Mission:
Art at Vibe is dedicated to a healthy, connected, and thriving community in Richmond by linking artists and individuals while centering Black cultures. We use art engagement as an intervention to facilitate creative expression, contribute to holistic wellness,, to build self-confidence, and foster community resilience.
Objectives:
- Provide free or low-cost art education, exploration, and supplies.
- Foster creative expression, stress reduction, and social connection.
- Promote mental wellness through art creation and appreciation.
- Boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Provide opportunities for social interaction and community building.
Art Classes
Art at Vibe offers low-cost art classes for people of all ages and skill levels. These classes provide a variety of benefits, including:
- Developing creativity and problem-solving skills
- Improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Enhancing visual literacy and spatial reasoning
- Boosting self-confidence and self-esteem
- Providing a means for self-expression and stress reduction
- Offering opportunities for social interaction and community building
Intergenerational Art Classes
Art at Vibe offers special intergenerational art classes that provide unique benefits for participants of all ages:
- Building connections and breaking down stereotypes between generations through collaboration on art projects.
- Sharing knowledge and skills, allowing younger participants to learn from experienced older adults and vice versa.
- Combating social isolation by fostering a sense of community and belonging.
- Boosting self-esteem and confidence for all participants through the rewarding experience of creating art together.
Art and Mental Wellness
Art plays a significant role in mental wellness. Art creation can be:
- An outlet for expressing difficult emotions
- A tool for stress reduction and relaxation
- A source of accomplishment and self-esteem
- A way to promote mindfulness and focus
Class Offerings: Art at Vibe
Visual Art Basics (All Ages)
Drawing and painting classes for all ages. Theses hands-on classes, participants will build a strong foundation in essential art techniques, exploring key concepts such as line, shape, shading, and composition. Guided by passionate instructors, we work with a variety of painting mediums including watercolor, acrylic, and oil.
Food Art (All Ages)
A one-of-a-kind programs that dive deep into the world of edible artistry. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about transforming everyday meals into visually stunning creations. Some classes start the ground up, with participants getting their hands dirty in a gardening session. We’ll learn how to cultivate fresh produce and herbs, the very foundation of their artistic plates. We will explore harvesting, and then we will advance to the kitchen where participants will explore culinary techniques and food styling principles. We will learn plating tricks, discover how to use food itself as an artistic medium, and unleash their creativity to bring their artistic vision to life.
Art of Textile (Teens & Adults)
These classes offers an introduction to various textile techniques. Participants will learn the basics of sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and quilting, gaining the skills to create unique and functional textile pieces. These classes fosters creativity, practical skills development, and personal expression through the art of textiles. These classes oversee our giving programs for the unhoused. seniors, and youth including socks, blankets, and hats.
Art History (Teens & Adults)
Embark on a captivating journey through time! Centering Africans in the diaspora, this course explores different art movements and iconic artists throughout history. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of art, analyzing styles, themes, and historical context. The course fosters a critical appreciation for the rich history of visual art. (Age restriction due to potentially complex historical concepts.)
Art of Words (All Ages)
Art of Words will explore written and verbal expression. Participants will explore various literary genres such as poetry, novels, plays, and journaling. We will emphasize creative reading skills, creative writing techniques, analysis, and exploration. Participants may develop their own creative voice while gaining a deeper appreciation for different forms of literature.
Art of Permorming (All Ages)
Music, body movement, acting, and drumming live here! Facilitated by BIPOC instructors we will foster confidence, artistic expression, and collaboration skills as participants develop their talents in their chosen performing art form.
Art of Film (Teens & Adults)
Lights, camera, action! We may veiw films and discuss or introduce to the exciting world of filmmaking. We will explore essential steps of film production, including storyboarding, directing, and basic production techniques. We hope to support the creation of short films in the future. Participants will gain hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process.
Art of Scents (Teens & Adults)
These are were our smell and body care classes will live. We offer an array of candle making, soap making, balms, oils, tinctures, and perfume making classes for no other reason than the joy of creating.
Art at Vibe is recognized as a public charity in California and is fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts and Media (IAM). IAM is a 501(c)3 organization in San Francisco, California. Donations to Art at Vibe may be deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility.
Need for Funding
Funding for Art at Vibe, contributes to the well-being of our community. Funding nurtures creativity, builds connections, and cultivates a healthier Richmond.
- Staff Wages: Funding allows us to compensate our dedicated administrative staff and instructors fairly for their time and expertise. This ensures we can retain talented individuals who are passionate about creating a thriving arts program for all.
- Offer Scholarships: We strive to ensure everyone can access our programs, regardless of financial limitations.
- Expand Course Offerings: With increased funding, we can develop new and exciting classes, catering to a wider range of interests and age groups.
- Reduce Class Costs: We aim to keep our classes affordable. Funding will help us maintain low costs and potentially offer free classes to underprivileged communities.
- Invest in Art Supplies: We provide some art supplies, but funding will allow us to offer a wider selection and ensure everyone has the materials they need to create freely.
