Rich Sim’s Legacy

Rich Sim began teaching art at Antelope Valley College in 1967, embarking on a remarkable 56-year career that made him the longest-serving faculty member in the college’s history. He retired in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of deep commitment to students, the arts, and the power of creative expression.

Rich developed AVC’s ceramics program, which continues to thrive as one of the college’s most popular Studio Art programs. Within the classroom, he used ceramics as a medium for healing and connection—particularly with veterans—creating safe, supportive spaces where individuals could find peace through working with clay. Throughout his career, he remained a passionate advocate for the arts, fostering an inclusive, calming environment where students from all walks of life could explore their creativity.

Rich earned his Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin and his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Washington. His influence endures not only in the ceramic’s studio but also in the lives of the countless students he mentored, taught, and inspired.

The Rich Sim Art Gallery at Antelope Valley College is dedicated to celebrating Rich Sim’s extraordinary legacy of student mentorship and his unwavering advocacy for the arts across all levels of education. The gallery stands as a tribute to his decades of service, creative leadership, and commitment to fostering inclusive, transformative learning through the visual arts.