The Shenandoah Valley Art Center, during the month of February, as a tribute to art education, is exhibiting the artwork of the Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School Visual Arts Department, located in Fishersville since 2002.
The school serves gifted junior and senior high school students of the Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro Public Schools. Under the guiding hand of Jennifer Vaughan, the Visual Arts studio classes are distinguished by presenting the study of many styles, topics, and techniques emphasizing skill development, self-expression, and experimentation. Each morning the students study art history, humanities, and studio production before returning to their home high schools for afternoon classes.
One of the two studio courses is taught by professional artists, giving the students the opportunity to learn about specific media’s techniques and gain insight into the life of working artists. Students also have the added experience of field trips for photo shoots, sketching, and museum or gallery visits. From a portfolio of their artwork, they prepare pieces for exhibition, submit to the jurying process, and engage in peer critique.
Students work with Piper Groves, SVAC Director, to determine the layout of the exhibit, compose artists’ statements, and learn to hang and label the pieces. Presented to the public are the results of the students’ combined efforts to participate in this notable learning opportunity, the display of their artwork in a professional gallery. An opening reception and artist’s talk will be held February 6, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and the public is encouraged to come, meet, and talk to the artists.
More focus on education
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. It 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.
In the Members’ Gallery, the theme RED will be interpreted by SVAC members through a variety of media and creative ideas. As a community supported art center that serves the locality by showcasing local artists of every skill level, SVAC wants to invite professional and aspiring artists to join and contribute their artwork to the exhibitions. On February 24, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., the annual business meeting and social will be held and all current and prospective members are encouraged to attend. The past years’ achievements and future plans will be presented. Please join this informational meeting and become acquainted with the current board, art center members, and artists.
Come enjoy the gathering of folks seeking creative inspiration, camaraderie, and sharing of techniques through art activities and classes. SVAC offers, the ever popular Saturday Art for Kids, presenting a creative art experience for young artists, ages 6 -10, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., ($10). Contact the art center for specific information and pre-registration for each class. Open studio opportunities in the Virginia Ross Education Studio are available to printmakers and ceramic artists. Apply on line at www.SVACart.com.
The art center is a retail alliance partner with the Artisan Center of Virginia. In the newly expanded SVAC Gift Shop you can find the perfect creative gift in fiber, jewelry, wood, glass, pottery, and more by juried artisans from Virginia and SVAC member artists.
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is located in downtown Waynesboro at 122 S. Wayne Avenue. Galleries are open to the public 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (540) 949-7662 or visit www.svacart.com.
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