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.
Who We Are
The 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.
Why Join RRAA?
Join for fun. Join for the company of other artists. Whether you’re highly accomplished or just a beginner hoping to look over someone’s shoulder, RRAA is a great place to find a welcoming community of artists. Maybe you hope to sell paintings or sculpture. Maybe it’s just a matter of personal growth and the desire to share what you do in the pleasant camaraderie or our group. There are countless reasons to join, which is why we have painters, sculptors, fiber artists, jewelers, digital artists, animators, photographers, paper cutters and people of every stripe. We’re also part of a larger community of students, patrons, teachers and sponsors.
Join because a thriving arts community is essential for a good quality of life. It’s good for our city. It’s good for our businesses. It’s good for our families. It’s good for the soul.
Benefits
Benefits of becoming an active RRAA member include:
- Meetings and crits where you share and learn from others
- Our members can also participate in multiple shows where art is sold. RRAA takes only 10% to cover minor costs and Members pay no additional participation fees.
- Increased access to patrons by having your work on the RRAA website, with a link to your own website.
- Potlucks and social gatherings where art is shared as well as techniques and tips.
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 over 30 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.