The Top 5 Reasons to Visit
Located in the heart of Riverside, IL, here are our top 5 reasons to visit the Riverside Arts Center this year.
#1 There are multiple exhibitions to see
The Riverside Arts Center Galleries offer a dynamic space for showcasing a wide range of contemporary art. The galleries host a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, including solo shows, group and themed exhibitions. Past exhibitions have featured works in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
You can find art in the:
Main Building
Freeark Gallery + Sculpture Garden: The Freeark Gallery + Sculpture Garden presents exhibitions, lectures, artist talks, and collaborations with the community in Riverside as ways to welcome discourse on contemporary art.
FlexSpace: FlexSpace features exhibitions, artistic explorations, and programming centered on taking chances, sharing discoveries, and integrating ideas in arts and culture. The FlexSpace is designed to be a creative environment that fosters innovation, dialog, collaborative action, and community engagement.
Location: The Riverside Arts Center main exhibits are located at 32 E Quincy St, Riverside, IL 60546
Hours: Galleries are open Thursday, Friday and Saturday | 1:00 - 5:00 PM or by appointment.
Riverside Town Hall
Riverside Town Hall exhibitions feature work by area artists working in two dimensions. Town Hall exhibitions are hosted in the lobby of Riverside's Town Hall, celebrating the exchange of support and generosity between the community of Riverside and the Riverside Arts Center.
Location: Riverside Town Hall is located at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL
Hours: It is open Monday - Thursday | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - closed Saturday, Sunday, and major holidays.
Click here to view the current exhibitions.
#2 You can take a specialized art class
The Riverside Arts Center provides classes catering to all levels of artistic ability, from beginners to advanced artists. The classes are designed to help students explore their creativity and develop their skills in different mediums.
Taking art classes at the Riverside Arts Center comes with numerous benefits:
The classes are taught by experienced and highly-skilled instructors who are passionate about their craft. This provides students with the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry.
The center provides a supportive and collaborative environment where students can engage with other artists and exchange ideas.
The aim is to make classes affordable so that art can be accessible.
The center offers a wide variety of classes that rotate year-round, including courses in painting and drawing, ceramics, photography, mixed media, sculpture, and youth and teen classes.
#3 They care about the community
In addition to showcasing art, the galleries also play an important role in the community by fostering cultural engagement and education. The Riverside Arts Center offers a variety of educational programs for children, teens, and adults, including artist talks, workshops, and classes.
The goals of their outreach initiatives are to:
Provide individuals access to art education and cultural experiences they may not have had otherwise.
Help build community connections, foster social engagement, and promote inclusivity.
Offer a platform for individuals to explore their creativity and express themselves through different mediums.
They also host fundraisers to help provide scholarships!
With its dedication to engaging the community, the Riverside Arts Center Galleries are a vital part of the cultural landscape of Riverside and the broader Chicago area.
#4 They host incredible special events
In addition to their regular classes, the Riverside Arts Center offers a range of special events catering to various interests and age groups. From engaging art camps for kids during spring and summer breaks to elegant galas celebrating the arts, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Like their "bring your own wine" art nights, that provide a unique opportunity for adults to unleash their creativity while enjoying a glass of wine with their friends. These special events not only enrich the community's cultural experience but also foster creativity and connections among participants of all ages.
#5 You can throw your own party there!
If you still haven’t gotten enough of the tremendous offerings of the Riverside Arts Center, throw your next party or event there! The Riverside Arts Center offers a private party room where guests can explore their artistic side and get creative with a selection of various mediums for you and your party to enjoy. From painting and clay sculpting to jewelry making and mosaics, there is no shortage of options to choose from.
Youth and adult parties are $250 for 10 participants and $25 per additional participant, with a 10% discount for RAC members. The Riverside Arts Center provides helpful guidance and instruction throughout the entire gathering and provides project supplies and assistance with firing all clay projects. All you have to do is grab some festive decorations and bring the food, and they’ll handle the rest.
If you’re looking for a unique place to host your next corporate event or community meeting, the Riverside Arts Center also offers multiple locations to rent. The Freeark Gallery, outdoor Sculpture Garden, FlexSpace, and the Upper Painting Studio are all available for event rental, so you can create a one-of-kind experience to enhance your next gathering.
Click here to book a birthday party.
Or
Click here to rent the facility for a corporate event.
Riverside Arts Center: A Hidden Gem
The Riverside Arts Center is a vital institution committed to promoting art and creativity within the community, providing access to art education and cultural experiences, and fostering community connections. From enchanting galleries to personalized classes that invite you to unleash your own artistic abilities, the Riverside Arts Center is a haven of expression, imagination, and togetherness.
The Riverside Arts Center is more than just a space; it's a sanctuary for those seeking inspiration, connection, and a profound appreciation for the arts. So, meet us at the Riverside Arts Center, where visitors can embrace the importance of the arts in our community and become active participants in its mission to promote art and creativity for all.
