RAL ART CENTER EXHIBITS and SIGNATURE EVENTS
Monthly Themed Exhibits
The Stouffer Exhibit Room is the site of our monthly themed exhibits open to all RAL Art Center members. Up to two pieces of original art are accepted for each exhibit from any active member for a nominal fee. Each exhibit is judged with ribbons awarded.
2021 Exhibit Schedule
July -- Small Works and the Virginia Watercolor Society Regional Show
August -- Call of the Wild
September -- 60th Annual Labor Day Art Show
October -- Whimsy, Funk & Fun
November -- Express Yourself
December -- Annual Holiday Shop
The Great Art Heist
June is the month for this very special ticketed event. Original artwork valued above the ticket price is donated by members and includes the work of our co-op artists. Each ticket is randomly drawn, giving the holder the chance to select the artwork of their choice to take home. A silent auction of donated artwork, craftwork and special items from local sponsors is part of this event as well.
Since 1961, RAL has staged this Art Exhibit in the month of September, transforming the entire Gallery into exhibit space. Again, this special show is open to all active members. Monetary awards and ribbons, monetary memorial awards and a Best-In-Show silver bowl are presented each year by a well-known judge.
The Holiday Shop
December sees the Stouffer Exhibit Room transformed into a wonderland of holiday gift items handmade by our members and co-op artists and priced at $100 or less. This is a popular place to "shop local" for special, original gifts for family and friends.
Small Works
Small Works – July 2021 Exhibit
July 2021 promises to be an exciting month in the Stouffer Exhibit Room as RAL unveils its Small Works Exhibit! This popular show is an art lovers’ favorite for gift-giving and the small spaces in your home. The exhibit is comprised of original “small works” of art that are NO LARGER than 154 square inches (including mat and frame). For 3-dimensional entries the work should be less than 154 square inches when multiplying the two longest sides. Entries are due on Monday, June 28 between 10:00am and 12:00pm. The show will hang from June 29th thru July 31.
Art by Cheryl Mihills
Labor Day Art Show
September 1 - 25, 2021
The RAL Art Center is pleased to announce that the Art Center’s major signature event, the Annual Labor Day Art Show (LDAS) will be held Sept. 1 through Sept. 25 at 19 N. Main St., Kilmarnock, VA 22482. The Awards Ceremony and Reception will be held Friday, September 3 from 5 to 7 pm at the Art Center. In addition to our usual Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm days and hours, the show will be open Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend to accommodate visitors celebrating the end of summer.
The LDAS is widely recognized as one of the longest-standing visual arts shows in Virginia. Held in a variety of venues over its 60-year history, the show moved to RAL Art Center in 2014. Our attendance has increased to over 1,200 visitors.
ATTENTION ARTISTS: The LDAS is open to all RAL Art Center members in any medium. All work must be original. The show is not juried, but ribbons and monetary prizes will be awarded by a renowned judge.
Current Exhibiting Co-op Artists must remove their artwork from the main Gallery starting Tues. Aug. 24 and down by Sat. Aug. 28. These artists will be able to exhibit one piece in the Exhibit Room as the entire gallery area will be transformed into the Labor Day Art Show. That special Co-op Artists' Exhibit takes place concurrently with the LDAS.
Production of the LDAS requires the dedication of seasoned and new members both in orchestrating the event and creating prized pieces of art. Loyal sponsors are being solicited for their support and promotional material is being designed.
KEY DATES:
- Entry Forms/Fees Due Aug. 14 (no exceptions)
- LDAS Receiving - Sun. & Mon. Aug. 29 & 30
- Awards Ceremony and Reception - Fri. Sept. 3, 5 to 7pm
The Prospectus and Entry Form are available at RAL Art Center's website www.ralartcenter.com.
Mary Ellis & Barbara Kershner - Co-Chairs
Art by Patty Richards, "Best in Show" 2020 Labor Day Art Show
Call of the Wild
August 2021 Exhibition – Call of the Wild
The RAL Art Center is wild for art! This first-ever exhibit is open to RAL members who are inspired by the animal kingdom – local, regional and worldwide. Let your imagination run free as you plan for and execute your work in any medium. Fur, feathers, fins and more we hope to see them all. From domestic pets, birds of the rainforest, creatures from the Serengeti bring us your best! This exhibit is sure to be a hit with visitors of every age. This show will be open to the public from August 3rd through 28th.
Art by Don Presnell
