> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Art After Dark Turns 5 With 97 Artists, Live Jazz and a Free Night at the Culver Center
- URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/art-after-dark-turns-5-with-97-artists-live-jazz-and-a-free-night-at-the-culver-center/
- Published: 2026-10-10T17:15:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-10T17:15:00.000Z
- Description: The free exhibition and art sale returns to the Culver Center on Oct. 17 with work by 97 accepted artists, live jazz and an upstairs gallery of mature-themed art.
- Author: Amy López
- Tags: Arts

Art After Dark, the annual exhibition and art sale produced by the Riverside Community Arts Association Gallery, returns for its fifth year on Saturday, Oct. 17, and for the first time as a juried show open to submissions from the broader arts community.

The free event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Barbara and Art Culver Center for the Arts in Downtown, and every piece on display will be available for purchase.

Gregory Cuellar, founder of Art After Dark and executive director of RCAA Gallery, said the anniversary was a chance to grow the event beyond its original format.

"For our fifth anniversary, I wanted to expand my original vision by opening the exhibition to the entire arts community," Cuellar told The Raincross Gazette. "My goal was to give artists an opportunity to showcase their work at a premier event that attracts collectors and art enthusiasts."

Cuellar created Art After Dark at Salon 3778, owned by Max Medina, before bringing it to RCAA Gallery. This is the third time the event has been held at the Culver Center, and Cuellar said this year's edition is the largest event in RCAA Gallery's history.

A jury of professional artists from the local arts community, whose identities organizers are keeping anonymous, reviewed submissions from 115 artists. Each artist could submit up to three pieces, with a maximum of two eligible for acceptance. Ninety-seven artists were accepted into the exhibition.

Organizers also invited select artists to show a larger statement piece. The exhibition will feature special bodies of work by four founding artists: Raymond Fernandez, Christophe' A. Cuellar, Kitty Ayers and Barbara Simpson Lara.

Prices vary, and Cuellar said the selection includes options for first-time buyers as well as seasoned collectors. Artists receive 70% of each sale, and the remaining 30% supports RCAA Gallery.

"We want people to discover the joy of collecting original art while directly supporting the artists who create it," Cuellar said.

Proceeds from artwork sales help fund the gallery's exhibitions, educational workshops and opportunities for artists throughout the year, according to Cuellar. Admission is free because sponsors, patrons and community partners cover the event through financial contributions and donated services.

"Keeping this event free and accessible is important to me because I believe everyone deserves to experience and celebrate the arts," he said.

Upstairs, an exhibition called "The Dark Room" will feature mature-themed art. The evening will also include live jazz, a bar hosted by The Menagerie and catering by chef Kim McKenzie of It's Bliss Catering So Cal. Guests will be able to meet the artists.

"My vision has always been to create an elegant yet welcoming experience where artists, collectors, and the community come together to celebrate Riverside's vibrant and diverse arts scene," Cuellar said.

**More information:* Art After Dark runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Barbara and Art Culver Center for the Arts, 3834 Main St., in Downtown. Admission is free and open to the public. Event details are available at* [*raincrossgazette.com/calendar*](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/art-after-dark/19307962/2026-10-17T18)*.*