Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley

The Berkeley Art Center (BAC), established in 1967, is a nonprofit arts organization and community hub located in the scenic Live Oak Park on Walnut Street, North Berkeley. Designed in the Arts and Crafts style by architect Robert W. Ratcliff, the building was originally built by the Berkeley Rotary Club and named the Berkeley Rotary Art Club. It was later donated to the city and managed by the Berkeley Parks and Recreation Department until the nonprofit Berkeley Art Center Association took over in 1979.

Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Live Oak Park, BAC offers a tranquil setting where visitors can immerse themselves in contemporary art while connecting with the community. Through its exhibitions, discussions, and events, the center serves as a platform for Bay Area artists to present works that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought on topics such as California history, social movements, identity, equity, and community. The first exhibition, 6 Figure Painters, opened on May 7, 1967, curated by Carl Worth, featuring prominent artists like Robert Bechtle and Gerald Gooch.

Over the years, BAC has hosted an impressive roster of artists, including Chiura Obata (1967), Bill Fontana (1985), Mildred Howard (1987), David Huffman (2021), and many others, reflecting the center's dedication to showcasing diverse perspectives.

Beyond exhibitions, BAC also fosters creativity through the Berkeley Art Studio, which offers classes in ceramics, photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, textile arts, and more. Open to UC Berkeley students, faculty, staff, and the broader community, the studio welcomes participants of all skill levels, providing quality instruction led by professional artists.

Whether you're looking to explore contemporary art or develop your artistic skills, the Berkeley Art Center is a vibrant space where creativity and community converge.