Culture Picks

Emma Terry charms with whimsical sculpture at New City Arts

“I’m someone who just loves to play. I’m not really tied to the outcome,” says ceramic artist Emma Terry. It’s a laid back, experimental approach that allows her to try different things. Terry may feel like she’s playing, but she’s actually stretching her creative muscles, expanding both her skill and imagination, through trial and error. […]

Sarah Sargent | August 12, 2026

Culture Works

An exhibition at JSAAHC allows the public to contribute

In an effort to transform the remnants of Charlottesville’s Robert E. Lee statue into a new commemorative design, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center has mounted “Swords into Plowshares Recast|Reclaim.” The three-pronged exhibition describes the events leading up to, and surrounding the removal of, the statue, what happened next, and what comes now.  The […]

Sarah Sargent | April 29, 2026

Culture

Painter Philip Geiger leaves a legacy of intensity and art history

Artist Philip Geiger, who taught painting at the University of Virginia for more than 30 years, depicted how things appear to the eye as opposed to reproducing how they appear physically. His perceptual approach was augmented by a deep understanding of art history, imbuing his paintings with weight and power. Geiger spent his life perfecting […]

Sarah Sargent | March 4, 2026

Culture

Painter J.M. Henry let beauty get in the way

J.M. Henry left an indelible impression on those he encountered in Charlottesville. They remember his talent and commitment to art, his resiliency, his generosity, and his finely attuned sense of humor. “Interference: A Retrospective of the Paintings of J.M. Henry” at McGuffey Art Center celebrates the work of the artist who died in June 2025.  […]

Sarah Sargent | February 18, 2026

Culture

Stacey Evans captures ephemeral perspectives from a window seat

Stacey Evans began taking photos from trains more than 20 years ago. What started casually, with a couple of images snapped on a trip, evolved into a serious body of work produced over 44 separate train journeys, along 14 different routes. “Passenger: Riding the Rails” at Second Street Gallery features photographs taken by Evans along […]

Sarah Sargent | December 17, 2025

Arts Culture

Acclaimed artist Wolfgang Buttress designs a community treasure

Known for his large-scale immersive installations that incorporate sculpture and technology to explore environmental themes, British artist Wolfgang Buttress’ reputation was established with 2015’s “The Hive,” a bee-centric work that won 27 awards and is now permanently installed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London. Thanks to a generous gift to University of Virginia’s […]

Sarah Sargent | November 5, 2025

Arts Culture Feature

McGuffey Art Center toasts 50 years of collaboration and support

From the moment it opened on October 11, 1975, the McGuffey Art Center was a hit. Half a century later, the vibrant arts organization is still humming along, providing affordable studio space and a supportive environment for artists while delivering art shows, receptions, classes, open studios, and performances to the public.  When William H. McGuffey […]

Sarah Sargent | September 3, 2025