Events and Exhibitions at The Ridgewood Art Institute include demonstrations, member or juried shows, and other activities that bring our members together with the broader realism community
Annual RAI Members Summer Show
Become a member today and enjoy the many benefits to showcase your work.
VIEWING: Please call ahead at (201) 652-9615 to confirm daily gallery hours.
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PAPER UNDER GLASS: Members work in Watercolor, Ink, Pastel, Charcoal & Graphite.
VIEWING: Please call ahead at (201) 652-9615 to confirm gallery hours.
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Registration is required. Spaces are limited.
Donation: $10 Members, $20 Non-Members
Signups in the Barn Lobby or email:
Programs@ridgewoodartinstitute.org
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Join us at the annual Art in the Park event in Van Neste Square.
Hosted by the Ridgwood Arts Foundation.
Join master instructors, Rebecca Leer, Shawn Vales, Stephanie Cook, for an afternoon of hands-on demonstrations on stretching canvas, restoring vibrancy to paintings and framing pastels. Also joining in will be Craig, owner of NJ Frame & Molding.
Donation: $10 Members, $20 Non-Members
Join us for our annual exhibition of works from RAI’s very own talented instructors.
Join us for an art lecture with author and historian Hugh Howard and learn how the first painters in America established the art of painting in a distinctly American way.
Join RAI Instructor and educator Shawn Vales who argues that artists, not technology are in charge. From the introduction of perspective to the invention of photography, new technologies and tools have enhanced art in the hands of those who held to their purpose, and degraded art in the hands of those who lost their integrity.
Receiving: November 6th thru 12th
Reception: Sunday, November 15th, 2–4 PM
Bring your friends and family and find a beautiful piece of original artwork to celebrate the season or give as a gift.
Rent the RAI galleries January 1 - 31st to showcase your artwork in our galleries. Choose from 4 different galleries, or book them all.
Contact us to learn more and reserve your spot.
2025 - 2026 Schedule of Events
Calling all members!
The Ridgewood Art Institute Annual Meeting will be held at the Barn to vote on the 2026-27 Budget and to elect Board Officers and Trustees for those whose terms expired.
Following these votes, join the Board for a demonstration by RAI Instructor and master Illustrator, Bill Angresano.
Receiving: May 16th - 19th during class time
Reception/Awards: Sunday, June 7th 2:00pm - 3:00pm
An exhibition of works done by the Institute's young aspiring artists members and non-members (Ages 8-17) from surrounding areas.
Sunday, May 17th at 2:00 PM
Join talented RAI Member Jose F. Morales (Joe) for a live demonstration. Try his Fountain Pen & Wash Technique that captures light through value changes.
RAI will supply all necessary materials to the first 15 registrants who attend.
Attendees must register in advance via the sign-up sheet in the Barn lobby or email programs@ridgewoodartinstitute.org to indicate your interest. Please use the subject line: “May 17th Art Lecture.”
Non-Member Donation Fee $20
Help us continue to fund educational and community programs at RAI.
Purchase a sponsorship today to reserve your chance to take home a beautiful piece of art.
At the Drawing on May 1st, 8pm, sponsors’ names are drawn from a lottery, and each sponsor selects a framed painting to take home.
Visit during class times and on weekends from 12-4pm.
Join us for the Reception & Awards on March 22nd, 2-4pm
Congratulations to the accepted artists and the award winners.
View the gallery online or visit us to see it in person.
Receiving: January 5th - 11th 2026
Show Dates: January 18th - February 14th 2026
Pick Up: February 14th - 18th 2026
Artwork for Sale:
25% Commission to RAI. (Payment to Artist, Artist pays commission to RAI)
Artwork may be NFS as well.
Artist may submit up to 3 pieces of artwork
Entry fee is $10 per piece of artwork or $25 for three (3) pieces
Artwork must be framed, wired and ready to hang, Watercolor & Pastel must be under glass; Artwork not ready for hanging will not be included in the Exhibit.
Artwork must be in the Traditional American Realism manner; Chairperson has final decision on rejecting work not in this style.
All artists in “Member Shows” must be on the current membership list; Artwork by non-members will not be included in a Member Show.
Volunteer Gallery Sitters: Exhibiting artists are asked to participate in weekend Gallery Sitting for their show for 3 Saturday and 2 Sunday afternoons. Time slots are 12-2pm and 2-4pm. Signup sheet available during drop off.
Giving Tuesday is a day that encourages people to give back in whatever ways they can. It presents nonprofit organizations with the chance to raise even more money than they would on an average day of giving, which is why many organizations create special campaigns to participate in this day of Giving.
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a very unique organization providing the finest instruction in Classical Realism in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at any time. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level. Our two gorgeous north lit studios as well as our 3 galleries are just a part of what RAI offers. We also sponsor events and workshops throughout the year, that are of interest to artists and art enthusiasts alike.
What most people DON'T realize, is that EVERYONE EXCEPT our wonderful Instructors is an unpaid volunteer. It takes the efforts of many to keep RAI thriving. The cost of maintaining our Historic Building, running events, utilities etc, well outweigh the amount of revenue we bring in thru membership.
PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO RAI ON GIVING TUESDAY, THIS DECEMBER 2ND.
Your gift will support this jewel in our community which is a gift to so many.
Receiving: November 1st - 7th
Reception: Sunday, November 23rd, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Pick Up: January 3rd - January 8th, 2026
Artwork must be for sale (25% commission to RAI for sold work)
Artist may submit up to 3 pieces of artwork
Entry fee is $10 per piece of artwork or $25 for three (3) pieces
Artwork must be framed, wired and ready to hang, Watercolor & Pastel must be under glass; Artwork not ready for hanging will not be included in the Exhibit.
Artwork must be in the Traditional American Realism manner; Chairperson has final decision on rejecting work not in this style.
All artists in “Member Shows” must be on the current membership list; Artwork by non-members will not be included in a Member Show.
Volunteer Gallery Sitters for 5 Saturday and 5 Sunday afternoons (20 time slots) to keep building open. Time slots are 12-2pm and 2-4pm. Signup sheet available during drop off
Members: Free
Non-Members: Suggested Donation $20
LIVESTREAM Link: https://youtube.com/live/WfGmDE7NCYo?feature=share
Featuring the work of our Ridgewood Art Institute Instructors.
Receiving: September 29th - October 4th
Pick Up: November 1st - November 4th
Featuring portrait work of our RAI members.
Featuring the works of RAI members.
Pick Up: September 2nd - 8th
Show Dates: July 1st to August 31st, 2025
An exhibition of works done by the Institute's young aspring artists members and non-members (Ages 8-17) from surrounding areas.
Reception/Awards: Sunday, June 1st 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Receiving: May 17th - 20th during class times
Pick Up : June 15th - 17th during class times
Join us today for an art supply demo!
The 72nd Annual Sponsor Show
$10 suggested donation at door
This is an opportunity to learn how to draw! Feel confident to be able to join in our other classes offered at RAI.
March 2nd - March 23rd
Reception/Awards: March 23rd 2 - 4pm
Featuring the work of artists from around the country.
On view daily during class times (consult our class schedule or call 201-652-9615)
Saturday 9am-4pm
Sunday 12-4pm
Robert Papp, The Reluctant Musician - Arthur F. Maynard Award Winner
AWARD WINNERS
Arthur F. Maynard Award $1,000 Robert Papp
Lawrence & Lydia Miniter Award $750 Jie Li
Irv & Joan Englander Memorial Award $400 Todd Casey
Giancola Goldberg Memorial Award $400 Nicole Mone
Betty Kaytes Floral Award $300 Anne Johan
Joeseph B. Fazio Memorial Award $200 Alba Mezini
American Artist Professional League Award $200 Spike Ress
Angela Mineo Memorial Award $200 Chong Sun Oh
Mancuso Family Award $200 Robert Seufert
Marsha Holst Memorial Award $200 Regina Miele
New Jersey Watercolor Society Award $200 Thomas Rutledge
Hudson Valley Art Association Award $150 Susan Weintraub
Bill Fornaci Memorial Award for Oil Painting $150 Wendy Moore
Marilyn Dorfman Memorial Award $100 Rebecca Rosenheck
Kent Art Association Award $100 Joel Mitnick
Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Award $100 Terri Rosenblum
Anna Holst Memorial Award $100 Marisa Picardo
Pastel Society of America Award $100 Lori Weisenfeld
Ulrich Award $100 Jimmie Arroyo
Salmagundi Club Award $100 MaryBeth McCabe
Featuring Still Life works of art by our members.
Come join us to see nationally recognized T.M. Nicholas give an artists demonstration.
1:30pm in East Gallery of R.A.I.
$20 suggested donation to attend
Our Members' Holiday Show features the work of our current Members and Instructors.
Art makes a great gift for the holidays!
Join us in a reception on Sunday, November 17th 1:00-4:00pm
The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructor’s Exhibition features the work of our current Instructors. This exhibit provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the possibilities of starting either a new class or a new medium with one of our accomplished Instructors in our beautiful north light studios.
PRIZE WINNERS
1st place - Mary Zisk “Summer Shadow”
2nd place - Pat Smythe “Maryland Shore”
3rd place - Julius Carallo “Once on a Summer Day”
Honorable Mention - Ted Kastner “Cranberry Lake Fireworks”
Honorable Mention - Tong Chen “Fall in Vancouver”
The Ridgewood Art Institute is proud to present the Members’ Landscape Show, showcasing our artist members' works in classic realism. This exhibition will feature stunning landscapes, seascapes, city-scapes, and Plein air pieces rendered in oils, watercolor, or pastel.
Throughout the wonderful days of summer, our artist members have been inspired to create these exceptional works, and we are thrilled to provide a platform for their talents to shine.
We invite everyone to experience the amazing artwork generated here at RAI. As a special incentive, cash prizes will be awarded to the best works, celebrating the exceptional talent within our community.
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the finest instruction in a variety of mediums. Our classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, allowing students to join at any time and receive personalized instruction tailored to their skill levels.
Join us in celebrating the beauty of classic realism and the remarkable artistry of our members.
Artist Pick Up: September 28th - October 3rd
The Ridgewood Art Institute is inviting all our Artist Members to submit up to 3 paintings in Oils, Watercolor Drawing or Pastel, wired and framed for this show.
Landscape, Seascape, Cityscape and Plein Air in the traditional manner is accepted.
The entry fee is $10 per piece.
We encourage our Artist Members to utilize these wonderful days of Summer, to inspire works that can be shown in this show and possibly find their forever homes.
This is yet another opportunity that membership provides to showcase the amazing work that is generated here at RAI.
Cash prizes and honorable mentions will be awarded to best works! (Instructors not included in judging)
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non profit organization providing the finest instruction in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at anytime. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level.
The Ridgewood Art Institute's 2024 Members' Summer Show is on display through August 31st and features selected works by Ridgewood Art Institute member artists.
Displayed are many beautiful landscape, seascape, still life, floral, portrait and figurative works in oil, watercolor and pastel.
Works are offered for sale and are framed, wired and ready to hang.
The Ridgewood Art Institute galleries are open to the public daily.
Show Dates: June 2nd - June 16th 2024
Removal of Artwork: June 16th -18th during class times
ELIGIBILITY
The Ridgewood Art Institute invites all young artists in Ridgewood and surrounding communities to enter this exhibition. Student members of the Ridgewood Art Institute may enter up to two original works total from their respective RAI Young People’s classes. Non-member students (ages 8 - 17) may enter one original piece: school and independent work of any size is acceptable. No computer generated or 3-dimensional art will be accepted.
JUDGING & AWARDS
All entries will be judged by the Ridgewood Art Institute's instructors. Cash prizes, merchandise awards, certificates of merit and honorable mentions will be awarded.
RECEPTION, AWARDS CEREMONY & EXHIBITION DATES
An opening reception and awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 2nd from 2pm – 3pm for entrants, their family and friends. The exhibition will close on Saturday, June 16th. All works must be picked up between June 16th - 18th during young people’s class times.
LIABILITY
The Ridgewood Art Institute will not be responsible for loss or damage of the entries.
The Ridgewood Art Institute promotes an interest in the fine arts in Ridgewood and surrounding communities. For more information call (201) 652-9615.
President: Carl Holst
Education Chair: Laura Paray
