Richmond Art Center celebrates 90 years, welcomes new executive director

Fifteen years after volunteering at the Richmond Art Center as an emerging artist, Vicky Chen returned as its executive director, joining the center’s 90th anniversary gala in September, just four days into the job.

“I was a volunteer, but always dreamed of becoming an art class manager to lead youth in their art classes here,” Chen said at the Sept. 25 event. “Now look at me.”

In her new role, Chen aims to expand youth programs and partnerships with community groups — including collaborations with Richmond High and John F. Kennedy High Schools —  to help give students more access to art classes and other opportunities at the center.

“In our next chapter, growth in our youth programs and more collaboration with community groups will be at the forefront of our minds,” she said.

At the gala, patrons took the request for cocktail attire in their own creative directions, wearing outfits ranging from typical black-tie looks to fabulous headpieces and colorful suits with playful paint splotches.

The presence of Hazel Salmi, the center’s founder, immediately greets you upon entering the Main Gallery, with her old paint box being one of the first things you see. Since she died in 1986, the staff has made a notable effort to honor Salmi’s vision and hope for the longstanding community space in Richmond. The celebratory gallery, named “One Artist Contributes, Then Another, Then Another…,” showcases more than 80 artists’ work.

Salmi was honored at the gala through her art — weavings, paintings, sculptures —  which hung at the exhibition. The center soon will install a plaque to recognize her contributions, said Michele Seville, Richmond arts and culture manager.

Seville was among the speakers at the gala’s reception, which was held in the courtyard, with a catered dinner and over 20 tables. 

“The arts build community and are an essential part for everyday life, that’s what Hazel believed,” Seville said. She credited Salmi and Virginia Rigney with the vision to promote the arts in Richmond. 

The audience erupted in applause at the mention of Rigney, a mentee of Salmi and the city’s first arts and culture manager. She attended the gala with her family. 

“This center is so important,” John Toki, ceramicist, sculptor and former teacher at the center,  told the audience. “It’s important you all understand the value of art in this community. And Hazel would be very happy we’re speaking about her — isn’t that right, Virginia?” 

Jeff Nathanson, former interim executive director, said the center has built a reputation for artistic experimentation. It was known for conceptual art, with Tom Marioni’s 1996 composition “Beer Drinking Sonata (for 13 players)” as one example.”

Recreating the performance, Nathanson and 12 other beer-drinking players took to the stage, where each was handed a Pacifico beer. Performers took swigs in unison, then blew into the beer bottle to emulate musical glasses. 

“Drink up kids, we’re nearing the finish line,” Nathanson said to his ensemble as they finished the performance.

Nathanson said the center should end this fiscal year without a deficit, which has been difficult since the COVID-19 pandemic. The last tax return on file shows the center’s revenues exceeding $1.38 million and expenses at just over $1.3 million in 2024, with a surplus of about $79,000.

It is a huge milestone for the art center, but Nathanson still urged patrons to donate — “this is still a fundraiser, after all,” he said. 

During the gala, guests also had access to the center’s 90th anniversary exhibition, “Ninety@Ninety.” The exhibition highlights 90 artworks from 90 different local artists, with prices ranging from $50 to $1,000. The exhibition and fundraiser opened on Sept. 2 and will run through Nov. 19, with art available for purchase. 

The gallery, at 2540 Barrett Ave., is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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