Although she organized our current online show months ago, Christina Linden created a very prescient exhibition. As she explains, “This is the slow, sleepy, darkest part of the year.” Seems about right, doesn’t it? Enjoy. And thanks, Christina.

If you’re stuck in the house with your children or self-isolating yourself, we’ve got a gift for you! Below are four PDFs of our most popular coloring books. Enjoy! And be safe, please. Download (there is no limit) of as many as you like of the following: Jonathan Valdivias’ “After Lucian Freud” (a selection of images based on portraits from the famous figurative painter by NIAD’s Jonathan Valdivias) Ann Meade’s “Feline Frenzy” (a lively group of cats from NIAD’s beloved cat art creator) Ann Meade’s “Ten Cats & Their Celebrities” (ten pages of pure star-crossed joy) Jeremy Burleson’s “Some Flowers, Read More …

A quick and important COVID-19 update (from Amanda Jane Eicher, our Executive Director) in regards to the Art Center: Until at least April 6, NIAD Art Center will remain closed for artists and the public as a part of Bay Area Shelter in Place orders. We will continue to monitor public health advisories from Contra Costa County and Regional Center of the East Bay for further guidance. However, as essential service providers, NIAD staff are working both off-site and – until March 27 – in very limited numbers on-site to design service provision for artists at home. Our goal is Read More …

If you’re ‘sheltering in place’ (like we are) or just staying inside of your own accord, please, enjoy our latest online show: “Love is Here to Stay” Selected By Nancy Lim Curator Nany Lim has created a show that shares qualities with Sister Corita (the Catholic artist and activist) and her work and its spirit — irreverence, ardor, and joy. It’s very timely. Enjoy. And thanks, Nancy!

Since we can’t go outside and celebrate at the moment, NIAD’s Jean McElvane has selected some terrific and hilarious viewing (much of it full of shenanigins) for all of us at home! And she’s also created a Top Ten list of sings that feature the color green. All of it is below. Enjoy. And may the luck of the Irish be with you…

About the show she organized, Michelle explains, “I have brought together works…that speak of place and that spark storytelling.” And the exhibition is fantastic. Have a look!

NIAD Art Center values the health of our artists and our community, and we want to be in touch with you to let you know about steps we are taking to keep our community safe (especially our most vulnerable members). In keeping with Bay Area school districts and what we predict will be the decision of Regional Center of the East Bay and the Department of Developmental Services, NIAD has decided to inform studio artists and their care providers that the Art Center will suspend services for artists as of Monday, March 16 and until further notice. Our gallery will remain Read More …

Our latest online exhibition… The Eight Cats Also Eight Flowers, Selected By Claire Barliant! Claire proposes that if one owns a work that she has selected for this show, that person will be happy, with a full heart. She’s right! And thank you, Claire. View it here.

Our latest online exhibition is “Leviathan,” selected by Ethan Gill! Ethan Gill selected a big, big show. Well, okay, he chose a show with a gigantic theme. He picked works that, “depict creatures that lurk in our fears or dreams, they offer warnings or acceptance of danger, they illustrate brave continuation in the face of ultimate uncertainty.” Thank you, Ethan. View it here.

A terrific piece on collector and producer David Hoberman at the Felix Art Fair and his encounters with the work of our Marlon Mullen! Read it here.

NIAD needs your help to provide a great experience for our Win Win 8 guests. Why not pitch in for half the event… and enjoy the rest of the party on us! Assignments include set up, check in/out, art handling, clean up. Greeters, bar, and food service roles too. To sign up, please: 1) go to winwin8.givesmart.com (or just click on this) 2) select BUY TICKETS 3) scroll down to select option Volunteer – Art Champion ($0 tickets) 4) fill in your information 5) We’ll get in touch with you ASAP about volunteer assignments! Thank you!

Kristy Luck has created an exhibition that unfolds like a game of Telephone. You remember playing it, right? As she explains, “(E)ach work to follow was selected based on its relationship to what preceded.” Thank you, Kristy! You can view it here.

Doesn’t it seem like this should have happened before? The award show has happened 92 times! From The Hollywood Reporter: “The Peanut Butter Falcon star Zack Gottsagen made history as the Academy Awards’ first presenter with Down syndrome at the 2020 Oscars on Sunday.  The actor, who received a standing ovation upon hitting the Dolby Theater stage, announced the nominees and winner of the live-action short film category alongside co-star Shia LaBeouf. The actor waved to the Dolby Theater audience before introducing the nominees… Read the rest here.

Composer and performer Molly Joyce chose “works in which contrast manifests itself over forms, mediums, and approaches.” It’s a wonderfully lively show. Thanks, Molly! View it here.

At a recent lunch break, NIAD artist Jean McElvane was watching a Looney Tune where Daffy Duck and Porky Pig got stuck in a hotel. This lead her to round up a selection of favorite music videos and animation about hotels and lodging. Enjoy falling into this rabbit hole!

Using selected pieces of NIAD art, Chloe offers an enlightening show focused on fair labor practices. Thank you, Chloe! View it here.

This might be my favorite show (so far) for 2020. I love Kelly’s explanation, “If this was a two person show, one person would be words and the other person would be food. Words and food. The two most important things… besides family and art of course.” I think we can all agree. Thank you, Kelly! View the exhibition.

From Disparate Minds: “Mullen’s inclusion in the Biennial is highly significant and historic, marking the first time a disabled artist working with the support of a progressive art studio has been represented. Curators Rujeko Hockley and Jane Panetta selected four paintings; typical of his oeuvre, these lush, intuitive abstractions of found art magazine imagery feel deeply earnest. Representing him at his best, they’re compositionally complex and fascinating due to their powerfully deliberate nature – paint is methodically applied without being fussy, appearing purely pragmatic or matter of fact. Among the strongest works in the exhibition, Mullen’s paintings were stand-outs… Read Read More …

Alex Stark is a painter who loves to curate and, with The Whole Body, he’s created an exceptional show. “As I begin to discuss and search for representations of disability, and bodies similar to my own,” he explains, “…the depictions of human forms emphasize connectivity and relationships, while describing and advocating for a multitude of identities.” Thank you, Alex!

Check out this terrific recent review from the East Bay Express of “Right Here, Right Now, Richmond!” We are co-presenting with the Richmond Art Center on this local group exhibition, with works from Laurel Shear (in the Annex Space) and Irene Wibawa (in the Storefront.)