Since taking the reins at Second Street Gallery in 2016, Executive Director and Chief Curator Kristen Chiacchia has expanded the nonprofit’s reach while creating programs that connect artists and audiences in fresh ways. One of her biggest successes is “Teeny Tiny Trifecta,” the annual exhibit and art sale that has grown from 72 artists its first year to more than 200 this fall. “There is no other show like it,” she says. Ahead of “Teeny Tiny Trifecta 8,” we caught up with Chiacchia about her career, inspirations, and life in Charlottesville.
Name: Kristen Chiacchia
Age: 47
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (like Andy Warhol! My first apartment was across the street from his childhood home).
Job(s): Executive director and chief curator at Second Street Gallery
What’s something about your job that people would be surprised to learn? Many people don’t realize that Second Street Gallery is a nonprofit art gallery. We’re actually the oldest nonprofit 501(c)(3) contemporary art space in Virginia. It is also recognized as one of the nation’s longest-surviving nonprofit contemporary art organizations.
What is art to you? Art is everything.
Why is supporting arts education important? Arts education matters because it gives students a safe, structured, creative outlet where they can explore ideas, express emotions, and build confidence. The arts help young people (and adults, for that matter!) become kinder, more empathetic individuals. And when organizations like SSG bring together families, artists, and community groups for exhibitions and projects, the arts strengthen ties across communities and spark lasting connections.
What are you looking at/researching right now? The next 10 exhibitions that will be shown at Second Street Gallery during our 2025–2026 season. I’m also researching new artists and ideas for future shows.
Favorite exhibition venue: The rotunda at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
Favorite artist: Living = Lana Guerra. Dead = Vincent Van Gogh.
What are you most looking forward to regarding the upcoming ‘Teeny Tiny Trifecta 8’ exhibit? I love seeing the gallery filled to capacity with artists and community members on First Friday. For many participating artists, it is their first time exhibiting their work in a gallery space. And for many community members, it is the first time they have ever had the opportunity to purchase a work of original art and call themselves a collector. The energy and excitement in the gallery is really incredible. I love it!
What has been your favorite part about leading the team at Second Street Gallery? My favorite part about leading the team at Second Street Gallery is working so closely with everyone in our small organization—everyone has a voice, and I get a lot of great feedback and ideas that make our work stronger. Nonprofit work can be stressful, but my team is incredibly supportive, we have a great time together, it’s a fun working environment, and they keep me grounded.
Best advice you ever got: My mother once told me “age is a state of mind” and it really changed the way that I looked at things. I don’t let a silly number determine how I experience my life.
Proudest accomplishment: Seeing “Teeny Tiny Trifecta” grow from a small exhibition of 72 artists and 216 works of art the first year to over 200 artists and 603 works of art in its current (eighth) year. I wasn’t sure how the show would be received here in town when I started it and the response has been positively overwhelming. It has allowed me to work with and discover so many artists in our community. Oh … of course receiving my master’s degree from Columbia University was a pretty big moment for me too.
Best part of living here: Finally living in the same city as my sister again! She’s the reason I relocated to Charlottesville from New York City.
Worst part of living here: It’s not NYC.
Favorite Charlottesville restaurant: Monsoon Siam
Favorite Charlottesville gallery/museum: Second Street Gallery, of course!
Favorite Charlottesville landmark/attraction: The vineyards.
Bodo’s order: Egg and American cheese on an everything bagel.
Describe your perfect day: Sleeping in and then going to a museum and/or exploring a new city with a friend, followed by delicious food and wine at a good restaurant. The night would end with sitting around enjoying a bottle of wine and great conversation.
If you could be reincarnated as a person or thing, what would you be? The first person that comes to mind is Victorine Meurent, the favorite model of Édouard Manet and a painter herself. How incredible it must have been to live in that era and be part of the art world during that time.
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? A cure for all cancers, an endowment for Second Street Gallery, and the last one is a secret.
Are there any superstitions you abide by? Everything has to be an odd number. From the volume level number on the car stereo, to how many blueberries I eat, to (almost) everything in between, it always has to be an odd number.
Do you have any pets? Not since losing my beloved Church the Cat in December of 2022. I don’t think she will ever be replaced.
Favorite movie and/or show: “Peep Show” (British television series)
Favorite book: The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh.
Who’d play you in a movie? A younger Anjelica Huston
What’s your comfort food/meal? Dinner at John’s on 12th Street in NYC.
Go-to karaoke song: I’ve actually never done karaoke. But I do sing a lot of hair metal when I drive by myself in the car.
Subject that causes you to rant: Artists that can’t follow instructions.
Best journey you ever went on: Having the opportunity to tour and work with the band Clan of Xymox in the US, Mexico, and Canada. I’ve seen some amazing places and have met some incredible people along the way. It’s been a dream come true.
Next journey: London and Whitby for Halloween weekend.
Favorite curse word? Or favorite word? Clavicle
What have you forgotten today? I can’t remember!
