Rogue River Artists Association is a group of art makers, highly accomplished, beginners and everything in between. We’re painters, sculptors, paper cutters, fiber artists, jewelers, set designers, animators, photographers, graphic artists and potters. We’re also students, hobbyists, dabblers, patrons, teachers and sponsors.
At RRAA, we’re all learners and are happy to share knowledge as we learn from each other. We believe in collaboration with others who understand and support the personal growth and goals of our members.
Our Vision
The vision of the Rogue River Artists Association is to inspire creativity and imagination through the visual arts.
Our Mission
The mission of the Rogue River Artists Association is to support, nurture, develop, and promote success in the personal goals and growth of the artists, and to partner with the community to build a future in which art is integral.
2023 Board of Directors
- Peg Baumann – President
- Michele Thompson – Vice President
- Ron Aye – Secretary and Show Coordinator
- Danielle Benson-Fennell – Show Coordinator
- Linda Bassford – Treasurer
History
The association formed in 1992 when local artists got together with the Rockford Area Arts Commission and started the “Waterworks Gallery”. The Rockford Area Arts Commission found and funded a space in the Rockford City Water Plant building for the gallery. In addition to contributing artwork, the artists also ran day-to-day operations, hung shows and greeted the public.
In 2001, the gallery moved to the Hush Puppy Factory at Wolverine Worldwide and was renamed the Rogue River Art Gallery. The group of artists involved with the gallery became known as the Rogue River Artists Association. When the factory went through an expansion in 2004, the gallery closed and activities were redistributed to a variety of Rockford venues, many of which were supported by the Rockford Area Arts Commission.
The Rockford Area Arts Commission, an umbrella organization which supports several area groups including the RRAA (Rogue River Artists Association), seeks to make art accessible to the entire Rockford community enhancing the quality of life for all Rockford residents.
Today, the Rogue River Artists Association has around 50 active artist members and many sponsors thanks to the generosity of local businesses. Our members create artworks using a wide range of media including but not limited to: painting, digital art, photography, drawing, paper cutting, fiber art, video, pastels and sculpture.
