The legacy of richmond futch jr.
Welcome to the story of Richmond Futch Jr., a gifted servant of God and visionary artist (April 3, 1950 – May 10, 2025). Through watercolor, acrylic, pencil, collage, and mixed media, Richmond's art was a profound expression of worship, a dialogue with the divine, and a vibrant gift to his community. Join us in celebrating a life dedicated to art, faith, and healing.
An artist's early journey
Richmond Futch Jr.'s artistic path began early, with a Rochester City School District teacher recognizing his untapped talent. This led to a year of private study at the Rochester Museum of Art, followed by evening art classes at East High School and joining the "All of Us" art program. A founding member of the Figure Study Guild, led by Master artist Steven Carpenter, Richmond honed his craft by studying Old Master techniques, though most of his profound training was self-taught. He painted what he felt and saw, known for seeing things differently, a perspective he brought to all his subjects, including the houseless population in our community.
Worship through art: the birth of A.R.T.S
As an ordained minister, Richmond became known in the Christian world as a Worship Painter, flowing prophetically through his artwork. He diligently studied hearing the “Voice of God” under the leadership of Bob & Kathy Campbell of Harvest Fellowship in Geneseo, NY. In 2006, the Holy Spirit birthed A.R.T.S (Artistically Revealing The Spirit) through Richmond—a ministry dedicated to recovering imagination and creativity. A.R.T.S empowers individuals to practice and learn that art is a basic form of prophecy, serving as a catalyst for social and emotional healing by bridging the church and the community at large. This vision culminated in the concept of Revelation Rochester in 2012, which officially launched in 2016. His love for God and divine connection with his faith was his greatest inspiration, using visual art as his way of journaling thoughts and emotions to share with the world.
A heart for the community
Richmond’s commitment extended far beyond his canvas into the heart of his community. He conducted seminars on the effectiveness of healing through the arts and was featured in numerous publications, including the Democrat and Chronicle, Metropolitan, Breakthrough, and About Time magazines. His work graced walls across the USA and locally in Rochester at the French Quarter Restaurant and Bethel Christian Fellowship ~ Café Aviv. His extensive community projects included Artist in Residence programs at Arnett Library, the Campbell and Adam Street Recreation Centers, and collaboration with the Legacy of “64 Ripple Art Window of Humanity. He proudly served as chairperson for the United Global Artist Gallery and Symposium. His most recent and cherished endeavor was his relationship with St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality and The House of Mercy, where he offered art workshops as a form of healing and hope for homeless individuals, also serving on St. Joseph's advisory board. Richmond was also a theatrical artist as a member of the Neutral Zone Players Arts and Entertainment Community Organization. He believed in using his talent in every possible way.
"Being a creative person is in all of us. Art not only tells our history, but in many moments it displays our future, and it sparks questions and conversations that are good for the soul."
Richmond Futch Jr., Founder of Revelation Rochester