RICHMOND, CA.- The Richmond Art Center announced the hiring of Richard Ambrose as its Executive Director, effective September 3rd. Ric brings his extensive experience in art administration, strategic planning and creative vision to the RAC. He is currently the Executive Director of the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, California. Ric was formerly the Deputy Director of the Avampato Discovery (Sunrise) Museum in Charleston, West Virginia and Curator of Art and Director of Exhibitions at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences. He has also been a project director at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, coordinating the master planning process for renovation of that facility, among other responsibilities. In addition to his career in art administration, Ric is a well-known working artist and is represented by the Hespe Gallery in San Francisco.

Upon hearing of his appointment, Ric stated, “I am truly honored to join such a talented and dedicated team of staff, faculty, board members and volunteers in this pivotal moment for the Richmond Art Center. We have a unique opportunity to leverage our historic role as a leader in the Bay Area arts community through new and expanded partnerships, programs and outreach efforts that will ensure access to the arts for all.”

Ric will guide the Richmond Art Center during a program expansion made possible by the City of Richmond. The Arts in Our Schools Program will start this fall at Helms Middle School in San Pablo with additional after-school art programming in community centers. The RAC will begin 2 pilot programs in partnership with the Richmond Library that will demonstrate both how to make art and how to understand it: Young Authors and Illustrators Program and Library Kids at RAC. The Richmond Art Center's studio art classes and workshops will continue on-site, as will its renowned series of exhibitions of emerging and mid-career artists, and celebration of community through art shows, artists' talks and special events.