Visual Art Gallery

Interested exhibitors are invited to submit their work for review. Successful applicants receive a month-long exhibition at the RHCPA Visual Art Gallery. The exhibition space consists of two locations in the RHCPA:

• Main Lobby Gallery – Suitable for larger pieces of artwork and most disciplines of visual art are acceptable 
• Lower East Side Gallery – Suitable for photography and visual artwork that will not be damaged by natural light

Dimensions of wall space will be provided.

Exhibitors have the opportunity to host an opening reception, should they wish. The coordination of the reception is the responsibility of the exhibitor(s), including scheduling with the City of Richmond Hill’s Theatre staff. All costs associated with the reception are the responsibility of the exhibitor(s).

Please closely review the outlined criteria when submitting your visual art gallery application:

• All artwork must be in ‘ready-to-hang’ condition.
  • Exhibitors must ensure the work is securely wired for hanging, using the gallery’s track system  
• Acceptable artworks include, but are not limited to, 2-D paintings, drawings, prints, photography, and mixed media. Installation and sculptural pieces may be considered providing they do not extend more that 14cm (5 inches) from the wall when hung
• Exhibitors of all levels of ability (student, emerging, mid-career and established) are invited to apply individually or as a collective
• Priority is given to artists who reside in Richmond Hill, however, all applications will be reviewed
• Applications must be complete; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Artists must ensure that they have an adequate amount of artwork to cover the RHCPA Main Lobby Gallery and Lower East Side Gallery wall space. Wall dimensions will be provided
• Exhibitors are to consider the audience of the gallery. As the RHCPA is open to the diverse community of Richmond Hill, the City reserves the right to exclude work that may be deemed offensive or inappropriate
• The marketing and promotion of the exhibition is the responsibility of the applicant 

Application

Applicants must submit: 

• A complete application form
• An artist’s statement and/or biography (maximum 500 words)
• An up-to-date CV that includes artistic experience, not limited to: education, exhibitions, publications, achievements that are deemed important to your art practice, etc.
• An exhibition proposal that lists the works to be presented in consideration of the space available. Include the name of artist(s), title of work, date made, medium, and size
• 10 – 15 images of artwork that demonstrates the body of work to be included in the proposed exhibition (.jpg format, maximum 1MB, maximum resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels). Ensure photos are of good quality and accurately represent the artwork
• Preferred month of exhibition (e.g. 2024 - January, February, March)

Please indicate if you are a resident of Richmond Hill and/or the works feature a connection to Richmond Hill.

Selection Process

All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a selection committee, comprised of Richmond Hill staff and citizen representatives.  

Only successful applicants will be contacted to discuss the contract details and confirm the exhibit.  

Applications are accepted by completing the Visual Art Gallery Application Form online.

There is no application fee when submitting an exhibition proposal to the RHCPA Visual Art Gallery.  

All successful applicants will be required to pay a fee of $210 (+HST) that accounts for installation and administration costs. This fee is payable prior to the installation of the exhibition.

Exhibitors are invited to include work for sale at their exhibition. All funds from sales completed during the exhibit at the RHCPA will remain with the artist. The artist is responsible for managing sales during the exhibit. Funds will not be collected through the RHCPA Box Office.

Exhibitors have the opportunity to host an opening reception, should they wish. The coordination of the reception is the responsibility of the exhibitor(s), including scheduling with the City of Richmond Hill’s Theatre staff. All costs associated with the reception are the responsibility of the exhibitor(s).

Artist: Ziba Salehi-Rahni

Medium(s): Acrylic and Gouache

Ziba Salehi-Rahni’s paintings are a captivating fusion of traditional and modern techniques, reflecting the intricate connections between science, nature, and the arts. Her vibrant canvases explore themes of diversity, inclusion, and the human experience, inviting viewers into a world where the tangible and intangible meet. Each brushstroke is a testament to her technical prowess and deep commitment to visual storytelling. Ziba's work is not just seen, but felt, offering a profound visual journey that resonates with all who encounter it. Holding advanced degrees in Visual Communication, Graphic Design, and Education, she has taught at various institutions in Iran and Ontario including her private studio, advocating for diversity and inclusion through art. Her extensive exhibition history and numerous awards highlight her commitment to education and community. 

Artist Contact:

ZibaSalehiRahni.ca
Instagram: @ZibaSalehiRahni
Email: salehi_ziba@yahoo.com

Artist: Kate Greenway
Medium(s): Watercolour, glass and mixed media

Kate Greenway is a self-taught artist who creates in many mediums. Her works ranges from realistic watercolours to mixed media collages, all with a nature based theme. The inspiration behind her collections are taken from travels around the world, her own backyard, and some from pure imagination. All employ a delight in colour, a propensity for play and experimentation in technique, and joy in the landscapes and animals that surround us. Kate holds a Masters and Ph.D. in Arts Education, and has exhibited her collections across Ontario, as well as several states and provinces. 

This is Kate’s second solo show at RHCPA.

Artist Contact:

beaglesofballantrae.ca     

instagram.com/beaglesofballantrae/

Artist: Yi Mei
Medium(s): Oil and Acrylic Paint

Yi Mei is a Richmond Hill based artist who works primarily in oil and acrylic painting. Her collection also explores abstract painting, using a variety of mixed media and texture techniques on canvas to create floral pieces inspired by her surroundings and community. Her paintings represent life unfolding and personal stories. She loves integrating natural materials from her daily living environment, such as dry plants from her backyard or moss from ponds mixed with pigments, and then applying them to the canvas to create a sense of intimacy.

Yi received a Master of Design Art from Donghua University (Shanghai, China) and achieved an Art and Design Studio Skills Certificate from OCAD University.

Artist(s): Canadian Art Creation Association (ACAC)

Future Scrolls - ACAC Youth Painting Exhibition is the seventh art exhibition hosted by the Canadian Art Creation Association (ACAC). The theme of this exhibition is “Future”, aiming to showcase the beautiful vision and imagination of young people for the future world. In the paintings of young people, we can see their exploration and innovation in various aspects such as technology, environment, society, and culture, as well as their care and responsibility for themselves and others. These works not only showcase the artistic talent and aesthetic taste of young people, but also reflect their depth of thought and values.

Artist: Sanaz Daghighi
Medium(s): Pastels and Oils

Sanaz Daghighi is a visual artist, born and educated in Tehran, Iran. She has a Graphic Design degree from an art university and began painting at the age of 15 years old. After immigrating to Canada in 2017, and taking residents in Richmond Hill, Sanaz has shared her artistic talents with others, by starting painting classes for both children and adults. She has also held many individual art shows and was nominated as newcomer artist in Toronto. Sanaz is inspired by nature, and has a particular focus on Pastels and Oils in her collection.

Artist Contact:
sanazpainting.com
@sanazpainting1807
Facebook.com/SanazPainting