Customers at the 2024 Holiday Art Fair at Riverside. Credit: Misty Lyn Bergeron

Happy New Year! If you were as busy as I at the end of 2024, my wish for you is that you've had some moments of rest and recovery at the start of this year.

At Riverside Arts Center, we've been chugging along, making plans for 2025 to continue our mission of providing Ypsilanti with incredible and enriching arts experiences. Start your year by visiting our gallery or attending the Ypsi Fine Arts Club, and experience the creative diversity that Ypsilanti has to offer.

While you're here, be sure to read Liz's note at the bottom of the newsletter for updates about our recent fundraising efforts and more on what's coming up in 2025.

- Grey Grant, Editor

solstitium: the sun stands still

Juried exhibition

Open Hours:

Friday, January 10, 1 - 5pm

Saturday, January 11, 11am - 2pm

"solstitium: the sun stands still," a juried exhibition, honors the Winter Solstice, symbolizing the turning point when days cease to shorten and begin to get longer — a moment often interpreted as a metaphorical rebirth and new beginnings. Artists were invited to interpret these themes in their own styles and mediums. We are proud to be presenting 40 works by 30 artists.

Riverside Swings

Riverside Swings is a weekly swing dancing event hosted at RAC every Friday. They offer a free beginner’s lesson from 8-9pm and the main dance from 9-11pm. Admission to the open swing is $5 and $4 for students. First Fridays of each month are free!

Upcoming Workshops

Neurodiverse Artmaking Drop-in

Join us from 6-8pm on Monday, January 28th for a new- year's edition of the Neurodiverse Artmaking Drop-in! Gather with your local neurodiverse community and get creative. There will be be a provided project, and general crafting materials will also be available. Optional: Feel free to bring snacks to share with a labeled ingredient list. Hot and cold beverages provided!

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

Art Explorers!

Riverside Arts Center is launching our new after-school art class program for youth, ages 8-10 (or Grades 3rd-5th). The 6-week session is held on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm, January 14, 2025 running through February 18, 2025.

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

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

Ypsi Fine Arts Club

The first Ypsi Fine Arts Club gathering of 2025 takes place January 15th.

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 shown at Dec 4th FAC gathering.

We're Hiring!

Riverside Arts Center is seeking a new camp director for our 2025 Art Explorers! Summer Camp. Keep an eye out in your inbox and on social media for announcement about the position and to apply.

RAC Community Highlight

Credit: Lena Ellis-Boatman

Meet Lena!

Lena first became involved with Riverside Arts Center through the Washtenaw Community College Faculty Exhibition that took place this past fall. We love xyrs passion for not just the arts but for arts education. Lena now facilitates two of our programs: the Neurodiverse Artmaking Drop-in and our Art Explorers! after-school arts program for students ages 8-10 years old.

Lena Ellis-Boatman (xé/xem/xyr) studied art education during college, and xé holds an MFA degree in printmaking. Xé has taught and worked with youth and adults in after-school and summer art programs and workshops in Michigan and Ohio. Xé also teaches printmaking, fibers, drawing, and art foundations at area colleges and universities. When Lena is not teaching or making art, you can find xem outdoors in nature.

Artist Opportunities

The African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County presents: "Nothing is Going to Turn Us Around," this year's Black History Month Exhibition, taking place at Riverside Arts Center. Their call for art is open through January 10th.

"We invite artists to participate in our Black History Month exhibition which celebrates the Black community's contributions, stories, and experiences. This year's theme: "Nothing is going to turn us around," celebrates the legacies of black artists and communities while amplifying contemporary voices that shape the future. 

We welcome works that explore the history, culture, identity, social justice, and power of Black creativity in all mediums."

Customers at Ypsi Clay House's booth at the 2024 Holiday Art Fair at Riverside. Credit: Misty Lyn Bergeron

A Note from Liz Warren

Something feels different about 2025! There’s something wonderfully grounding about stepping into this third year of Riverside’s renewed journey. With solid plans in place, a robust slate of workshops and classes, and a deeper understanding of who we are, there’s a quiet confidence in the air and a sense of purpose guiding us forward.

We’re overjoyed to share that, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of this community, we met our $20,000 matching goal. To every individual who contributed, please know your support ensures Riverside remains a vital haven for arts education and creative exploration.

So here’s to 2025: a year of discovery, connection, and collective strength. Together, we’ll continue to create something truly remarkable.

Warmly,

Liz Warren

Executive Director

Riverside Arts Center

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