Through Sept. 26, residents can admire two new exhibits at the Richmond Art Museum from local artists. Both exhibits opened with receptions on Aug. 6 and Aug. 8, respectively.
Aaron Leif Nicholson and Joe Thompson’s “Iron Aura” displays their contrasting methods — sculpture and painting — as a complementary pairing. Nicholson’s sculptures are made of dark cast iron, while Thompson’s abstract paintings detail circular shapes that seem to glow from the wall.
Thompson said the two Herron School of Art & Design alumni began working on the project about a year ago. Beyond their visual aesthetic, Thompson said his paintings carry a meditative quality that exude peace and harmony. He’s currently working on the next phase of the series.
The second exhibit comes from former Palladium-Item photographer, Steve Koger. With “Just Black and White,” Koger unveils regional life captured in black and white photos from a period in his 35-year career.
After framing a photograph for the Women’s Fund Auction, Koger figured someone may want to see others in his collection. A search for a space connected him with RAM’s Executive Director Shaun Dingwerth, who walked him through the two-year application process. In that time span, Koger had 100 boards to source for the exhibit.
“We’re blessed in Wayne County to have the museum,” Koger said, adding people “would die for a facility like that.”
Both exhibits were proposed by the artists and underwent review by RAM’s exhibition committee, said Dingwerth in an email to WWN. He added that RAM is one of the few art museums in the state to feature regional artists, as many rely on traveling exhibitions or nonlocal talent.
“We have a history of supporting local artists not only through the annual exhibition each November, but also giving area artists the opportunity to apply for exhibitions,” said Dingwerth.
RAM is not actively seeking proposals as they are scheduled two years in advance. For more information on the application process, visit the FAQ section at richmondartmuseum.org.
A version of this article appeared in the September 2 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
