Richmond Art Center Holiday Arts Festival returns for 62nd year

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Amy Spencer, executive director at the Richmond Art Center, expressed elation for hosting the exhibit, calling it important for Richmond and the Bay Area. "Now more than ever, it’s essential to provide exposure and access for all to art - viewing it, learning art history and space to create it," Spencer said. Irene Bee Kain, curator and vice-chair of the Art of the African Diaspora Steering Committee, noted this is the longest running show featuring Black artists in the U.S. "And it gets bigger and better each year," Kain said.
Photo by Kathy Chouteau.

By Kathy Chouteau

Holiday elves are readying their creations for the Richmond Art Center’s (RAC) Annual Holiday Arts Festival—six decades running—set for Sunday, Dec. 8 from 10-4 p.m.

“In its 62nd year, the festival continues to be all about art as an experience for all to explore, make and purchase affordably through featuring local artisans and free art-making activities,” according to the RAC.

More than 50 vendors are anticipated at the festival’s Arts and Crafts Marketplace where they’ll sell one-of-a-kind designs, artisanal products and handmade treasures. RAC Executive Director José R. Rivera said it’s an opportunity to shop for creative gifts while supporting independent artists and small businesses.

The festival will also roll out a new Zine Zone this year, a space for independent zines, print, comics, and indie artists. The RAC said the zone tips its hat to these art forms as powerful tools for expression and social justice.

The ever-popular Ceramics Studio Sale will return to the festival this year, offering handmade, functional ceramics at reasonable prices, said the RAC, alongside free, drop-in art-making activities, pop-ups from Richmond-based community partners and live music.

The RAC is located at 2540 Barrett Avenue in Richmond. Get a sneak peek at the online vendor gallery and more festival information here.

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