmond is an all-volunteer group of almost 90 artists living or working in Richmond, with a mission to develop “a well-known, diverse, inclusive community of artists supporting each other by organizing opportunities to celebrate and promote our work, share resources, and support each other's art practices.” VAR supports artists through three programs:
Artist Gatherings
Every two months, VAR organizes gatherings for Richmond visual artists and creatives. Their artist gatherings are not just a networking event, they are also a safe space where local visual artists can take their projects, dreams and questions. The artists have met at Richmond non-profits, private homes, bars, studios and galleries, with their largest gathering to date bringing together over 30 artists. Information about upcoming gatherings is shared on VAR’s website, its newsletter and on its social media accounts.
Online Promotion
VAR’s online directory promotes the work of visual artists living or working in Richmond to curators, gallerists, collectors, businesses and the public. Artists can fill out an online form to create a self-curated directory profile. Since VAR does not collect membership dues, a profile is what determines membership. The directory is free to artists, and runs independently of city agencies and organizations. Member shows and partner events are also promoted through free listings on VAR’s website and social media accounts.
Richmond Open Studios
Open Studios is a free community event where visual artists living or working in specific area or building can sell affordable art directly to the public. In 2024, 48 artists chose to participate. Through its own community connections, sponsorships and collaborations, VAR’s open studios have brought art lovers eager to support local artists to Richmond.