Art (above) by Daryll Stokes

June 16 – August 18, 2016 – Award Reception: Thursday, August 4, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Awards announced promptly at 6:10 p.m.)

Riverside CA – The Riverside Art Museum (RAM) announces the opening of the 2016 Members’ Exhibition: Carioca Soul. The exhibition runs from June 16 – August 18, 2016, with an Award Reception on Thursday, August 4, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

This annual exhibit 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 in accordance with the presiding theme. The exhibition is open to all media and attracts a wide range of artists, from emerging to the well established. Artists are welcome to interpret the theme of Carioca Soul however they choose and are also permitted to submit an accompanying artist’s statement and short biography.

“As always, we look forward to showcasing the extraordinary variety of talents among RAM’s members,” says Drew Oberjuerge, RAM Executive Director. “This year’s theme centered on the Summer Olympics in Rio is sure to bring colorful and fun pieces into the art museum.”

A panel of judges from the local art community will award: three Honorable Mentions, a Curatorial Award (selected by RAM curatorial staff), and a Best of Show award. All award winners will enjoy the opportunity to mount an exhibit feature in RAM’s auxiliary exhibition spaces over the course of 2017. Nearly all artwork submissions are available for purchase and all proceeds support both RAM and the artists. Price lists will be available in the gallery.

This year, artists were invited to respond to the theme of Carioca Soul, the feeling of Rio de Janeiro, host to this year’s Summer Olympics. The exuberant nature of Cariocas is a mirror of a living scenario, framed by the vibrant nature and human warmth of a city that lives joyfully and likes to share its sky, its ocean, and its happiness. Members were invited to consider the following themes: passion, transformation, contagious energy, optimism, celebration, exuberant nature, and harmonious diversity. Artists are welcome to address the theme in any way they choose. Awards given at the reception will include: Best of Show, Jury Award, and Honorable Mention.

The Award Reception will be held on Thursday, August 4, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., and will take place during the Riverside Artswalk (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.), all free to the public. Visitors are encouraged to browse a book of select artists’ statements, biographies, and exhibition price list. All exhibition sales support both the artists and the Riverside Art Museum.

The Riverside Art Museum integrates art into the lives of people in a way that engages, inspires, and builds community by providing high quality exhibits and art education programs that instill a lifelong love of the arts. RAM relies on the generosity of members and donors to support its exhibitions, education programs, and special events. A 60-plus-year-old, private, non-profit cultural arts institution housed in a National Historic 1929 building designed by Hearst Castle and AIA Gold Medal-winning 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.