Founders Gallery

Located on the lower level of Art Works Downtown, the Founders’ Gallery offers an expansive space well-suited for sculpture, installation, and innovative group or solo exhibitions by a diversity of Bay Area artists. Surrounded by working artist studios, it invites visitors to experience art in close dialogue with the creative process.

Upcoming Exhibits

February 13–March 27, 2026: Art of the African Diaspora 2026
April 10–May 29, 2026: To Be Announced


Art of the African Diaspora 2026

February 13–March 27, 2026: Exhibition Dates
February 13 & March 13
, 5–8 pm: receptions and 2nd Friday Art Walk

Celebrating 29 Years

Art of the African Diaspora is the longest running event of its kind in the Bay Area. For 29 years it has supported hundreds of artists of African descent through representation, professional development and building a creative community.

This year over 130 artists showcase their work at the Richmond Art Center, as well as in open studios and satellite exhibitions at over thirty different venues across the Bay Area.

Art of the African Diaspora 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, influenced by Calloway, established the exhibition The Art of Living Black at the Richmond Art Center. After the deaths of Hart-Schuyers and Hayward, organizing efforts were carried on for many years by their families. Today, with a new name to reflect a new era, Art of the African Diaspora is organized by a steering committee of participating artists.

Artists:
Anita Carse, Carla Lawson, Chamia LaRae, Cynthia Brannvall, Lucretia Clark, Mildred Thompson

aotad.org

Chamia LaRae, BAPS Boz Effect

Chamia LaRae


To Be Announced

April 10–May 29, 2026: Exhibition Dates
April 10 & May 8
, 5–8 pm: receptions and 2nd Friday Art Walk
May 2 & 3, 9 & 10: Marin Open Studios