What is a Gallery?

A guide to understanding contemporary art
and professional art gallery conduct

What is the Richmond Gallery?

The Richmond Art Gallery is a great place to see and think about contemporary art. We are a non-profit organization which means we are not in the business of selling art like a commercial gallery would be. Our mandate is to exhibit and collect contemporary art. Exhibiting and preserving art is an outward expression of the value that a community places in the making of art. Art enriches a community’s cultural experience and advances the discipline of art while supporting artistic expression. We show art for visitor’s enjoyment and learning.

How can I enjoy it if I don’t understand it?

Some contemporary art can be difficult to understand. The best way to learn and enjoy it is to slow down, relax and be open to ideas. (Isn’t this what we ask our children to do when confronted with something new?) Understanding art, like any other discipline, takes time. Don’t worry if you don’t ‘get it’ right away or if it is not immediately accessible. Many things worth understanding take time.

They just don’t make art like they used to….

Yes, that’s true.
Contemporary artists respond to the world they live in just like the artists 500 years ago responded to their world. Art reflects the society that produces it and contemporary art addresses issues of today that artists find joyful, worrisome, distressing, delightful and provoking.

Getting started…

Read the information available in the Gallery about the artwork. There are often information panels on the walls and labels near the artworks. Feel free to ask a staff member questions you may have or to write your questions or comments in our comment book. If you would like a response, please leave your name and phone number.

Okay, I want to know more….

The Gallery offers Artist Talks and other programming for adults and children to further enhance your understanding and enjoyment of art. Check out our website:
www.richmondartgallery.org
and, pick up our RAG annual catalogue.

Please Do Not Touch…

Please! do not touch the art. Touching the artwork soils and gradually changes the work. Part of our promise to the artists and to the community is that we will care for and respect the artworks that we exhibit. Sometimes there are interactive areas in an exhibition that you are invited to touch. When this occurs, they will be clearly marked.

Photography in the Gallery…

People often ask us if they can photograph an artwork. The simple answer is no. This is a copyright issue. We do not own the artworks and therefore we do not have the authority to give that permission. Please do not take photographs in the Gallery.

Visiting with children…

Ask your child “what do you see?”, or “what do you think is happening here?” while looking at an artwork. Encourage your child to find evidence in the art and to talk about it. Children will follow your lead. If you are curious and respectful of a work, they will be too. If visiting with a young child who is unable to keep from touching or running, we ask you to hold your child’s hand while in the Gallery.

Thank you for visiting the Richmond Art Gallery…

The Gallery changes exhibitions approximately every six weeks, so there is always something new. We look forward to seeing you again.