March First Fridays Guide

Local artist Eliza Evans has been painting acrylic portraits from real-life scenes since 2006, and she always tries to capture a good likeness as quickly as possible so the subject doesn’t get uncomfortable sitting. Her latest exhibit is a collection of self-portraits along with some portraits of her close friends and family on canvas, wood […]

A closer LOOK3: New director brings new approach to photo fest

This year marks the 10th year of LOOK3 Festival of the Photograph but promises to bring a new approach to the popular programming, taking place June 13-19. The festival has continued to evolve throughout its decade of public programs to meet the interests of the field’s amateurs and professionals alike. While doing so, it has […]

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 […]

Double take: Liz Rodda pairs up the unexpected at Second Street Gallery

Ever notice how a small shift in perspective can transform the way you think about your job, relationship, insert-your-life-struggle-here? Liz Rodda is a mixed-media artist who sharpens viewers’ abilities to reframe what they see by partnering two totally unrelated works in a mash-up of videos, sound and sculpture. Unlike a traditional collage artist who combines […]

Jill Kerttula reflects on the Great Smoky Mountains through fiber art

Last year for the month of October, fiber artist Jill Kerttula lived in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, lodging for free in a furnished apartment alongside three neighbors, among whom was a man who used paintball guns to track bears. Kerttula came to be there after being selected for the artist-in-residence program at the park, […]

February First Fridays Guide

Artist Sharon Zarambo founded Bellozar Studio in 1987. Though she has explored a range of mediums, she has worked in mixed media for the past eight years. Inspired by the work of surrounding artists, Zarambo has created a number of striking totemic works, along with sculptures and wall art, which reflect a blend of influences. […]

Art as craft: The modern contemplation of ancient practices

Contemplation is having a resurgence in the popular consciousness these days, with mindfulness festival studios, pop-up meditation groups and even the University of Virginia’s own Contemplative Sciences Center. But for centuries, artists have practiced contemplation as a necessary companion of creation. “A lot of artists working today like to define contemplativity broadly as a means […]

Serving the arts: Galleries meet dining in local restaurants

Art is food for the soul, as they say. So whether you and a date are carving a bit of indulgence into your weekday or celebrating Restaurant Week, take a break between mouthfuls to admire what’s on the walls. At The Local, glossy brick props up the hallucinogenic work of Dave Moore, a Virginia artist […]

Thrown together: City Clay potters team up to help IRC refugees

“Creativity can make a positive and welcoming impact on families right here in Charlottesville,” says Katie Bercegeay, volunteer coordinator for Charlottesville’s International Rescue Committee. Though this applies to us all, she’s specifically referring to the refugees who are welcomed in Charlottesville through the ongoing efforts of IRC staff and volunteers. Since it was established in […]