Riverside Arts Center

- 76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Situated in the heart of downtown Ypsilanti, the Riverside Arts Center is a cornerstone of the local creative community. More than just a gallery, it is a multi-faceted hub that nurtures, promotes, and showcases a wide array of arts and cultural programs for residents of Washtenaw County and beyond. Housed in a beautifully renovated historic building, originally the Ypsilanti Masonic Temple, this facility offers a unique and inspiring space for both artists and art lovers. The center serves as a vital point of connection, where people can experience a diverse range of artistic ventures, from captivating visual arts exhibitions to engaging live performances. For anyone in the Michigan area looking for a place to immerse themselves in local art and culture, the Riverside Arts Center provides an inviting and dynamic environment.

The center’s mission is to be a hub of artistic activity with something for everyone, a goal it achieves by offering a variety of programs and spaces. It provides a platform for local and regional artists to exhibit their work, and for performance companies to showcase their talent. The welcoming atmosphere is evident in the feedback from visitors, such as the review that noted the "very interesting arts works and shops." This sentiment speaks to the curated and engaging nature of the exhibits and the overall experience. By hosting a wide diversity of art, from students to professionals, the Riverside Arts Center ensures that its content is always fresh, thought-provoking, and representative of the community it serves. It is a place where every visit can lead to a new discovery, whether it’s a stunning painting, a unique sculpture, or a lively live show.

Beyond its role as a showcase for art, the Riverside Arts Center is deeply committed to arts education. It provides opportunities for people to not only consume art but also to create it themselves through a variety of classes and workshops. This dedication to both education and exhibition solidifies its position as a central figure in the Ypsilanti and southeastern Michigan arts scene, making it a valuable resource for anyone passionate about the arts.

The Riverside Arts Center is conveniently located in downtown Ypsilanti at 76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA. This prime address places it just one block north of Michigan Avenue and directly connected to the scenic Riverside Park. Its central location makes it easily accessible for visitors from all over the region, including Ann Arbor and other nearby cities.

For visitors with mobility concerns, the center is a highly accessible destination. It features a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring a smooth and convenient arrival. The building itself also has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, which demonstrates the center's commitment to inclusivity and its mission to serve and engage the entire community. The surrounding area offers additional parking options, including several nearby lots on N. Washington and S. Huron streets, which makes finding a spot for your vehicle relatively easy. The location's proximity to public transport and its walkability within the downtown area further enhance its accessibility, allowing more people to enjoy the cultural programs on offer. The center’s thoughtful design and consideration for its patrons’ comfort are key aspects of its welcoming nature, ensuring that everyone can participate in the vibrant artistic life it promotes.

The Riverside Arts Center offers a diverse range of services that cater to various artistic interests and community needs. These services are what make it a true arts hub in the region, encompassing visual arts, performing arts, and education.

• Art Galleries: The center features a 2,600 square foot art gallery that hosts 6-8 exhibitions annually, showcasing a wide variety of works by Michigan artists.
• Theater: The facility includes a 115-seat theater that is available to community and youth theater groups. It is the resident venue for companies like PTD Productions and Horizon Performing Arts, offering a consistent schedule of live shows and performances.
• Artist Studios: The center provides five individual artist studios, offering a dedicated space for local creators to work and develop their craft.
• Dance and Rehearsal Studios: There is a dance studio utilized by dance companies and performers, as well as three rehearsal studios for various artistic purposes.
• Classes and Workshops: The center provides arts education through a variety of classes for all ages and skill levels, covering a range of mediums.
• Community Events: Riverside Arts Center hosts a variety of events, including the Ypsi Fine Arts Club gatherings, which allow local artists to showcase their work.
• Facility Rentals: The various spaces, including the theater and studios, are available for rent, providing a professional venue for other community groups and organizations.

The Riverside Arts Center is more than just a building; it is a community institution with several unique features and highlights that make it a local treasure. These attributes contribute to its positive reputation and its role as a vital cultural asset in Ypsilanti.

• Accessibility: The wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance are significant highlights, demonstrating a commitment to making the arts available to everyone in the community.
• Multi-Disciplinary Focus: Unlike a traditional gallery, the center’s focus is on both visual and performing arts. The presence of an art gallery, a theater, and dance studios under one roof creates a dynamic and diverse environment that appeals to a broader audience. The customer review about buying a live show ticket in the theater perfectly illustrates this dual nature.
• Community-Centric Mission: The center’s mission is to serve and engage the local community, which is evident in its programming. By providing spaces for local artists and theater troupes, it acts as a launchpad for home-grown talent and ensures a continuous flow of locally relevant content.
• Gender-Neutral Toilets: This amenity shows a forward-thinking and inclusive approach to creating a welcoming space for all visitors, regardless of gender identity.
• Interesting Artworks and Shops: A customer review highlights the interesting art and "shops." This suggests that beyond just viewing, there are opportunities to engage with and even purchase local art, which supports the artists and enhances the visitor experience.

For more information on exhibitions, show times, or to get involved, you can contact the Riverside Arts Center using the following details:

Address: 76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA

Phone: (734) 480-2787

For anyone in the Ypsilanti or greater Ann Arbor area, choosing the Riverside Arts Center is a decision to support and engage with a cornerstone of the local arts scene. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. The most prominent is its unique combination of visual art exhibitions and performing arts venues. This multi-faceted approach means that there is always something new to discover, whether you’re in the mood to quietly contemplate a gallery exhibit or to enjoy the excitement of a live show. This blend of experiences ensures that the center remains a dynamic and engaging place to visit repeatedly.

Furthermore, the center’s dedication to accessibility and inclusivity is a major factor. Features like wheelchair-accessible parking and gender-neutral toilets show that the organization is actively working to create a space where everyone feels welcome and comfortable. This commitment to community extends to its programming, which supports local artists and provides a platform for their work. By visiting the Riverside Arts Center, you are not just a spectator; you are an active participant in the flourishing local arts ecosystem. The fact that it is also a place for education, with classes and workshops, means it serves as a place for both inspiration and creation. In short, the Riverside Arts Center is an essential part of Michigan's cultural fabric, and choosing to visit means choosing to support a place that values creativity, community, and accessibility for all.

Riverside Arts Center

76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA