South West Virginia has plenty of art related events to satiate summer restlessness whether you’re in the mood for cruising, soaking in the sun or just a little rest and relaxation. While you are out taking in the sites of Virginia, stop at the Franklin County History Museum in Rocky Mount to see artists’ renditions of historical and local scenes and enter the raffle to win one. To tune in even more with nature, go to the Taubman Museum of Art. This quarters new exhibitions are nature oriented, including the exhibit of modern scientific sun worship, from the VT Solar Decathlon Team. For some rest and relaxation rely on the summer favorite combination of wine and art at Savor the Flavor in Blacksburg.
1. New Exhibits and Opening Reception
Opening Reception: Thursday June 11th 6:30-8:30pm
New Exhibits Open: Friday June 12th – August 16th
Taubman Museum of Art
Downtown Roanoke
Cost: Opening reception $5 members $10 public
General admission Free for members $10.50 adults $5.50 Children
June is your last chance to see the current exhibitions at the Taubman Museum of Art. Every three months artwork is taken down and replaced with several new exhibitions. The works debuting June 12th are nature oriented and have a strong connection to South West Virginia. The new works include photography, videography, architectural engineering and a mixed medium and clay exploration of culture and form.
The exhibition of Peter Henry Emerson inspired American Naturalistic Photography is the envy of every nature lover with a camera. Sam Easterson’s videographic exhibition Eco-Sensing is a fascinating alternative view of nature from over 70 different points of view, recorded by everything from millipedes to buffalo.
The regionally oriented works are by Terri Dowell Dennis, Donna Polseno and the Virginia Tech Solar Decathlon Team. Dennis’s work explores cultural interactions religion and craft through various media and installations. Polseno’s works are evocative clay forms that embody ancient and figurative forms. The Solar Decathlon Team is showcasing Eclipis. It is the crucial component of their energy efficient solar powered house that enables it to adapt to light and the environment.
In Addition to the quarterly changing of the guard on June 12th the museum offers a never ending array of classes, camps and groups for both children and adults. The museum has more than enough to keep visitors coming back. For more information go to http://taubmanmuseum.org or call 204-4122
2) Savor the Flavor, Art Show and Wine Tasting
Friday June 12th 7-9
Skelton Conference Center,
The Inn at Virginia Tech
Cost: $35
The worlds of fine art and wine production coalesce early this summer. Usually, vineyards hold fine art and wine tasting collaborations in the late summer and fall. Savor the Flavor is a special treat because it is early, locally focused, fun and informative.
The art show and showcase of local artists is followed by a comparison of Virginia wines with their European Counterparts. Come learn why Virginia wines are rapidly gaining attention throughout the country…and the world. The session, lead by John Boyer, instructor of world regions, and geography of wine at Virginia Tech. It promises to be an entertaining evening comparing Virginia Wines and enjoying fine art. Savor the Flavor is sponsored by CAW, VT Alumni Association and Vintage Cellar. For more information contact Sara Guerry of Events Planning at Virginia Tech at (540) 231-6285 or got to www.alumni.vt.edu/wine
3. Art on the Fence, Art Show, Sale and Raffle
Saturday, June 20th 10 – 4pm
Sunday, June 21st 1- 4pm
Franklin Co History Museum
The Flora Morris House
460 S Main St., Rocky Mount
Cost: Free
While you’re out taking in the warm sunshine and refreshing summer breeze pick up some artful imagery at Art on the Fence in Rocky Mount. Window shop or buy something to commemorate the moment or just collect a piece of the past. After all, images are some of the most powerful connections humans have to history and memorable events.
In this first annual juried art show. Local artists will display multiple works with a history theme, for show and sale. Don’t miss out on the raffle of an original painting by Johnny Bowman, titled Sparkling Refreshments. For more information visit www.franklincountyvirginiahistoricalsoc.org/ or call (540) 483-1890
4. Architectonic Logic: Silt-cast Stoneware by Chris Gryder
Friday, June 5, 2009, 10am
Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University
The Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University will present the exhibition Architectonic Logic: Silt-cast Stoneware by Chris Gryder, from May 5 – June 27, 2009 with a lecture and closing reception on Friday, June 26 at 6:00 pm.
Trained as an architect, internationally renowned ceramic artist Chris Gryder is inspired by the methods and ideas often associated with architecture: structure, geometry, pattern and tactile form. He refers to his technique as “architectonic,” and states, “I think…
5. 2009 Perry F. Kendig Awards
Help us celebrate excellence in the arts in our community!
The 2009 Perry F. Kendig Awards celebration will be held on June 24, 2009 at the Taubman Museum of Art. For information on tickets contact info@theartscouncil.org or call 540.342.5790 ext 4
2009 Perry F. Kendig Winners. Anstey Hodge Advertising Group,
Outstanding Business Supporter of the Arts. National League of American Pen Women – Roanoke Valley Branch, Outstanding Arts & Cultural Organization. C. Nelson Harris, Individual Patron of the Arts. Community High School of Arts and Academics, Arts Education Supporter. Coleman Gutshall, Young Professional.
Dan Smith, Tom Field: Valley Business Front, Literary Artist Award. Pedro Szalay, Performing Artist Award. Paul Harrill, Visual Artist Award. Nicholas & Jenny Taubman, Lifetime Achievement.
6. Donald Earley Exhibition at Gallery 108
Gallery 108 is pleased to host a June 2-30 show of the work of Donald Earley, a highly accomplished figure artist, printmaker and educator. Mr. Earley studied and taught at The Fashion Institute of Technology, Cooper Union and VCU and has created fashion illustrations for a variety of major retailers. His work has also been exhibited internationally.
Gallery 108 will feature a variety of his prints, etchings and drypoints for the month of June. The June 4th Art By Night Reception will include an Artist’s Talk by Mr. Earley at 7 p.m., 108 Market Street, Downtown Roanoke.
Ph: 540-982-4278
7. Mary Page Evans Exhibition at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum
The Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University is proud to feature a solo exhibition by nationally known artist Mary Page Evans. In the exhibition From Nature, Evans will present paintings and works on paper focusing on the elements of nature with a significant emphasis on the Roanoke Valley. Working directly in nature (en plein air), Evans relates her work to music-each element working in harmony to create masterful works of art.
Evans is a graduate of Hollins University (formerly Hollins College) and will return to campus for the opening of the exhibition, which will take place during Hollins’ Reunion Weekend. Evans will give a gallery talk to her class (1959), and other returning alumni as part of the festivities.
The exhibition opens on Thursday, May 28 with a reception at 7:30 pm. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. This exhibition will close August 22.
8. Plein Air Paint Day hosted by Gallery by the James
A Plein Air Paint Day will be held in Buchanan on Saturday June 6 hosted by the Gallery by the James. Area artists and photographers of all levels are invited to this event that will be held rain or shine. Registration at the gallery which is located in an historic building on Main Street (Route 11) will begin at 9 AM.
The gallery will provide rest room facilities, a big sink for water and brush clean-up, coolers with ice to keep your drink/lunch chilled, and information about Buchanan (maps, restaurants, galleries, antique, unique stores). There is no charge for this event.
Gallery by the James is Botetourt County’s only cooperative art gallery and is located in an historic building on Main Street (Route 11) in Buchanan, VA. Late Spring Gallery hours are 11-2 on Thursday, 11-5 on Friday and Saturday, 2-5 on Sunday or by appointment. Additional information about the plein air paint day is available by calling the gallery at 540-254-9708, e-mail gallerybythejames@comcast.net or check the web at www.Gallerybythejames.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com.
