In case you’ve ever wondered how AOPR came to be (or even if you haven’t!), read on for a Short History of Arts of Point Richmond.
Founded in 2008 by Point Richmond resident Altha Humphrey (above, left) with the goal of encouraging more connection between local artists and the community, Arts of Point Richmond flourished from 2009 to 2013 under the dynamic leadership of Linda Calvan Drake (above, right). A native of Point Richmond, Linda was an artist and a charismatic leader who mentored other artists and convinced local businesses to provide space for artists to exhibit their work. Sadly, Linda Drake passed away in 2013, leaving a void at the helm of AOPR. No one could fill Linda’s shoes, but a coalition of six members agreed to serve on an ad hoc leadership committee. Led by Irene Hightower (below, left), the committee (Altha Humphrey, Betsy Kellas, Rita Gardner, Richard Melvin and Virginia Rigney) charted a course for AOPR’s immediate future.
In the ensuing years, AOPR’s organizational structure has evolved, our website has been updated and improved, and new members have volunteered to take on leadership and committee roles (see the “About Us” page on our website for a current list https://www.artsofpointrichmond.com/about). AOPR artists have exhibited their work at Point Richmond Branch Post Office windows, El Sol Restaurant, Kaleidoscope Coffee, Point Richmond Gallery, Lara’s Fine Dining restaurant, Mom & Pop Art Shop and ar*ti*fact gallery. AOPR volunteers have organized public-facing events such an Art Stroll and an annual Holiday Art Faire, and created special interest subgroups in Photography, Textiles, ArtFull Conversations, Art Tag, and more.
In 2019, AOPR members Sharon Goods and Kenoli Oleari approached the AOPR Leadership Team with an idea for displaying artwork by AOPR artists outdoors on large banners, and in 2020 the first eye-catching “Taking It Outdoors” (TIO) banners appeared downtown, captivating the attention and appreciation of artists, residents, and visitors alike. Each spring, the TIO team produces a new crop of AOPR artist banners, increasing public awareness of Art and of AOPR.
In 2021, Kenoli and Sharon expanded TIO to create TIO-Kids, an outdoor banner project displaying art created by students at the local Washington Grammar School. The project and has been praised by city and school officials and gives students an opportunity to explore personal, social and cultural themes through art.
In 2024, thanks to the perseverance of the leadership committee, AOPR was granted federal 501-c3 status, opening up new possibilities for funding art projects in the community (such as TIO-Kids) and officially proclaiming AOPR as a volunteer organization dedicated to encouraging and aiding local artists to share their work, their ideas, and their enthusiasm with fellow artists and the greater community.
Throughout our 16 year history, it is the input, energy and initiative of our members that keep us going!
“Art is for Everyone. The Artist. The Viewer. The Point is ART.”
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