Art Works Downtown
Mission
To provide an environment where visual arts thrive for the well-being of the community.
About
Since the founding of Art Works Downtown (AWD) in 1996, the core purpose of the organization has been to enrich our community by encouraging artistic activities, educating the public, increasing appreciation of art, and strengthening the relationship between artists, arts organizations and the larger community. AWD provides an environment that is seeded in its historic building on Fourth Street but expands its reach to the broader community in Marin. More than a physical location, AWD creates a setting that fosters unity, belonging, collaboration, opportunity, and creativity – all elements of a thriving and healthy arts community.
Read about our history here.
The best way to really get to know Art Works Downtown is to drop by and see us in person. Check out the current exhibitions in our galleries. Explore the meandering halls and hidden corners of our 130-year-old building.
By the numbers
Art Works Downtown, Inc, a 501(c)3 corporation, is Marin's premier non-profit art center.
Located on Fourth Street, our 40,000 square-foot building houses 4 galleries , 27 art studios, artist membership program, restaurant, jewelers guild, frame shop, ceramic center, other arts organizations, 17 affordable apartments and more. We feature new exhibits, events and classes every month as well as outreach programs throughout San Rafael.
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We are all about art. At any moment, works of art in almost every medium are being dreamed, planned, made, shown, or discussed somewhere in our building – and are inspiring artists and the public to begin the cycle again.
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We enable the entire creative process. We provide a comprehensive incubator for emerging artists and art-related businesses. From low-income housing for artists, to affordable studio space, technique classes, lectures, events, and of course exhibit galleries, we bring together under one roof all the elements our community needs to make art work.
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We are firmly rooted here. As rising costs drive working artists out of many downtown areas, we’re committed to promoting art where the public can easily experience it: on San Rafael's Fourth Street. We’re proud to make an impact on our local community, and fortunate to draw inspiration from its cultural richness.