The Visual Arts Center of Richmond presents two free events Sun., Dec 6:
1-4 p.m.: “Art Free for All: Present Factory” Open House
4-5 p.m.: Gallery Talk — Collectors Recall Roots of the Craft + Design Show

The annual open house returns on Sun., Dec. 6, from 1 till 4 p.m. Art Free-For-All: Present Factory is a free event for all ages, featuring workshops in all of the Visarts studios, geared towards making holiday presents.

Come on in, and try your hand at printing your own wrapping paper and letterpress holiday cards, make a holiday garland, felt hair clips, and more!

Enjoy some holiday snacks and the music of the Fan District Caroling Association, along with a special performance of Silent Music Revival, who will show a silent film while local Richmond musicians, Now Sleepyhead, play an improvisational soundtrack.

Collectors Marcia & Harry Thalhimer, Tricia & Jack Pearsall and Tom Jones will discuss their recollections of the early years of the Craft + Design Show from 4-5 p.m. in the True F. Luck Gallery, in conjunction with the current exhibition, 20/20: A Look Back at the Craft + Design Show.

The recent edition was the 45th occurrence of this annual event benefiting the Visual Arts Center. The retrospective exhibition features pieces purchased at the Craft + Design Show selected from the collections of these speakers, among others.

Support for the exhibition is provided in part by Altria Group, Inc.; it remains on view through Dec. 23, 2009.

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond, at 1812 W. Main St., is open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. Call (804) 353-0094 or click here.

– The information above was provided by Maggi Tinsley at the Visual Arts Center