Artists: Donna Makeda, Fredrick Franklin, Irene Bee Kain, Jazmyne, Jimi Evins, Kelvin Curry, Saida Adias, Stephanie Johnson and Kevin Myrick, and Yolanda Patton

WCRC is proud to serve as a satellite location for The Art of the African Diaspora, the longest-running event of its kind in the Bay Area. It originated from a salon for African American artists known as Colors of Black that was organized in 1989 by artist and professor Marie Johnson Calloway.

In 1996 artists Jan Hart-Schuyers and Rae Louise Hayward, after whom WCRC’s art gallery was named, established the exhibition The Art of Living Black at Richmond Art Center (RAC). Many of the artists from Colors of Black participated in the inaugural exhibition, which presented the work of emerging and established African American artists. The artists gained introduction to new audiences, and access to build a creative community of artists and art lovers.

Over the next twenty-five years, the exhibition ensured the increased visibility for African American artists in the Bay Area that Hart-Schuyers and Hayward conceptualized. After the loss of both founders, their organizing efforts were carried on for many years by artists, family members, and RAC. In 2019, the Committee became aware of the necessity to incorporate a broader vision of the African Diaspora and consequently renamed the organization Art of the African Diaspora.

Register for this event HERE.

Refreshments will be provided. Mask and proof of COVID vaccine required for entry.