1 | Richmond Art Center celebrates 90 years of artistry, Aug. 29
The Richmond Art Center is marking its 90th anniversary with a party and three new exhibits. The 90th Birthday Party celebration will feature live music, food, a cake and hands-on arts activities, and it will also serve as an opening reception for the exhibits. The first, “One Artist Contributes, Then Another, Then Another,” looks at the center’s history of connecting artists, artworks, and community voices, beginning in 1936 when artist and educator Hazel Salmi founded the Richmond Art Center as a Works Progress Administration arts and crafts program. The second exhibit, “First Impressions,” displays works from student artists. The third, “Ninety@Ninety,” is a fundraiser featuring 90 works for sale by local artists. All three exhibits run from Sept. 2 through Nov. 19.
90th Birthday Party celebration, Sat., Aug. 29, noon to 3 p.m., Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. Free
2 | 17th annual Spirit and Soul Festival returns to downtown Richmond, Aug. 29
Entertainment and activities for people of all ages will fill downtown Richmond during the 17th annual Spirit and Soul Festival. The celebration will include live music, a classic car show, games, a youth zone, food, beverages, arts, crafts, and a health and resources hub. Organizers say the festival transforms six blocks of Macdonald Avenue into a “vibrant space for arts, culture, wellness and community connection.”
Spirit and Soul Festival, Sat., Aug. 29, noon to 5 p.m., 1401 Macdonald Ave. Free
3 | Learn how to create ‘Zentangles’ at free library class, Aug. 29
Adults can turn simple repeated patterns into intricate, meditative artwork at a free drawing class at Richmond’s main library (temporary location). The Zentangle for Adults course will teach participants a structured drawing method that promotes artistry and relaxation by building intricate designs through repeated patterns called “tangles.” Participants must pre-register.
Zentangles for Adults, Sat., Aug. 29, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Richmond main library, 403 Civic Center Plaza. Free
4 | Painting party raises money for Richmond youth club, Aug. 31
Brushes, canvases and a good cause come together at a fundraising painting party benefiting the West County Salesian Youth Club. Let’s Paint Bay Area, a Rodeo-based company that specializes in painting parties for fundraisers, birthday parties, and other events, is organizing the activities.
Paint Night, Mon., Aug. 31, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., PJ’s Restaurant & Cocktail, 3721 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. $40
Also check out our list of music and entertainment venues and our roundup of ongoing things to do (many of which are free). And add your events to our free community calendar.
