ABOUT THE RAL ART CENTER

Behind the Red Door at 19 North Main Street in Kilmarnock you will find an award-winning and unique cooperative Art Center.

The RAL Art Center has been a part of the Northern Neck community since 1949 when a trio of local artists and art lovers decided to bring art to the community and community to the arts. This passionate notion has grown into what is now a non-profit, cooperative art center, owned and operated mainly by its members, and offering original art and craftwork for sale, monthly themed exhibitions, art instruction to all ages and abilities, open studios, casual paint nights, and scholarship and support to local art students.

The Art Center is comprised of the Gallery, the Stouffer Exhibit Room, and the Pike Studio.

The Gallery features extraordinary original artwork from our 50+ cooperative

member-artists. Their work is produced in all media: flatwork in oil, acrylic and

watercolor; photography; handcrafts including fiber, jewelry, pottery, sculpture and basket weaving; and unframed prints and original artwork and note cards. Within The Gallery there is a Gift Shop filled with a variety of handmade craftwork. 

The Stouffer Exhibit Room features themed exhibits each month, ending the year with The Holiday Shop.   Our monthly exhibits are open to participation for all members of the Art Center and are judged by various renowned art experts, with ribbons awarded. 

The Pike Studio, “a great place to learn, grow and connect,” is our newly expanded and remodeled classroom space where we offer instruction for artists of every level, ranging from casual Paint Nights to Open Studios, to formal instruction. It is also the space where we hold art instruction for children including the popular summertime Kids' Art Camp.

The RAL Art Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that welcomes everyone to discover how art can enrich our lives and bring people together. It provides a place for residents and visitors alike to create and appreciate the visual arts and to buy top quality artwork by regional artists. 

Step behind the Red Door to see why we are voted time and again the #1 Art Gallery in Eastern Virginia.  Since 1949, we have been living our mission

to “inspire arts in the community and the community in the arts.”