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1st RASS in 1989 The Riverdale Art Show and Sale (RASS) has been enriching the community and supporting local artists since 1989. The show got its start due to the enthusiasm of local artist Jenny Reid. A member of St Barnabas Anglican Church, Jenny convinced a reluctant church leadership team to try the idea as a fundraiser, on the condition that the show not cost the church anything at all!
Eleven artists participated in that first show on Saturday, June 3, 1989. It exceeded all expectations, with 28 paintings sold, and more than $800 raised towards church special projects. The minister and church leadership team responded much more enthusiastically when a second show was proposed the following year! |
1990 to 2024 - 35 years of supporting local artists
The second show took place the following June, but in subsequent years the show moved to the autumn. Over time the format has evolved. Originally a one-day show, to mark the tenth anniversary in 1998 it was held over two days, Saturday and Sunday. In 2001 the format changed to a Friday evening showing and artists’ reception, followed by a Saturday.
After 25 years Jenny and her husband Neville Reid stepped down and Jane Smith, another member of St Barnabas Anglican Church, took over as coordinator. After a two year pause during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the show moved to August and relocated inside the main church, growing in 2023 to a three-day show. In 2024 the show took on its current time and location: the last weekend in September in the bright Upper Hall and Reception Room. 2024 was the best year thus far with $9,200 in sales.
Support is strong from local artists, and there is normally a waiting list of prospective participants. About 20 artists take part in the show every year, with a total of more than 150 over the years, many returning from year to year, with two or three new artists each year. Jenny Reid, who started the show, has been in almost every one, and several artists have been in 15 to 20 shows.
The set up established for that first show remains essentially unchanged. Tables and chairs are arranged around the hall so that three or four rows of paintings can be displayed. Artists show about twelve paintings, or six each if the display is shared.
After 25 years Jenny and her husband Neville Reid stepped down and Jane Smith, another member of St Barnabas Anglican Church, took over as coordinator. After a two year pause during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the show moved to August and relocated inside the main church, growing in 2023 to a three-day show. In 2024 the show took on its current time and location: the last weekend in September in the bright Upper Hall and Reception Room. 2024 was the best year thus far with $9,200 in sales.
Support is strong from local artists, and there is normally a waiting list of prospective participants. About 20 artists take part in the show every year, with a total of more than 150 over the years, many returning from year to year, with two or three new artists each year. Jenny Reid, who started the show, has been in almost every one, and several artists have been in 15 to 20 shows.
The set up established for that first show remains essentially unchanged. Tables and chairs are arranged around the hall so that three or four rows of paintings can be displayed. Artists show about twelve paintings, or six each if the display is shared.
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34 successful RASS' and still going strong
Success in Numbers The success of an art show cannot not be measured in dollars and cents alone, but in the pleasure given to the viewers, in their feedback to the artists, and in the continued enjoyment of so many people with local art in their homes. In these terms the Riverdale Art and Sale has enjoyed continuing success, and we look forward to many more shows.
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2025 and beyond
The Riverdale Art Show and Sale continues to be very popular in the community, with people watching for the signs to go up and then coming in numbers to view and purchase art. The show has developed a well-deserved reputation for featuring very high quality original art at modest prices, generally in the range of $50 to $500.
In 2025 we are again holding the show the last weekend of September in the Upper Hall and Reception Room: Friday September 26, from 6 pm to 9 pm, with a reception; Saturday September 27 at 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday September 28 at 1 pm to 5 pm. Watch for the signs and advertising, and come out to support our local artists!
In 2025 we are again holding the show the last weekend of September in the Upper Hall and Reception Room: Friday September 26, from 6 pm to 9 pm, with a reception; Saturday September 27 at 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday September 28 at 1 pm to 5 pm. Watch for the signs and advertising, and come out to support our local artists!
