Hundreds of colorful paintings, obtuse sculptures, and carefully assembled collages from artists around Richmond were assembled at the Richmond Art Center (RAC) this weekend. These pieces make up the third annual “Art in the Community” exhibition, a celebration of the work from the hundreds of local artists who have taken RAC classes over the past year.

“Our Art in the Community program brings art-making classes to children, teens, adults, and seniors at more than 18 schools, community centers, and other sites across Richmond and neighboring cities,” explains Richmond Art Center Executive Director Ric Ambrose.

Over 1,200 local students participated in these RAC classes over the past year, and this show is the largest display of their work. Art in the Community classes are free for students, and they offer the community a unique opportunity to embrace different media — from painting, to ceramics, to sculpture — and to explore their creativity.

A collaboration between Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs and Art in the Community classes is central to this year’s exhibition. 

“Our teaching artists introduce STEAM concepts through engaging projects that integrate design with artistic processes. Students brainstorm and develop their ideas in sketchbooks and then explore and experiment with key concepts in a collaborative setting,” says Ambrose 

The result is artwork that is at once scientific, yet freeform — sturdily engineered, yet wild. 

The “Art in the Community” exhibition is open through May 24th and is free to the public. Learn more here.