A moment captured at the February 19th YFAC gathering.

Thirty years can go by in a flash! The history of Riverside’s 30 years is filled with amazing stories of learning, community building, growth, and amazing art. In its early years, a dedicated group of passionate volunteers laid the foundation for a vibrant future. When paid staff stepped in, a new era of innovation and expansion took flight. Over time, Riverside has evolved in many ways, but one thing has remained constant: community is at the heart of everything we do. It’s our community - our patrons, followers, advocates, and supporters - that makes our work so meaningful, and we couldn’t be more grateful for YOU.

To honor the past three decades, our own Maggie Spencer has curated a stunning exhibition featuring some of the key figures in our story. Join us in the Gallery to experience an inspiring collection of works by artists who remain close to our hearts.

- Liz Warren, Executive Director, Riverside Arts Center

Upcoming Workshops

Beginner Stained Glass Workshops

Learn stained glass basics from Iman using the Tiffany or copper foil method to create your own piece of stained glass artwork. During this four-hour course, students will learn how to cut shapes from glass sheets, grind on a glass grinder, brandish foil, and solder using a soldering iron. No prior experience is required.

April and May dates are now available!

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.

Ypsi Fine Arts Club

The next two Ypsi Fine Arts Club meetings occur March 19th and April 2nd.

On the first and third Wednesday of each month, artists and art 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 Feb. 19th YFAC gathering.

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 Counselors - Art Explorers! Summer Camp

Riverside Arts Center is looking for enthusiastic counselors to join in the fun at summer camp this summer, 2025. Counselors will lead campers in their daily schedule, help maintain daily classroom routines, model positive behaviors, offer guidance to campers, and foster an atmosphere of respect. The ideal candidate is passionate about working with children and fostering a positive, inclusive environment. Campers have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the arts with a focus on an education-based curriculum.

Exhibitions At RAC

Riverside's 30th Anniversary Invitational

Join us this evening at 5pm to celebrate the opening of our special 30th Anniversary Invitational exhibition.

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.

Opening Reception: March 7, 2025, 5-7 pm.

Open Hours: Fridays, from 1-5 pm,

Saturday, March 8th 11am - 1pm.

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

RAC Community Highlight

Morgan Cox. Photo by Misty Lyn Bergeron

Morgan Cox Steps into Leadership as RAC’s Board Chair

"My first encounters with Riverside were as a casual visitor for events in the Off-Center. I came to view art on display. To help friends with a luminary workshop. To see Ypsi creatives doing what they do best. When the chance arose years later to join the Riverside board, I enthusiastically said yes. After the isolation of the pandemic, it felt vital to reconnect with and support our local art makers. Since then, I’ve witnessed more and more happening in the spaces of 76 North Huron — dance classes, theater productions, independent film, fine art shows and kids' art shows, live music, crafting workshops, and the list goes on. These things knit us together and change us for the better. Recently, I enthusiastically said yes again — to a nomination to serve as board chair. It will be an honor to help Liz and her team continue to grow and shape the valuable programs and opportunities that are (re)connecting us here in the arts center. How can we keep moving forward? What would you like to see here next? I hope to cross paths with you at Riverside soon, and I hope you’ll tell me."

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Support accessible arts programming by donating today. Any amount helps!