A moment captured at the February 5th YFAC gathering.

Dear Ypsi,

You are a home for makers, for dreamers, for those who see the world not just as it is, but as it could be.

You welcome those who create because they must. You remind us that art is not a luxury - it is a way of life.

Art is not just made here - it grows, it gathers, it insists on being seen.

Here, art is a declaration, and community is not just a word, but a way of life. For that, I love you.

Always,

Liz

Upcoming Workshops

Art with Raé - Art Party

Relax, refresh, and start your week off creatively!

Join us for an inspiring art paint party where we’ll paint The Tree of Abundance, manifesting our intentions using acrylics. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just dipping your brush into the world of painting, this event is perfect for all skill levels. February 16th, 4-6 pm.

Neurodiverse Artmaking Drop-in

Gather with your local neurodiverse community and get creative. There will be a provided project, and general artmaking materials will also be available. Optional: Feel free to bring snacks to share with a labeled ingredient list. Hot and cold beverages will be available!

Neurodiverse Artmaking Drop-in meets every fourth Monday of the month, 6-8 pm, Top Floor Room-B at Riverside Arts Center.

Art Explorers!

In Art Explorers!, we will explore different kinds of art. The art we make will be inspired by your child’s imagination, ordinary things, and the world around us. Your young artist will make colorful and vibrant drawings, collages, paintings, and more! 

For youth, ages 8-10 (or Grades 3rd-5th). Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 pm, January 14, 2025 running through February 18, 2025. Individual dates are open for sign-up!

Message us at info@riversidearts.org to inquire about a personal payment plan!

Ypsi Fine Arts Club

The next two Ypsi Fine Arts Club meetings occur February 19th and March 5th.

On the first and third Wednesday of each month, artists and arts lovers alike gather to share their work with each other. Everyone is welcome from Ypsi and beyond! Attendees are not required to present. Anyone is welcome to simply gather with our community and enjoy the incredible artwork.

Doors open at 5:00 pm and presentations start at 5:30 pm.

Work being presented at the Jan. 15th YFAC gathering.

PTD Productions Present: The Hat Box by Eric Coble and directed by Karrie Waarala

Do we ever really know our parents? Do we want to? Really? Two sisters are about to find out when they discover a hat box hidden in the back of their recently deceased father’s closet. What sits inside sends them off to visit eccentric Aunt Esther and on an increasingly wild ride down memory lane. With surprising twists and hilarious turns, Eric Coble’s new comedy of family lore revels in the bizarre and beautiful mysteries that make up a life.

February 13-22, 2025.

Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 7:30 pm.

Sunday 2/16 & Wednesday 2/19 matinees at 2 pm.

We're Hiring!

Paid Internship Program @ Riverside Arts Center

The Paid Internship Program at Riverside Arts Center is designed to support individuals passionate about arts, culture, and community development. Prospective interns can choose from one of the following areas: Gallery Intern, Marketing Intern, Summer Camp Intern, Fundraising and Development Intern, Community Engagement and Outreach Intern, and You Are Expansive Program Intern. Applicants may also submit their own project proposal that is aligned with Riverside Arts Center’s mission.

Camp Director - Art Explorers! Summer Camp

Riverside Arts Center is seeking a new camp director for our 2025 Art Explorers! Summer Camp. The Camp Director is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of the summer camp program, ensuring a safe, engaging, and educational experience for campers aged 7-11. This role includes pre-camp preparation, staff supervision, lesson planning, and daily operational support. The ideal candidate is organized, creative, and passionate about working with children and fostering a positive, inclusive environment.

Exhibitions At RAC

Black Artist Exhibition: "Nothing is Going to Turn Us Around."

This annual exhibition, organized by the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County and the Palm Leaf Club, honors the creativity of local Black artists. This year's exhibition features 52 works by 24 artists.

Open through February 28, 2025.

Open hours: Fridays from 1-5 pm.

Visit riversidearts.org/galley to check for additional open hours.

Special Events

Local History Spotlight: February 15, 2025, 4-6 pm.

Closing Reception: February 28, 2025 6-8 pm.

• Recommended RSVP at info@aachm.org

Sponsored by Ronnie and Gloria Peterson.

Riverside's 30th Anniversary Invitational

In 1995, Riverside Arts Center began its mission to cultivate the arts and culture in Ypsilanti. This year, we're celebrating 30 years of fostering and promoting the visual and performing arts in our creative community. To honor RAC’s 30th year, Maggie Spencer has curated an invitational exhibition for our North Gallery that recognizes the brilliant artists who have supported the organization throughout its 30-year history.

March 7, 2025 - April 11, 2025.

Reception March 7, 2025, 5-7 pm.

Open Hours: Fridays, from 1-5 pm.

Visit riversidearts.org/gallery to check for additional open hours.

RAC Community Highlight

Ede Fox, Executive Director of the Youth Art Gallery.

Meet Ede, the Executive Director of the Youth Art Gallery!

"I’m a self-taught artist from New York City, though my journey here wasn’t exactly a straight line. I studied anthropology, worked in community organizing and local government, and eventually found my way back to art—which has been life-changing for me. Now, I focus on murals and immersive art that invites people to pause, reflect, and connect with joy.

I know firsthand how transformative art can be. Art isn’t just about making something pretty—it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence-building, and emotional growth. For many kids, especially those who might not feel seen in traditional academic spaces, art can be life-changing. It provides a sense of purpose, a way to process emotions, and even a path to academic success. 

The Youth Art Gallery (YAG) is a traveling art gallery based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent of young artists. As a non-profit, YAG creates pop-up exhibits around Washtenaw County and offers mentorship programs, art workshops, collaborative projects, and opportunities for young artists to sell their work. Our mission is simple: to inspire creativity, nurture talent, build community, and give young artists a platform to grow and shine. 

What excites me most about the future is seeing how young artists are using their creativity not just to make beautiful things, but to tell powerful stories, spark conversations, and build community. There’s so much potential for art to be a force for connection, healing, and social change, and I love being part of a movement that supports that.

We look forward to working with the Riverside Arts Center to support the young artists of Washtenaw and Wayne counties."

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