soulcitizen Richard Samuel opened RichesArt Gallery, a now Eastside Austin staple, back in 2021 and it rapidly became a community staple. It was also the only Black-owned art gallery in Austin at the time. Fast forward almost exactly two years later, and he is in the works of opening a second location on East Cesar Chavez Street as soon as this Fall. Keep reading to learn how you can get a sneak peek at the latest RichesArt Gallery studio before it opens to the public.
You put yourself out there, and it’ll come to you
Upon opening the OG RichesArt Gallery, Samuel already had a five-year plan that included expansion, partnership, land ownership, etc. “This opportunity made sense,” he said. “You put yourself out there, and it’ll come to you.”
When asked if the Cesar Chavez gallery would have the same vibe and events as the East 6th Street location, he stated that you could never replicate that exact vibe. Plus, the second location will be a bit more corporate. So it will be a gallery by day with events held after hours. Next door will also be a creative content house with two photography rooms, a podcast room, and a meeting room.
“The plan wasn’t like this when I first started. When opening it (the first gallery), there was a need, but I didn’t know the true need the community had for the location. So, the goal was different, but the five-year plan still applied,” Samuel stated.
In its brief time of existence, the current gallery has already accomplished so much, from countless artist collaborations to weekly events and classes to local and national recognition. Expanding to a second location can only bring more inspiration and opportunities for the gallery as well as the community.
[modula id=”56952″]If you’ve never been to RichesArt Gallery or experienced an event there, make sure to add the poetry slam this Thursday, August 31, at 8 p.m., to your calendar. Also, save the date for the new Cesar Chavez studio’s soft opening happy hour this Friday, September 1, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at 1211 East Cesar Chavez Street.
A dollar or two from each of our 10,000 followers would go very far.
If you would like to help get the second studio up and running, you can support RichesArt by attending their events. You can also donate directly through the GoFundMe campaign. Every $10 you donate to the crowdfunding gets you a raffle entry to possibly win a custom hat or work of art made by Richard Samuel himself.
“A dollar or two from each of our 10,000 followers would go very far. That would be great!” Richard Samuel, owner of RichesArt Gallery
soulciti would like to congratulate Samuel on all his success and will continue to support him in his efforts to bring more creative and cultural opportunities to the people of Austin.
The 6th St gallery hours are Monday from 12 to 5 PM, Tuesday – Friday from 12 – 7 PM, and Saturday from 11 – 6 PM. Visit their website for the latest info.