Below the surface: ‘Visions for 2016’ is a meditation on abstraction

Janet Bruce’s “Shorelines” paintings sneak up on you. Standing in front of them, you see them come alive, as things you didn’t notice at first become apparent. She builds up surfaces with many layers of paint, adding texture and visual interest, as glimpses of the various undercoats are visible. In some, she adds animated squiggles […]

Teaching Model: Dr. Pam Moran employs a student-centered approach

Visiting the library of Woodbrook Elementary School, Dr. Pamela Moran, superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools, was in her element. A group of third-graders were busy showcasing their reading skills for a pair of small collies, therapy dogs provided by the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. The students rested on pillows or sprawled across the carpeted floor, gently […]

That bluegrass feeling: Robert Earl Keen on being a Happy Prisoner

It’s rare to catch musician Robert Earl Keen’s name in print unaccompanied by the word iconic. As with the archaic bestowal of knighthood’s Sir, the ubiquitous presence of the adjective testifies to supreme achievements. And while, in most cases, such an affixation is worth little more than its ability to inspire an ironic chuckle, in […]

Mix masters: Charlottesville’s MMA Institute

It’s 5:30pm and the gym of Charlottesville’s MMA Institute is alive with the leathery crackle of boxing gloves and the muffled, scuffle-thud rhythm and squeak of bare feet on padded flooring. There is the litany of sharp nasal inhalations and grunts as well as the barked instructions of a squadron of coaches. Housed in the […]

Opinion: Deadly numbers and weak laws

A year ago in April, a UVA student nearly shot his neighbor, a UVA law student, when he accidentally fired his AK-47 through his wall and into the next apartment. Because the judge didn’t find enough evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that it wasn’t simply an accident and not a criminal act, charges were dismissed, but […]

Food and Drink 2015

It’s a mouth-watering time to be a food-lover in Charlottesville. The solid foundation of our dining landscape—built by C&O, Mas, Fleurie and others—has paved the way for a new generation of culinarians. Now, we’re reaping the benefits of past and present as we head into our foodie future with scene-stealing newcomers like the little Neapolitan […]

Virginia Film Festival announces lineup

The Virginia Film Festival has announced the schedule for 2015, which will run from November 5-8. This marks the festival’s 27th year and the anticipation is a testament to the growth that Jody Kielbasa has forged since taking the executive role in 2010. The festival will again showcase contemporary films making the festival circuit and due for imminent release, as […]

Food & Drink Pick: Top of the Hops Beer Festival

Top of the Hops Beer Festival Saturday, September 26 Enjoy two-ounce samples of more than 150 craft beers from around the world combined with great food, education seminars, music, food and games. $50-80. 21-plus. 3pm. nTelos Wireless Pavilion, 700 E. Main St. betsy@redmountainentertainment.com. For the complete festival guide, click here.