President’s Message - 2024

Welcome to the Ridgewood Art Institute. RAI is a Bergen County jewel. All are welcome to join classes, lectures, demonstrations and exhibitions. If you ask RAI members and the community at large what RAI means to them you’ll likely get an array of responses. Parents with younger children will talk about how classes encourage creativity and self-expression, and provide a way to build confidence beyond the artist’s tools. Others will say they find focus and passion in learning how to paint. Accomplished artists will say how they are able to hone their skills alongside like-minded peers. For me, I appreciate the warm and welcoming community of creative people where I feel at home.

The setting is unparalleled. The moment you enter the “barn” you know you are in an extraordinary place. The building itself was constructed in 1861, a turning point in American history with the start of the Civil War. RAI, formerly The Ridgewood Art Association, was established in 1935 and found its permanent home here in 1947. The Association has a rich history influenced by pioneers such as Frank Vincent DuMond, whose impact is still felt and preserved today with the use of the prismatic palette. The beauty of this community is that artists of all ages and abilities can find an amazing connection to a variety of mediums (as illustrated by the class schedule). The north light studios are a rare gift, allowing artists to paint as the old masters once did. As we approach our 100 year anniversary, it is more important than ever to preserve and expand on our rich history and tradition. Please stop by and enjoy all that RAI has to offer! As a non-profit 501(c)(3) arts organization, we welcome and appreciate your support.

Suzanne Bochet,
Co-President