The East Bay Express has recognized the Richmond Art Center as the "Best Community Art Resource" of 2003. The Richmond Art Center is located  at 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond, 510-620-6772; www.TheRichmondArtCenter.org.

The story follows:

This center has been around since 1936, but it's still a largely unknown jewel of the East Bay. It's surprising how many local art luminaries have shown here over the years, many in their first solo shows or first major retrospectives. Among others, this list includes Joan Brown, Enrique Chagoya, Squeak Carnwath, Paul Kos, Hung Liu, Nathan Oliveira, and Tom Marioni (who was also the center's director in the early 1970s).

But just as vital as the gallery exhibitions are its community-oriented arts programs: studio classes, workshops, art tours, residencies, and more. Every month features a new selection of fun and educational activities for kids and adults alike. Check the Web site to find out what's coming up and, more important, how to become a member. You'll get discounts on regular activities and events, not to mention all kinds of members-only perks like previews of new exhibitions.

Showing in the South Gallery through May 31 is "Scenes and Zines," featuring hundreds of examples of artwork from CDs, LPs, and zines by Bay Area publishers, artists, and producers.

http://www.eastbayexpress.com/issues/2003-05-07/bestpeople20.html/1/index.html.