River Oaks Square is a contemporary visual arts and fine crafts center comprised of three galleries and resident artists' studios.  In 1979, the Bolton Family donated their family home to the City of Alexandria in an agreement it would be used solely for the arts. The Bolton Home was the catalyst for River Oaks Square Arts Center. Circa 1899, the house is exemplary of Queen Anne Revival Architect in Louisiana and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. After years of renovation to the Bolton Home, River Oaks opened its’ doors in 1984 to meet the needs of the community which it serves. In 1999, a new 15,000 square foot Studio Annex building opened its doors to meet the changing, additional needs of the Center. Both buildings occupy a one-block square lot in Downtown Alexandria’s Cultural District. The Studio Annex Building houses 25 studios, 3 galleries, an on-site Arts Academy, a university comparable ceramics lab, as well as rental space. The 8,000 square foot Bolton Home houses administrative offices, 7 studios, and a gallery gift shop, featuring works of art from over 200 artists. For over 32 years, the center's primary mission is the promotion of contemporary visual art and fine crafts;  stimulating interest in, an exhibition of, education through an appreciation for national, regional, and resident artists and their work. Currently, there are over 35 artists in residence (occupying studio space); an on-site arts academy provides continuous classes for adults and youth; presentation of twenty plus exhibitions are featured annually; outreach events are conducted for rural parishes/minority schools; collaborative efforts are ongoing with special needs organizations, and unique projects for youth stimulate knowledge and appreciation of fine arts and crafts. During 2016, works from over 250 contemporary visual artists will be featured within the center's galleries, generating numerous sales and promotional opportunities.