Free Stuff: NIAD Coloring Pages For You And Yours//

If you’re stuck in the house with your children or self-isolating yourself, we’ve got a gift for you! Below are four PDFs of our most popular coloring books. Enjoy! And be safe, please. Download (there is no limit) of as many as you like of the following: Jonathan Valdivias’ “After Lucian Freud” (a selection of images based on portraits from the famous figurative painter by NIAD’s Jonathan Valdivias) Ann Meade’s “Feline Frenzy” (a lively group of cats from NIAD’s beloved cat art creator) Ann Meade’s “Ten Cats & Their Celebrities” (ten pages of pure star-crossed joy) Jeremy Burleson’s “Some Flowers, Read More …

Important Notice: COVID-19 Update//

A quick and important COVID-19 update (from Amanda Jane Eicher, our Executive Director) in regards to the Art Center: Until at least April 6, NIAD Art Center will remain closed for artists and the public as a part of Bay Area Shelter in Place orders. We will continue to monitor public health advisories from Contra Costa County and Regional Center of the East Bay for further guidance. However, as essential service providers, NIAD staff are working both off-site and – until March 27 – in very limited numbers on-site to design service provision for artists at home. Our goal is Read More …

Online Exhibition: Love is Here to Stay, Selected By Nancy Lim//

If you’re ‘sheltering in place’ (like we are) or just staying inside of your own accord, please, enjoy our latest online show: “Love is Here to Stay” Selected By Nancy Lim Curator Nany Lim has created a show that shares qualities with Sister Corita (the Catholic artist and activist) and her work and its spirit — irreverence, ardor, and joy. It’s very timely. Enjoy. And thanks, Nancy!

Important Notice: NIAD’s response to COVID-19//

NIAD Art Center values the health of our artists and our community, and we want to be in touch with you to let you know about steps we are taking to keep our community safe (especially our most vulnerable members). In keeping with Bay Area school districts and what we predict will be the decision of Regional Center of the East Bay and the Department of Developmental Services, NIAD has decided to inform studio artists and their care providers that the Art Center will suspend services for artists as of Monday, March 16 and until further notice. Our gallery will remain Read More …

Online Exhibition: Leviathan, Selected By Ethan Gill//

Our latest online exhibition is “Leviathan,” selected by Ethan Gill! Ethan Gill selected a big, big show. Well, okay, he chose a show with a gigantic theme. He picked works that, “depict creatures that lurk in our fears or dreams, they offer warnings or acceptance of danger, they illustrate brave continuation in the face of ultimate uncertainty.” Thank you, Ethan. View it here.

Volunteers Needed For Win Win 8//

NIAD needs your help to provide a great experience for our Win Win 8 guests. Why not pitch in for half the event… and enjoy the rest of the party on us! Assignments include set up, check in/out, art handling, clean up. Greeters, bar, and food service roles too. To sign up, please: 1) go to winwin8.givesmart.com (or just click on this) 2) select BUY TICKETS 3) scroll down to select option Volunteer – Art Champion ($0 tickets) 4) fill in your information 5) We’ll get in touch with you ASAP about volunteer assignments! Thank you!

Interesting Read: ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’ Star Zack Gottsagen Takes Stage as First Oscar Presenter With Down Syndrome//

Doesn’t it seem like this should have happened before? The award show has happened 92 times! From The Hollywood Reporter: “The Peanut Butter Falcon star Zack Gottsagen made history as the Academy Awards’ first presenter with Down syndrome at the 2020 Oscars on Sunday.  The actor, who received a standing ovation upon hitting the Dolby Theater stage, announced the nominees and winner of the live-action short film category alongside co-star Shia LaBeouf. The actor waved to the Dolby Theater audience before introducing the nominees… Read the rest here.

Interesting Read: Marlon Mullen’s Monumental Year//

From Disparate Minds: “Mullen’s inclusion in the Biennial is highly significant and historic, marking the first time a disabled artist working with the support of a progressive art studio has been represented. Curators Rujeko Hockley and Jane Panetta selected four paintings; typical of his oeuvre, these lush, intuitive abstractions of found art magazine imagery feel deeply earnest. Representing him at his best, they’re compositionally complex and fascinating due to their powerfully deliberate nature – paint is methodically applied without being fussy, appearing purely pragmatic or matter of fact. Among the strongest works in the exhibition, Mullen’s paintings were stand-outs… Read Read More …