Events
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Chamia LaRae - Bold & Beautiful: A Contemporary Art Exhibition
Chamia LaRae’s solo show opens next month. Chamia LaRae - Bold & Beautiful: A Contemporary Art Exhibition is at Kaleidoscope Coffee & Wine, 109 Park Place, Richmond, CA from October 1 - November 15. The opening reception is Sunday October 4, 2-4pm. Admission is free. For more info, visit Chamia’s instagram: https://instagram.com/justchamia
Border Visions, A Group Show About The East Bay
"Border Visions" is a group show at the San Pablo Community Center showcasing local women of color and Latinx, Afro-Latinx artists. It powerfully explores the multifaceted concept of crossing lines—both literal and metaphorical—within the East Bay. Through paintings, prints, and drawings of our community, five women artists invite viewers to engage with themes of transgression, boundary-crossing, and liminal spaces. Jessica DeJesus, Rebeca Garcia-Gonzalez, Carmen Meléndez Lugo, Xioneida Ruiz, and Maria Tuttle interpret the landscape, challenging traditional genres or inviting discovery and exploration into overlooked subjects. The San Pablo Community Center is located at 2450 Road 20, in the town of San Pablo. Free admission and free parking. This show presents everything, from intimate sketchbook studies to completed paintings. It is an opportunity to delve into the artists' processes, revealing unique approaches to observing and interpreting their East Bay surroundings.
Don't miss the Opening Reception from 2-4 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2026. All five artists will be present during the opening reception and will have small works or prints for sale. The show will run until Jan 7, 2027. You can find more info about the show here.
Fall Course: Drawing Head & Hands I
George Bernard is teaching Drawing Head & Hands I (level I of II) at the Alvarado Campus of Contra Costa College Adult Education. This course is dedicated to helping artists improve their drawing skills by taking a close look at the structure of the head and hands. This is a great opportunity to improve your skills in two of the hardest subjects to draw. This 10 week course is $152. Classes are Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm from October 6-December 8, 2026. Find more info here.
Fall Course: Drawing Head & Hands II
George Bernard is teaching Drawing Head & Hands II (level II of II) at the Alvarado Campus of Contra Costa College Adult Education. This course is dedicated to helping artists improve their drawing skills by taking a close look at the structure of the head and hands. This is a great opportunity to improve your skills in two of the hardest subjects to draw. This 10 week course is $152. Classes are Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm from October 8-December 10, 2026. Find more info here.
2026 Sausalito Center for the Arts Open
Brian Rothstein is excited to be included in the SCA Open 2026, Sausalito Center for the Arts’ juried show. 2,250 submissions — “What an honor to have my painting, Be Gentle 3 chosen! Hope you can come!”
Exhibition Dates: Friday, October 30 to Sunday, December 6
Opening Reception: Sunday, November 1, 3pm to 6pm - SOLD OUT
Artists’ Closing Reception: Sunday, December 6, 3pm to 5pm
Location: Sausalito Center for the Arts, 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito , CA 94965
Admission: Free and open to the public
You can find more information here.
WHERE LIGHT & COLOR SING
You are invited Saturday Oct 31 - Halloween - 12-4 PM to the Closing Reception for the exhibit “WHERE LIGHT & COLOR SING” featuring small abstract works using reclaimed materials by VAR member Susan Brady and lush watercolors by Lenore Stormes. Treats provided! Location: ar•ti•fact gallery, 109 Richmond Ave in Point Richmond.
Three Person Exhibition
Please join Pam Fingado, Jeanne Rehrig and Pam Johnson for a three person exhibition at ar-ti-fact gallery. The gallery hours are 1:00 - 4:00 on Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. The opening reception is November 7 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. The closing reception is November 29 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. If you have any questions please contact jeannerehrig@sbcglobal.net or pfingado@mac.com. They hope to see you there! For more information: http://www.jeannerehrig.com
Winter Course: Drawing Head & Hands II
George Bernard is teaching Drawing Head & Hands II (level II of II) at the Alvarado Campus of Contra Costa College Adult Education. This course is dedicated to helping artists improve their drawing skills by taking a close look at the structure of the head and hands. This is a great opportunity to improve your skills in two of the hardest subjects to draw. This 10 week course is $152. Classes are Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm from January 5-March 9, 2027. Find more info here.
Winter Course: Drawing Head & Hands I
George Bernard is teaching Drawing Head & Hands I (level I of II) at the Alvarado Campus of Contra Costa College Adult Education. This course is dedicated to helping artists improve their drawing skills by taking a close look at the structure of the head and hands. This is a great opportunity to improve your skills in two of the hardest subjects to draw. This 10 week course is $152. Classes are Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm from January 7-March 18, 2027. Find more info here.
Creative Voices, Collective Power
You’re invited to join artists, city officials, arts administrators, cultural workers, creative entrepreneurs, and community advocates from across Contra Costa County for a night of meaningful conversation and collaboration. The information collected through this project will illuminate the economic barriers artists face, gaps in funding and resources, housing and workspace challenges, professional development needs, what artists want to see invested in locally, and more.
This meeting is to discuss how to turn our shared challenges into collective advocacy and real institutional change. Share your struggles, your aspirations, and your ideas for what a thriving creative community should look like. Your voice directly shapes the development and focus of this census.
Creative Voices, Collective Power is hosted by Nichole Talbott and Rhys Nguyen, the Contra Costa fellows for Vital Arts’ Bay Area Artist’s Census (BAAC). Vital Arts is an Oakland-based nonprofit working to prevent the displacement and disenfranchisement of artists in the Bay Area. BAAC is an artist-led initiative, working to build a census that gathers information directly from our fellow artists.
This gathering is October 1st, 2026, 5PM - 7PM at CoBiz, 1503 Macdonald Avenue, Suite A, Richmond, CA 94801. Admission is free, but please RSVP: http://bit.ly/BAAC-ContraCosta
CBE Richmond: Open Call for Richmond Art
Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) is currently putting out an open call for Richmond artists as part of CBE’s No Data Centers campaign. They’re inviting anyone who lives, works, plays, or attends school in Richmond to submit original visual artwork around Richmond’s future, environmental justice, and community power.
Three selected artists will receive $300, $200, and $100, and other submissions may be featured in a community exhibition and campaign zine. Submissions are due September 24, use this form.
Glamour Moves
On Saturday, September 12th, NIAD presents Glamour Moves, their signature fashion show and runway event at our 23rd Street Studios in Richmond — NIAD's answer to the Met Gala, and a runway celebration all their own. Glamour Moves embodies the spirit of our organization: a joyful celebration where 200+ community members gather to cheer on NIAD artists as they walk their own designs down the runway, feeling beautiful, creative, and empowered.
The afternoon features original garments, jewelry, and accessories designed and modeled by NIAD artists, alongside live performances, cocktails, food, an exhibition, and a community party in our gallery and courtyard sculpture garden.
VIP Ticket: $75 (2:30pm event entry time)
Includes Cocktail Hour from 2:30–3:30 PM before the fashion show and runway party, as well as early access to our special studio sale.
Purchasing a VIP ticket ensures Glamour Moves can welcome all of our community members, including artists and their families.
Fashion Show and Runway Party Ticket: $0–$25 Sliding Scale (3:30pm event entry time)
Includes runway show, food, beverages, and studio sale.
Seats are limited, so reserve yours early!
September 10 VAR Artist Gathering
We’ll host an interactive activity for all in attendance. Let’s make some art together and learn more about your interests for VAR. Come prepared to share what will be most useful for your art practice in 2027! Bring a friend or anyone that is VAR curious, this gathering is not exclusive to VAR members.
Converging Memories
Converging Memories - a three-part exhibition:
Gail Morrison, September 1-8
Malcolm Lubliner, September 9-15
Memories and Celebration of The Art Squad, September 16-30, 2026
Gail Morrison explores the connection between "reality" and memory in her etchings. Malcolm Lubliner presents a history of automobiles in the landscape. They then combine forces to encourage visitors to bring memories and celebrations of beloved Point Richmond art institution, The Art Squad. Lots of Art Squad art and history on display and for sale. In addition, we will all draw postcards together in the collaborative Art Squad style, and then mail them on October 1, World Postcard Day.
2027-28 Fellowships at Gallery Route One in Point Reyes Station
APPLY NOW! Applications are now open for two, 24-month Fellowships for artists ages 21 to 40 who are committed to deepening their fine arts practice and expanding their exposure to the public. Applicants must live and work in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. BIPOC artists are encouraged to apply. Fellowship benefits include: - A minimum of ten exhibition opportunities, including one solo exhibition and a two-person exhibition - A stipend of $1500 to support the production and presentation of work in the exhibitions - Mentoring and assistance producing the exhibitions - Publicity and promotion for the exhibitions - The opportunity to be hired as a Teaching Artists in GRO’s Artists-in-the-Schools Program The application criteria include: - A serious fine arts practice built on training, education and/or experience - A cohesive portfolio of work completed within the last five years - A developing focus or a current area of interest, inquiry and/or experimentation - A desire to develop or expand public exposure for their work - An interest in inspiring people to experience the world in new ways through art The complete prospectus and application are available online at Gallery Route One’s site here.
Application deadline: September 30, 2026:
Notification: October/November 2026
Fellowship Period: January 1-December 31, 2025
The Red Show
Curated by artist Tiffany Conway, The Red Show is a vibrant group exhibition that celebrates local Bay Area women artists and their unique interpretations of the color red. Through a variety of mediums and styles, these artists explore the rich symbolism, emotional depth, and diverse visual worlds that the color red evokes—from passion and power to warmth and vitality.
Exhibition at Emerald Fog
Please come by, see Jeanne Rehrig’s Botanical Series, and check out this wonderful, new shop, a great addition to our Richmond neighborhood!
East Richmond Heights Art and Music Festival
The East Richmond Heights Art and Music Festival returns for its 7th year! This fun, free, family friendly event takes place on Saturday August 1 from 11AM - 5PM outside the Gyuto Foundation Monastery located at 6401 Bernhard Avenue, in Richmond. The festival brings together over 50 local artists working in painting, graphic arts, photography, pottery, plants, leather, jewelry, metalwork, woodworking, candles, and other crafts.
Open Air
Don't miss Open Air, an exciting exhibition of contemporary plein air landscapes and cityscapes by six local artists at An.ä.log Gallery, located at 886 Capp St., San Francisco. There will be an opening reception on Friday, July 10th from 5PM-8PM. The show will be on through Sat, July 25.
Everything Must Go
Manna Gallery is excited to present Everything Must Go, a juried group exhibition featuring artists from the greater Bay Area. Juried by artist and educator Lisa Solomon, the exhibition takes its title from the familiar language of clearance sales, using it as a lens to explore impermanence, change, loss, and renewal. The show runs until Aug 8. Gallery hours are 1-5 pm.
Re/MIX: An Adult DIY Workshop
Whether you are customizing one of our provided hats or giving a second life to a denim jacket from your own closet, in Re/MIX: An Adult DIY Workshop, you'll discover how to transform reclaimed materials into a wearable reflection of your own journey and style. Join us in an inclusive space for adults (18+) to connect, share stories, and build community through the joy of making. Everything is provided at no cost to you.
The Conference of the Birds
Discover new artwork by Sadiqeh Agah, inspired by The Conference of the Birds, the 12th-century Persian poem by the Farid ud-Din Attar. The Sufi poem that inspired this work has something for everyone. This show is a chance to see Sadiqeh’s new work and support her: it’s her first solo show!
Ceramics at Larry and Bea’s Garden!
Larry Craighill and Bea Hartman are opening up their garden to visitors and offering some of their ceramic creations for sale. All are welcome to enjoy this lovely creekside setting in a ravine away from the street, with walkways leading to a deck over the creek and a magical "playhouse" set under redwood trees, oaks, buckeyes, bay laurel and redwoods.
5th Annual Makers Market in Richmond
Join us for our 5th Annual Makers Market at the San Pablo Sportsman Hall. Invite your friends and neighbors for some community fun. This is a family-friendly annual Richmond event with local artisans. Free admission! Hosted by Samantha Marie of PaperCut Pottery.
Indoors, you'll be able to shop handcrafted goods from 25 guest artisans. Outdoors, the Sportsman Club will be hosting their first car show.
Botanical Art at the Richmond Public Library
Just in time for Earth Day, VAR member Jeanne Rehrig will be showing part of her Botanical Series at the West Side branch of the West Side Branch of the Richmond Public Library. Her Spring Exhibition is a chance to welcome Spring to the Bay Area and the library as well. Please stop by and take a look at her beautiful artwork, but notice the viewing times: Monday, 1:30 - 7 pm, Tuesday, 10:30 am - 5:00 pm, Wednesday, 1:00 - 5:00 pm, Thursday, 1:00 - 5:00 pm. The West Side Branch is located at 135 Washington Ave., in Richmond. Her show runs until May 9.
Fabry and Perry Joint Exhibition
Richmond artists Roy Fabry and Marvin Perry Mann bring the paint to the May entry in the nine-month long series of exhibitions at ar-ti-fact gallery (109 Richmond Av., Pt Richmond). The Gallery is open weekends, 12 - 4 PM; and weekdays by appointment. The exhibition will open with an artists' reception from noon till 4 pm on Saturday, May 2, and continue on Saturdays and Sundays through May 30.
American Messenger May Edition
Please join nearly 30 Bay Area artists for the May Exhibition at American Messenger Gallery in San Francisco. The reception is Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 5:00 - 9:30 pm. Entertainment by Essie Thomas, Mojo De Ville & more. THIS IS Another inspiring exhibition curated by Thomasina De Maio, features artwork in a variety of styles and mediums. Come and check out this exciting space!
Call For Artists & Community Celebration
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander heritage month, the SAFE Center will be hosting the first AAPI community celebration event in Richmond on May 2, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 pm. Our event celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, featuring free food, free legal and health resources, a talent show, a fashion show, and more. Click to learn about the Call for Artists.
Insects: Fractal Flourish
Come see something fascinating at the El Cerrito City Hall Art Gallery! These insect portraits began as Gail Morrison’s large pen-and-ink drawings, which she scanned. The insects’ elaborate and fanciful environments were created digitally, beginning with fractal patterns and using many layers of textures, colors and imagery. The pixels on these layers combine and interact with each other digitally, in varying ways and to varying degrees. Gail is especially interested in interweaving patterns and textures to establish an emotional background for an image that will evoke stories in the mind and heart of the viewer.
Richmond Open Studios Registration Deadline
Registration will really end on April 30 at 5:00 pm. We are urging artists not to leave registration for the last minute. Last year, a couple of artists had technical issues and could not make it. Please make sure your application is filled out and submitted well before this date. For any questions, write to contact@visualartistsofrichmond.org.
Info Session for Richmond Open Studios
This is our LAST info session and will take place via Zoom on April 21st at 6:30 pm, so please register on our VAR website if you have any questions or need help. After that, limited help is available via email. More info if you click on this event.
Help VAR Obtain Funding
On the last Tuesday of March (March 31), VAR will go to the City Council to make its case for funding for Richmond Open Studios. We will be asking the City to help us with a third of the cost of this event. These funds would help to pay the 6-8 artists who work hard to organize it. Please come and support your visual artist organization!
Taste of Richmond Call for Artist Vendors
Imagine having a table to vend at one of Richmond’s most popular and attended events. This is what Taste of Richmond is. The event will take place at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium from 12-3 pm on March 28. Artists interested in having a table will not pay a fee or a commission, and should contact at jaminpursell@gmail.com as soon as possible to reserve their space.
Exploring Spiritual Insight with Fine Art
Learn about how to recognize the creative "zone" to create your most productive and beautiful work! Listen to VAR member Elly Momi on March 22 at 4:30 pm.
Neighborhood Artist Market
The Factory Bar is once again spearheading this neighborhood artist market (formerly known as Maker’s Faire). They will once again will partner with nearby neighbors including Tacos El Tucan, Waffles & Cream, Fabulous Plants, Metztli and Catahoula Coffee to host booths from more than 50 artists, artisans and neighborhood organizations. As mentioned by the Richmond Standard, “businesses are open to all and many will be serving food. Booths will be set up in The Factory’s parking lot and beyond.” The event is free and open to the public.
Marvin Mann at the Superfair
VAR member Marvin Mann will be participating in the Superfair at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on March 19-22. The Superfair has become a fixture of the Bay Area arts community with over 150 artists putting their money where their mouths are in presenting their work. Mann will present at Booth 40 on the left side of the Main Concourse of the first floor.
Spotlight on the Ceramics Studio
Check out the Spotlight on the Ceramics Studio show at the Richmond Art Center’s Community Gallery. The show runs from Jan 14 to March 14. There will be an opening reception and awards announcement on Sat, Jan 24, 1-3 pm.
Home: A Solo Show by Adrian Delgado
Home is a solo exhibition of oil paintings that explore the everyday wonder of childhood within working-class urban environments. Through textured, sculptural surfaces and layered impressionistic brushwork, Bay Area artist, Adrian Delgado depict his daughters moving through the Bay Area—observing their world with curiosity, joy, and quiet awe.
This exhibition reflects the home he is building as a father and the people who shape that journey. The figures in these paintings—Delgado's children, neighbors, workers, and passersby—remind him of the parent he strives to be.