The Shenandoah Valley Art Center, during the month of February, is exhibiting the artwork of art students from the Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School of Arts and Humanities Program.
This unique program, begun in the fall of 2002, offers area students a creative environment to further their study in the visual arts or theatre arts and humanities. Students in the Visual Arts Department from Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County spend each morning taking courses in art history and appreciation, humanities, and studio production, before returning to their home high schools for afternoon classes. One of the two studio courses is taught by local artists, giving the students the opportunity not only to learn about specific media and techniques, but to gain insight into the life of a working artist.
Students have the added experiences of gallery visits, sketch trips, field trips, integrated arts activities with the Theatre Department, and preparing exhibitions of their work. Students apply to attend SVGS for their junior and senior years of high school and present a portfolio as part of their application procedure. The exhibition at SVAC is designed to teach the students the process of preparing for an exhibition. The goal is to involve the students in the decision-making and preparation. The students jury the work, prepare their pieces for hanging, write their artist statements, and help hang the show.
Each student will be represented in the show along with collaborative pieces and class projects. An Opening Reception and Artist Talk will be held February 7, 5:00-7:00pm and the public is encouraged to come and join the young artists in this incredible learning opportunity.
In the Hallway Gallery, the tribute to art education continues with an exhibition of artwork by the Blue Ridge Region Art Education Association showcasing its members from the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. The exhibit is an intriguing look into the creative process of educators and is a rich tapestry of artwork that represents lives involved in the daily practice of nurturing young artists who will determine the evolution of art in the future.
The Member’s Gallery will house a display of Photography, while the Docent Room will hold the Watermedia works of American Watercolor Society award winner, Karen Rosasco. As founder of “Art Escapes,” she has planned and escorted sixteen groups on painting and sketching tours around the world. Rosasco, also an art educator for secondary and higher education, has had her artwork featured in national publications including, The Palette and American Artists Watercolor magazines. Her paintings may be seen at the Pioneer Gallery, Cooperstown, NY; Abend Gallery, Denver, CO; The Riverfront Studios, Schuylerville, NY, to list a few.
Come join the new Art Groups, a gathering of folks seeking creative inspiration, camaraderie, and sharing of techniques with no cost to SVAC members. Bring a lunch, join a group, and be ready to learn, laugh, and get motivated! Young artists should check out the ever popular Saturday Art for Kids, presenting a creative art experience for children from 11 – 1:00pm. Contact the art center for specific information, cost, and pre-registration for each class or group. Open studio opportunities in the Virginia Ross Education Studio are available to printmakers and ceramic artists. Apply online at www.SVACart.com.
The art center is celebrating its retail alliance partnership with the Artisan Center of Virginia. In the SVAC Gift Shop you can find the perfect creative gift in fiber, jewelry, wood, glass, pottery, and more by juried artisans from Virginia.
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is located in downtown Waynesboro at 126 S. Wayne Avenue. Galleries are open to the public 10am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (540) 949-7662 or visit www.svacart.com
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