Since its founding in 1966 as the first arts organization in Richardson, the Richardson Civic Art Society (RCAS) has had one stated purpose: to organize and support projects that further creative visual art and artists. The group is instrumental in fostering an appreciation for art within the broader community and has created a community wherein local artists can come together for fellowship and learning.
In the more than fifty years since its inception, RCAS has hosted a monthly meeting during their active months – September to May – every single year. Even during the months of COVID quarantine, RCAS continued to meet, adapting to a virtual platform.
Membership is open to all local artists in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, but most active members are from areas close to Richardson: Garland, Sachse, Murphy and Wylie, to name a few. Monthly meetings are open to the public and run by the all-volunteer membership, known as the “heartbeat of RCAS.” At each meeting, RCAS hosts a professional artist who gives a demonstration and discusses his or her craft.
Monthly meetings are always held on the third Tuesday night of the month. Currently meetings are taking place in the Tower 2600 commercial building near Richardson’s Eisemann Center. A year-round gallery wall of members’ artwork is on display in Tower 2600.
Currently RCAS artists are preparing to celebrate Richardson’s 150th anniversary at a Spring Show entitled “The Spirit of Richardson.” Pieces by local artists will hang in the third floor gallery of the Richardson Public Library from April 1-29. On April 17, Mayor Paul Voelker will be presenting the Mayor’s Award to one of the artists at a public reception.
Entries to the show will fall into one of three categories: the Spirit of Nostalgia, the Spirit of Community Service, or the Spirit of Excellence. Budding artists under the age of 25 will, for the first time, have their very own category. The Richardson Art Council Award will be given to the best piece done by an emerging artist.
Thanks to RCAS, Richardson residents can encounter mesmerizing art in a variety of venues throughout the year. The 57th Annual Regional Show, currently open for entries, will hang at the Eisemann Center from April 27 – May 29. This particular show is open to all artists within the state of Texas. Eighty pieces of art will be juried in and displayed. All artwork will be for sale and the “Best in Show” winning artwork will be purchased by RCAS and presented to the City of Richardson for their permanent collection.
RCAS continues to beautify the walls of Richardson’s public spaces through 2D art while simultaneously providing local artists space to display and sell their creations. To become a member, to provide financial support to the organization, or for more information about the Richardson Civic Arts Society, visit http://richardson-arts.org.
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