History of the Renton Annual Art Show
A little history...
- 1961 First Renton Annual Art Show is held on the mall at Renton Shopping Center (now the Fred Meyer location). The "purchase prize" was established to encourage artists and to begin an art collection for the City of Renton.
- 1963 Renton Municipal Arts Commission is created and a mutually beneficial relationship with Renton Annual Art Show (RAAS) ensues.
- 1970 RAAS establishes Little Gallery division purchase prize to be donated to the Renton School District
- 1983 Renton Municipal Arts Commission donates funds for musical entertainment at RAAS Preview Party
- 1986 Renton River Days is founded and RAAS agrees to be a featured event of the festival
- 1989 RAAS moves to the Renton Community Center at the request of Renton River Days
- 1990 RAAS agrees to provide venue for local musicians to play Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the show. Renton River Days provides stipends for musicians thanks to a contribution from Renton Municipal Arts Commission
- 2001 Renton Foundation provides grant for new easels
- 2007 RAAS donates 12 art works to Renton Technical College
The goal of the Renton Annual Art Show is to provide a quality exhibit for the community and to provide generous awards in order to attract outstanding art work from local and regional artists.
There are three divisions in the show: Main Show, Student and Little Gallery.
All work shown is original, current and of artistic merit. The show is carefully hung to show each piece to its advantage. All work is for sale. RAAS takes a 30% commission on each piece sold.
As a compliment to the paintings and prints, RAAS invites several craft artists to exhibit their work as Invitational Artists. These items are also for sale.
Renton Annual Art Show ensures purchasers of excellent quality at affordable prices.