Join in a variety of experiences in Manchester this January. We’ll be hosting our popular 4th Friday reception. See 4 new exhibits and 80 artist studios. Featuring the annual Simply Photography Show, Grace Whitley, Wendy Nelson, and a juried All-Media Show. Enjoy music and refreshments, meet the artists, and free parking!

Also we are hosting an artist meet-up and two figure drawing sessions. See details at artworksrva.com. And if you can’t make it to one of these events, don’t worry – we’re open every day except Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to come see the new art on display. Plus, parking is easy at the public garage on East 5th Street. And we’ll validate your ticket, just ask in the office.

But that’s not all – make a day of it by exploring the restaurants in the area. Start off the new year right by visiting Art Works and Manchester and experiencing all that we have to offer.

We are celebrating our 21st year of hosting art shows, providing studio workspace, and embracing Richmond’s thriving art community! This month, we are proud to showcase the Simply Photography exhibit featuring talented artists from all over Virginia. From stunning landscapes to captivating portraits, these artists showcase a variety of subjects and photographic methods that are sure to leave you in impressed.

In addition to the Simply Photography exhibit, we are excited to feature two solo shows by Wendy Nelson and Grace Whitley. And what’s a 4th Friday without our monthly All Media Show? This curated exhibit features all mediums and many topics by Virginia artists.

The exhibits will continue through February 17th, 2024. Come and be a part of Richmond’s vibrant artistic community at our gallery. Exhibits include:

Simply Photography 2024

Photographers get an opportunity to showcase their signature photographs in this juried show. You will see photography of all types including traditional, digital, manipulated, and photographic mixed media. This exhibit will be juried by professional photographer, J. Molina-Garcia. There are cash prizes. The exhibit will be in the main gallery.

Call for entries is December 15, 2022 – January 15, 2024. Submit your entries through our online form using this link: Call for Entries .  To learn more about the juror: click here.

Come See Me by Grace Whitley

In Come See Me, Grace Whitley shows the core commonalities beneath human diversity. Every face has its own power, with its own story to tell. The paintings are unified by the images being cropped, but the uniqueness to the models’ face is as varied as humanity is itself. We are the same. We are all different. Because people are quick to judge and overlook a person by what we see on the outside, we neglect whom they are within. As Whitley created these portraits, it invoked secret emotions and provided a means to express them. Whitley shares a unique view of the world and hopes the paintings invite others to see this perspective.

This exhibit will be in the Centre Gallery.

Beyond Hocus Pocus: The Artistry of Black Cat by Wendy Nelson

Traditionally considered ill omens, black cats have long borne the burden of an unfortunate reputation. In modern society, this stigma persists, in addition, black cats now contend with the challenges presented by social media. Reports suggest that black cats are being returned to shelters for being less photogenic and harder to photograph. The purpose of this exhibit is to challenge these beliefs. Through Wendy’s exceptional skill and unwavering patience, she has beautifully captured the authentic spirit of these incredible animals.

As you delve into this exhibit, we invite you to look beyond preconceived notions and truly appreciate the captivating essence of these frequently misunderstood creatures. This exhibit will be in the Corner Gallery.

January 2024 All Media Show

This exhibit is a focal point of all Art Works’ openings.  It is a juried show with cash prizes for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place. The exhibit will be juried by Ali Kaeini. From Iran Ali Kaeini has a MFA degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. To learn more about the juror, click here. The show is open to all artists and all mediums. There is no theme this month. Call for entries is January 1 – January 15, 2024. Submit your entries through our online form.  Check our website for details on submitting your artwork:  Call for Entries