Riverside, CA (July 16, 2013)– The Riverside Art Museum (RAM) announces the opening of the 2013 Members’ Exhibition. The exhibition runs from July 31 to September 19, 2013, with an Award Reception on Thursday, August 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

This annual event puts RAM’s abundant and talented artist-member demographic front and center with the opportunity to display and sell an original piece of their choice. This year’s exhibition holds “The Persistence of Memory” as its theme. RAM members are invited to submit a piece of original work, in virtually any media they choose, in dialogue with the theme. Much of the artwork is available for purchase.

“As an artist member of the Riverside Art Museum I feel it is important to support the museum not only with my membership but also with my art,” says local teacher, artist, and longtime Members’ Exhibition participant Froukje Schaafsma-Smith. “Participating in the annual members’ show is an excellent opportunity to have one’s artwork shown in the Riverside Art Museum, a historically significant building designed by Julia Morgan, and to support Riverside as the City of Arts and Innovation.”

Last year’s exhibition featured 125 submissions and included a rich array of media, subject matter, and styles. RAM’s diverse pool of artist-members encompasses everyone from established, professional artists to those submitting artwork for the first time.

“This is one of RAM’s great annual traditions,” said RAM Executive Director Drew Oberjuerge. “We encourage the public to come out and support the talented artists living and working in the Inland Empire.”

Winners of the Members’ Exhibition will also have the opportunity to exhibit their work in mini solo exhibitions throughout the following year (at RAM and at satellite locations in Riverside, such as Walter’s Mercedes-Benz showroom in the Riverside Auto Mall). The 2012 Honorable Mention award-winners Pavel Acevedo and Desiree Habicht have exhibited artwork at RAM this past winter. The 2012 Best of Show winner Jeff Owens and Honorable Mention winner Helen Waller will exhibit at RAM this summer. The 2012 Curatorial award-winner Froukje Schaafsma-Smith was recently featured in the Walter’s showroom space.

The Award Reception will be held on Thursday, August 1, from 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., and will take place during the Riverside Arts Walk (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) and RAM’s Summer Exhibit Celebration (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.), all free to the public. Titles awarded include: Best of Show, Curatorial Award, and three Honorable Mention awards. Visitors are encouraged to browse a book of selected artists’ statements, biographies, and exhibition price list. All exhibition sales support both the artists and the Riverside Art Museum. If interested in becoming a member in order to enter the show or for more information on how to submit artwork for the exhibition, visit www.riversideartmuseum.org.

RAM relies on the generosity of members and donors to support its exhibitions, education programs, and special events. A 50-plus-year-old, private, non-profit cultural arts institution housed in a National Historic 1929 building designed by Hearst Castle architect Julia Morgan, the museum welcomes over 50,000 visitors a year. The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. For information on exhibits, events, classes, memberships, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.RiversideArtMuseum.org. Find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/riversideartmuseum) and Twitter (RAMRiverside).

The 2013 Members’ Exhibition: The Persistence of Memory
July 31 – September 19, 2013
Award Reception Thursday, August 1, 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.