Art exhibit in Memory of AOPR Founder Altha Humphrey

by Rita Gardner

Altha Humphrey

On June 21-22, Arts of Point Richmond will honor AOPR founder and longtime member Altha Humphrey with a memorial and retrospective exhibit at ar*ti*fact Gallery, 109 W. Richmond, Avenue, in Point Richmond. The Gallery will be open both days from 12:00-4:00pm, with the memorial on Saturday, June 21 at 2:00pm.

Altha Humphrey’s Legacy

Well before the spark that ignited Arts of Point Richmond, Altha nurtured artistic inclinations. In her early work life as a draftsman for Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company, she specialized in diagrams for telephone service, including key underground wiring plans, and she continued to apply graphic design skills in later jobs working for Kaiser Industries and other firms.

Altha and her husband Ben lived in Point Richmond for decades and were active members of the Richmond Yacht Club. Altha was a prolific sewer and knitter who designed a variety of wearable art, and while she primarily pursued fiber arts, she explored other media as well.

Some years after Ben’s passing, Altha had an epiphany. She woke up the morning of her 75th birthday and decided it was high time to encourage more connection between the great diversity of local artists and the community. She organized and conducted a meeting of local artists and received an enthusiastic response, and, in early 2008, Arts of Point Richmond (AOPR) was born. Altha’s vision was well stated in the slogan she coined: “Art is for Everyone. The Artist. The Viewer. The Point is ART.”

Altha was happiest providing the arena (AOPR) for others to engage and share their art. In 2020 she created the Founders Award, making annual awards in appreciation of members’ contributions. In her late 80s Altha also found new love and companionship after getting reacquainted with Don, a dear friend. She also remained active in AOPR until her passing in 2024.

Art is indeed for everyone. Thank you, Altha!