Friday, October 11, 2024

ABOUT US

We are a non-profit volunteer-run organization providing a support system locally for the visual arts. Our active season is from September through May. Most of our meetings and shows are held in the Richardson Public Library. The library is located on the southwest corner of Arapaho and Central Expressway.

Additional Information

RCAS was organized in 1966 as the first Art group in Richardson. Then and now the stated purpose includes organizing and supporting projects that further creative Visual Art and Artists. The membership consists of artists, educators, students, friends and patrons in the North Texas Region.

Each year, RCAS volunteers continue the tradition of organizing and installing four Fine Art Exhibitions in Richardson. During each fiscal year, RCAS installs two judged shows and one non-judged show in the Richardson Public Library and one juried show in the Charles W. Eisemann Center. The annual Membership Show accepts up to three entries each from all current RCAS members. The Spring Show accepts up to three entries each from RCAS members and non-members. Both shows are judged after installation at the library and the winners receive cash or merchandise awards along with a certificate and ribbon. In addition, a non-judged Summer Show is installed at the library where RCAS members may show and sell their artwork. Visitors to the library may vote for their favorite work of art and a “People’s Choice” award is given to the winning artist at the conclusion of the show. RCAS’ most prestigious exhibit is the annual Regional Art Exhibition at the Charles W. Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts. It is a juried show, open to all Texas artists, where each artist may enter photos of up to three pieces of artwork for consideration. Approximately 80 pieces from those submitted are juried for acceptance into the show. After the installation, the judge selects the winners from the exhibited artwork and the winners receive cash or merchandise awards along with a certificate and ribbon. The Best of Show artwork is purchased by RCAS and presented to the City of Richardson to be permanently displayed at the Richardson Public Library. Additional opportunities to show and sell their artwork is available to RCAS members through bi-monthly rotating displays at the Huffhines and Heights recreation centers in Richardson. Board Members, frequent volunteers and Art of the Month winners are invited to exhibit their artwork at the City of Richardson Civic Center.

Additionally, RCAS and RISD co-sponsor two exhibits for students residing in the Richardson Independent School District. The Young People’s Show is open to RISD high school students and the Rosemary Cheney Memorial Show is open to RISD elementary school students. RCAS provides a judge for the Young People’s Show and presents scholarships to selected RISD or City of Richardson resident high school students. Students in both shows receive certificates and ribbons. RCAS, RISD and the Altrusa/World Peace Organization sponsor an exhibit for elementary school students who reside in the City of Richardson. RCAS provides a judge for this exhibit and the Altrusa/World Peace Organization provides awards and certificates. September marks the beginning of a new year for RCAS. Meetings are scheduled for the third Tuesday of the month through May. Our regular location is the Richardson Public Library in the Basement Meeting Room. Each meeting we present visiting Artists. They teach composition, design and technique while working alla prima as we watch and ask questions. The demonstration is projected live to a large screen by the videographer. RCAS provides educational opportunities to members and our community by scheduling Professional Artists who teach workshops in the Fall and Spring. During the 2019 – 2020 Fiscal Year $3,445.00 was given in cash prizes.

The monthly Sketchpad announces meetings, Artist information, prizewinners, opportunities and member news. Access our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/richardsoncivicartsociety as well as on our website: www.richardson-arts.org

We welcome new members; our all-volunteer membership is the heartbeat of RCAS. Meetings are open and free to the public. We offer 3 one-year complimentary membership to those members in need.

• Download RCAS Bylaws •