The Latest at NIAD

NIAD Goes Remote!

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

Dear NIAD Community,  We have made the decision to return to Virtual programming and remote work at NIAD for now. This was not an easy decision, but because we are committed to the health and safety of everyone in the NIAD community, we will remain in the Virtual Studio until we begin to see the most recent national wave of COVID cases decrease. Fortunately our Virtual Studio is a robust creative environment for artists to make work, and staff are prepared to be in contact with all of our studio artists to support their continued practices.  We are thankful for the Read More …

Composite of two black and white headshots. On the left, Rebecca Teague. On the right, Maria Yates.

Welcome Rebecca Teague and Maria Yates!

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

NIAD Adds Two Members to the Win Win 10 Event Team Excitement for NIAD’s 40th Anniversary year and our upcoming Win Win 10 Benefit Auction is building,  and we’re thrilled to welcome two new members to the NIAD team who will take our fundraising game to the next level. Rebecca Teague, Win Win 10 Event Director Rebecca Teague was born in Washington DC, raised in Chicago, IL and has lived in places as exotic as St Paul, MN and Ann Arbor, MI and now resides in Woodacre, CA. Educated in textiles and then photography at SFAI and SF Academy of Art. Read More …

A collection of images of work by NIAD studio artists arranged in a grid.

NIAD x Mills // MCAM Acquires 14 Works by NIAD Artists

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

We are thrilled to announce that fourteen artworks by NIAD studio artists Heather Hamann, Shana Harper, Serena Scott, and Jonathan Velazquez have been acquired by the Mills College Art Museum as part of a newly launched student acquisition project to help diversify the museum’s collection Full Press Release: Mills College Art Museum is pleased to announce the acquisition of 14 works of art by contemporary artists associated with NIAD Art Center in Richmond, California: Heather Hamann, Shana Harper, Serena Scott, and Jonathan Velazquez. These additions to MCAM’s collection are part of a newly launched student acquisition project to identity, research, Read More …

a collection of six zines and artist books made by NIAD studio artists and staff

NIAD x SFMOMA // 2021 Small Press Book Bazaar

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

NIAD is thrilled to be participating in the 2021 Small Press Book Bazaar at SFMOMA! We’ll be rounding up a bevy of beautiful books, zines, t-shirts and other ephemera for NIAD’s table. We’ll be there alongside an amazing roster of small Bay Area presses. We hope to see you there! Event details: Thursday December 2 1-8pm Schwab Hall, Floor 2 SFMOMA / 151 Third Street / San Francisco Free and open to the public; museum admission is not required. From the SFMOMA website: This holiday season, support the Bay Area creative community by shopping this special pop-up sale with local Read More …

A square canvas with strong red brushstrokes around a smaller square of white brushstrokes surrounding a flurry of strong blue brushstrokes in the middle.

NIAD x Christie’s // Future History: The Katz Legacy

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

An exhibition of NIAD artists at Christie’s San Francisco We’re thrilled to be a part of “Future History: The Katz Legacy”, an exhibition at Christie’s San Francisco on view December 2-9. NIAD studio artists Dorian Reid (courtesy of Kapp Kapp Gallery), Shana Harper, Jeremy Burleson, Sam Gant, Felicia Griffin, Tre’von Silva, and Shantae Robinson will represent NIAD in the show, and we’re honored to share the space with incredible artists from our sister studios Creative Growth and Creativity Explored. Do you know about the Katzes? They’re an innovative, awe-inspiring couple – artist and art educator Florence Ludins-Katz,  and her husband psychologist Dr. Elias Read More …

Dorrie Reid’s “Evening With Jane Goodall”

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

Yes, that’s NIAD Studio Artist Dorrie Reid participating in a Q&A session with Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace! Dorrie was invited to participate in the event by the Walt Disney Family Museum as part of a fundraiser for their arts and animation education programs. Anyone who knows Dorrie’s work – animals, advocacy, social and environmental justice are common themes – would agree that she and Dr. Goodall have much to talk about. Their interaction moved Dorrie to make a statement that she intends to send to Dr. Goodall: Dear Jane Read More …

A collage of pictures involving NIAD studio artist Deatra Colbert and her artwork.

From NIAD’s Director: Back to Studio!

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

For 25 years, Deatra has had a truly legendary practice as a studio artist at NIAD.  Not only does Deatra work across mediums including fiber arts, printmaking, ceramics, drawing, and painting, she is a community connector.  And so it’s fitting that this year, she was one of the first artists to return to our 23rd Street studio to work in person. In the video below, she shares her personal approach to making sure life in the Virtual Studio and on-site at NIAD stay continuous. It’s all about friends – whether in the NIAD courtyard or studio, or on-screen in our Virtual Read More …

an image of a pixellated palm tree and beach scene next to text from Spotify: Playlist. Break Tune Favorites. "Here are the top 10 'Break' Tune Favorites. At least for now. The idea for this playlist is about taking some time off, whenever is needed..." - NIAD Studio Artist Jean McElvane 10 songs, 45 min 53 sec

Break Tune Favorites playlist by Jean McElvane

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

It’s time for the latest playlist from NIAD Studio Artist Jean McElvane! She has this to say about her latest collection: Hello, & welcome to this next occasion starting this month. Here are the top 10 “Break” Tune Favorites.  At least for now. The idea for this playlist is about taking some time off, whenever is needed.   Though, once again, this Jean is taking another one-week off for her birthday (like I do every year), just this first week (8-4-1973 – 4:11 am – Leo), I’m just staying put, & taking it easy at where I am & while turning 48 Read More …

From NIAD’s Director: Open Letter to SFMOMA

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

Embedded in NIAD’s tagline, “Redefining Contemporary Art,” is a mission to help build a more inclusive contemporary art world. One way we do this is by building partnerships – in Richmond, the Bay Area, and worldwide. Our partnership with SFMOMA has been an especially important one. Marlon Mullen received the SECA Award in 2019 and as I write this, NIAD studio artists are preparing to unveil two collaborative murals on August 14 and 15 at the museum’s Mini Mural Festival. SFMOMA is a meaningful entry point for NIAD studio artists’ visibility and success. However, at this time we are seeing SFMOMA Read More …

Summer Tune Favorite 2021 Spotify Playlist by Jean McElvane

Summer Tune Favorites 2021 playlist by Jean McElvane

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

NIAD Studio Artist, Jean McElvane, created a new Spotify playlist for us to celebrate summer! Songs include: “Summer Breeze,” Seals and Crofts “Summertime Blues,” Eddie Cochran “In the Summertime,” Mungo Jerry “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” Sly & The Family Stone “Summer Day,” Sheryl Crow “Summer,” War “Summer Madness, Kool & The Gang “Summertime,” DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince “Summer Rain,” Johnny Rivers “Heatwave,” Martha Reeves & The Vandellas “Summer’s Daughter,” The 5th Dimension “Summertime,” Billy Steward “Summer in the City,” The Lovin’ Spoonful “Cruel Summer,” Bananarama “Sunny Afternoon,” The Kinks “Summer Nights” from Grease,” John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John Read More …

Header of Jean's Mother's Day Spotify Playlist

Mother’s Day Spotify Playlist by Jean McElvane

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

NIAD Studio Artist, Jean McElvane, has created a fabulous Mother’s Day Spotify playlist. Even though the holiday has passed, shouldn’t we celebrate mothers every day? Songs include: “If Mama Was Married,” Gypsy, Ann Jillian and Natalie Wood “Mama Didn’t Lie Jen,” Bradley “Mama Said,” The Shirelles “Mama Used to Say,” Junior “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” Three Dog Night “Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” Ruth Brown “I’ll Always Love My Mama,” The Intruders “Mama’s Pearl,” The Jackson 5 “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” Loggins and Messina “Mama Can’t Buy You Love,” Elton John “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” Read More …

Untitled (D1339) Halisi Noel-Johnson

From NIAD’s Director: Learning with Humility

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

From our elders, youth, neighbors, sisters, brothers, and respected community members we hear: the verdict in the George Floyd murder trial is a step forward, but this verdict is accountability, not true justice. We continue to mourn lives lost. This week, we say the names of Ma’Khia Bryant, Daunte Wright, and Adam Toledo in rage and sorrow knowing there are too many more. We must shape the present and the future to be more just. At NIAD, we are continually learning what we are called to do. As an organization, we are:   Holding space for weekly conversations at the intersection Read More …

Terri Moore and Karen May

We’re Hiring!

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

NIAD is an organization that aims to be artistically relevant and culturally inclusive. As an organization we deliver these aims through activities in our main galleries, our Artist of the Month installation run by studio artists and staff, and our off-site partnership collaborations. NIAD’s Art Marketing and Partnerships Program drives audience reach, reputation and revenue: developing and diversifying audiences; building brand visibility, and creating an outstanding audience experience; and generating income for NIAD. Our very active team aims to deliver outstanding art marketing to our audiences that is both highly creative and effective and can connect us to the widest Read More …

Call for Artists: Art in Windows 2021

Posted onAuthorAmanda Eicher

NIAD Art Center and Richmond Main Street Initiative (RMSI) are excited to announce a new collaboration to raise visibility for Richmond-based artists and bring art into public spaces along 23rd Street and Macdonald Avenues in Downtown Richmond.  Who: Established and emerging Richmond-based artists, artist groups/collectives, and organizations (arts, cultural, educational, community, historical). Artworks: Existing and/or proposed pieces, all genres and mediums. Site-specific works that reflect Richmond’s history, culture, architecture, and people with an emphasis on high-quality presentations that reflect the positive qualities of the community. What: • Simultaneous Art in Windows exhibitions at NIAD and RMSI during the month of Read More …

Jean McElvane’s Playlist: Door to Door / Let Us In

Posted onAuthorAmanda Eicher

NIAD artist, Jean McElvane, has created a playlist of songs and cartoons for us: Door to Door / Let Us In. “An idea for this playlist came for various home deliveries to our doors,” says Jean. You can listen to the songs on NIAD’s Spotify, and view the cartoons using the links below. Enjoy! Spotify Cartoons Links to song lyrics #11 Spirit of the Radio by Rush #12 The Green Door – Jim Lowe #13 Let Me In – The Sensations #14 Let ‘Em In – Paul McCartney / Wings #15 I Hear You Knocking · Dave Edmunds #16 Keep Read More …

Jean McElvane’s Playlist: Walls, Windows, and Mirrors

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

NIAD artist, Jean McElvane, has created a playlist of songs about walls, windows, and mirrors for us! “The idea for this set list came from the thought of looking beyond four walls, through the window, and a good look in the mirror looking back at what’s there,” says Jean. You can view Jean’s available artwork in the NIAD Gallery Store by clicking here. Enjoy her Walls, Windows, and Mirrors playlist! #1 Off the Wall” by Michael Jackson Link to “Off the Wall” lyrics #2 “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” by Pink Floyd Link to “Another Brick in the Wall Read More …