Message from Director/Curator

 
Kim Huynh, Blue Whale in Fraser River, detail, 2007, work in progress, the artist's studio;
Eliza Au, Wreath #2, detail side, 2006, ceramic, cone 10, dia. 22" h.5"

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the RAG E-Newsletter!

The RAG is operated by the Richmond Art Gallery Association and is the City of Richmond's Public Art Gallery. On behalf of everyone at the City of Richmond's Parks, Recreation & Culture Offices, and of course, our Gallery Association, I want to thank the City of Richmond, the BC Arts Council, the BC Gaming Commission and the Canada Council for the Arts for their generous and ongoing financial support.

I would also like to thank our dedicated volunteers, staff and members for keeping our programs and exhibitions dynamic, intelligent, accessible and challenging.

Our thanks also go out to the artists Craig Sibley and Ingrid Koivukangas for their warmth and professionalism (not to mention their engaged art practices). It was a pleasure for all of us at the RAG to work with them on the outgoing exhibitions Biophilia: If Trees had Tears and The Finn Slough Project respectively.

Join us in celebrating Asian Heritage Month as we host a special Saturday afternoon opening (April 21 from 2-4pm) for two exhibitions -- one by Kim Huynh and the other by Richmond artist Eliza Au. Both artists will give brief casual tours of their exhibitions at 2:00pm. Opening remarks will take place at approximately 2:45pm. A new publication will be available for this exhibit with text written by Joni Low.

We also hope you will be a part of an exciting new fundraising effort this Spring / Summer. In order to better utilize staff, finances and other valuable resources, the RAG's Art Access Art Rental service will no longer be in operation. Many artists with work in Art Access have generously donated them to the Gallery for an upcoming online auction. Details will soon be available on our website (richmondartgallery.org) about how you can peruse these wonderful artworks from your computer and bid on your favourites. Our sincerest thanks go out to all those who have generously donated their works.

Join us this Spring and enjoy all of the great programming, activities and exhibitions the RAG has to offer.

Jeremy Todd, Interim Director/Curator

Looking Back

Ruth Woodley, Page Hope-Smith, Louise Hudson, Minerva Chow,
Miriam Chang, Lorna Shum, Mary White, Sheri Duguid, Jane MacLaren

At the Opening Reception on March 8 the Gallery was pleased to honour a long time volunteer and friend of the Gallery, Rose-Mary “Mike” Roscoe. Mike along with a group of dedicated individuals were instrumental in forming the volunteer Exhibition Committee of the Richmond Art Gallery in 1980. When Mike passed away last year the Exhibition Committee initiated the Mike Roscoe Memorial Fund to honour their friend. Mike was a great advocate for art and education and funds raised by the Exhibition Committee will be used for the Education Gallery. Many members of Mike’s large family were also present at the reception to remember and acknowledge Mike and her more than 25 years of volunteer service to the Gallery.

Spring Art Camp

Parent admiring her children's artwork from Spring Camp

Sixteen children had a great time during Spring Break in our week long Art Camp taught by Adriana Contreras. In addition to all the different projects developed by Adriana, the children enjoyed a visit with artist Ingrid Koivukangas who spoke with them about her exhibition.

AGM

Vice President John Richardson addresses the members at the  AGM

We would like to thank all the members who attended the Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 12th. Gallery staff are looking forward to working with the new Board of Directors, especially on the fundraising event scheduled for November 2007. The 2007-2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS are:
President - Barrie Jones, Vice-President & Governance - John Richardson, Secretary/Treasurer - Winnie Wang and Directors at large; Director Garry Yuill, Chair of Fundraising, Director Monika Sanft, Chair of Nominations, Director Diana Maureen Willa Walsh, Chair of Community Relations, Director Gillian Douglas and Director Aaron Zader.

Coming up

Family Sunday art making

BC Arts and Culture Week

Join us for any or all of the upcoming events that celebrate the diversity and importance of the visual arts.

April 21, 2-4pm Opening Reception for Asian Heritage Month exhibitions
April 22, 1-4pm Family Sunday – drop in art making for families
April 25, 5-6:30pm ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) trading session and first anniversary celebration

Reminder for artists!

The Richmond Art Gallery’s new, juried exhibition, RICHmond ARTS, will be held at the Gallery June 8 – July 6, 2007.

Deadline for submitting a work to the jury is Monday, June 4. Visit the Gallery's website at www.richmondartgallery.org/richmondarts-info.php for information about the theme, a listing of important dates and an application form.

RICHmond ARTS • Experience the creative wealth in your community!