The Shenandoah Valley Art Center, during the month of December will present the SVAC Photo Invitational Exhibit 2014 juried by photojournalist Pat Jarrett.
Jarrett stated, “I fell in love with the Shenandoah Valley as soon as I laid eyes on the mountains. Soon after, I fell in love with the people and our lives in the valley. For me, there is something pure and true about this life, and it’s reflected in the work I’ve made since moving here six years ago. When I started making photos, the colors got more vivid, the light more brilliant and my soul was fed with the daily experience of creating my art. The work I selected for the exhibit shares this truth and love in the regions represented. From photos of Mexican traditions in West Virginia to an honest portrait of Durham, North Carolina to a home in the valley where aging skateboarders still thrash a plywood vert ramp, every photo included celebrates the love of place. Once I founded my home here my work took on a stronger voice. I think we can all benefit from listening to these photographers speak through their photographs.” An opening reception will be held. Saturday, December 6, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and the public are encouraged to come, meet, and talk to the artists.
In the Members’ Galleries artwork of SVAC members will feature small works of art on sale for holiday gift giving. Don’t miss Billie Rosenberger’s vivid acrylic paintings which will be featured in the Docent Room.
Come enjoy the gathering of folks seeking creative inspiration, camaraderie, and sharing of techniques through art activities and classes. Please join us for a free open studio opportunity on third Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. with the Art Trading Card Group. Watercolor classes, taught by Pat Garnett, are designed to meet the needs of the student. Come once, or come every week! Bring paint, brushes, paper, and creativity each Tuesday, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with an $11 fee per selected session. Zen Tangle, a form of meditative drawing, will be taught by Pat Garnett on third Thursdays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. ($11). Need something new to wear? Join the Felted Scarf Class taught by Karen Shapcott on December 11, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. ($70). Pre-registration required! Also offered for young artists is the ever popular Saturday Art for Kids, presenting a creative art experience for children ages 6 – 10, 11:00 – 1:00pm. Classes are come-as-you-are with all supplies and snacks provided for $10 a lesson. Contact the art center to pre-register no later than the Friday before each SAK 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 SVAC Gift Shop you can find the perfect creative gift in fiber, jewelry, wood, glass, pottery, and more by juried artisans from Virginia and Shenandoah Valley Art Center artists
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is located in downtown Waynesboro at 122 S. Wayne Avenue. Galleries are open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information or to register for classes, call (540) 949-7662 or visit www.svacart.com.