Now Showing October 24 – November 22
Curiouser and Curiouser
Step into a world of mystery and intrigue at our interactive art show! This exhibit invites guests to immerse themselves in an experience that transcends reality. Join us as Chris Semtner, the Poe Museum’s curator, author, and painter, showcases his enigmatic artworks. Just like at Ravencon, you’ll embark on a journey to uncover hidden mysteries and solve riddles in this interactive exhibition. Perfect for the spooky October and Halloween season, this event promises to captivate and thrill.
The exhibition will be in the Jane Sandelin Gallery at Art Works and will continue through November 22, 2025.
Tobi Holtslag
Through the Memory Trace
This exhibit is an exercise in memory, showcasing Tobi Holtslag’s personal recollections. This exhibit features pieces that vary from sharp and vivid to romanticized and dreamlike. Each artwork holds fragments of experiences, feelings, and senses tied to specific moments. Through this exhibition, Holtslag revisits places and times that now exist only in memory, inviting viewers to embark on their own journey of reflection and remembrance.
The exhibit will be in the Centre Gallery at Art Works through November 15, 2025.
Adam Reinhard
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Adam Reinhard’s return to the Blue Ridge Mountains after six years in Washington, D.C., has rekindled his senses, allowing him to truly see and breathe again. His paintings seek the hidden colors of the Shenandoah Valley, capturing fleeting moments with bold, urgent brushstrokes. Whether portraying a weathered barn, flowing stream, or patchwork farmland, his work reflects the truth of a swiftly changing landscape. Adam also teaches high school in Waynesboro, Virginia, sharing his passion for creativity with the next generation.
The exhibit will be in the Port II Gallery at Art Works through November 22, 2025.
Blake Seals
HorrorTecture
Blake Seals merges architectural renderings with abstract and colorfield designs, focusing on horror film architecture and Richmond landmarks. This exhibit is a collection of mixed media digital paintings, featuring new 24”x18″ canvases and popular older pieces, Seals draws inspiration from cityscapes, pop culture, and non-representational art, blending structure and imagination.
The exhibit will be in the Corner Gallery at Art Works through November 22, 2025.
Felicia L. Reed
Survivorship
Felicia L. Reed is an award-winning fiber artist and advocate based in Maryland, specializing in Wet Felting with silk and wool to create meaningful and innovative works. A survivor of domestic violence, she uses her art to empower others and promote healing, exhibiting her pieces across the U.S. and earning accolades like the 2022 Gold Award from the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Felicia continues to inspire through her creative and advocacy efforts, offering hope and transformation to those she touches.
This exhibit will be in the Port II Gallery at Art Works through November 22, 2025.
Cloaked in Mystery All Media Exhibit
This exhibit is a focal point of all Art Works’ openings. The show is open to all artists and all mediums. The juror for the exhibit is Chris Semtner, writer, painter, and curator of the Poe Museum in Richmond, VA.
The theme for this show is Cloaked in Mystery. We invite artists to delve into the realms of the unknown, the hidden, and the supernatural. This theme offers endless possibilities for interpretation, from literal depictions of cloaked figures to abstract or symbolic representations of secrecy, transformation, or otherworldly intrigue. Whether inspired by shadowy landscapes, surreal symbolism, or layers of untold stories, we encourage you to bring your unique vision to life.
The exhibit will continue through November 14, 2025.
Kenneth Lee
RVA Thriving Artists introduces Kenneth Lee in the most current Community Bridge Project. In this exhibit Lee hopes to contribute to a broader narrative of unity, empowerment, and respect for all backgrounds—reminding us that diversity is not just something to acknowledge, but something to embrace and celebrate.
This exhibit is in the upstairs Bridge Project space at Art Works and will continue through November 30, 2025.
November
1-8
The Altars Festival Returns to Richmond
The Altar America Project, part of The Sustainable Culture Lab, announces the return of the 2025 Altars Festival to Richmond, VA, running November 1–8, 2025 The weeklong celebration honors cross-cultural ancestor remembrance through art, music, dialogue, and community.
Festival Highlights
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.Opening Ceremony – Saturday, Nov 1 | 9:30–11:30 AM
Guided community walk from the 17th Street Farmers Market to the African Burial Ground, led by Barrett Holmes Pitner and local leaders. -
Altars Music Fest at Gallery5 – Saturday, Nov 1 | 12:00–5:00 PM
Free live music, food, and a communal altar featuring artists Caroline Scruggs, Freedom Imani, Tiara + Andrew, and B Love. -
Brunch with Barrett at Quirk – Sunday, Nov 2 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Reflective brunch and dialogue on culture and community with Barrett Holmes Pitner. -
Remembrance Workshops at Black Iris – Sunday, Nov 2 | 1:00–5:00 PM
Discussions and workshops on altar-building and songwriting, plus Q&A and book signing with Pitner. -
First Friday at Art Works – Friday, Nov 7 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Art, music, and remembrance featuring altars by Christopher Flowers and Felicia Reed. Exhibits run Nov 1–8. -
Day of Wellness at TAOU Studio – Saturday, Nov 8 | 12:00–8:00 PM
Wellness sessions, a communal altar, and a Tiny Desk–style performance by Tre Charles, closing the festival.
About the Founder
Barrett Holmes Pitner — philosopher, educator, journalist, and author of The Crime Without a Name and The Reconstructionist. He directs The Sustainable Culture Lab and teaches at George Washington University.
Support & Contact
Supported by The Sustainable Culture Lab, Art Works, Gallery5, TAOU Studio, Pollinators for Change, and The Mamou Group.
Contact Patrick Mamou at 202.999.6970 or patrick@themamougroup.com.
More info: www.altarsfestival.com
28
4th Friday Exhibits and Reception
Save the date for our 4th Friday on November 28, 2025. Our Made in RVA Holiday Shop opens at 11 a.m. There will be crafts for the children while you shop. Then at 6 pm, join us for the opening reception of the new exhibits.
Join us at from 6 – 8 pm for an evening with talented artists, live music, refreshments, and libations sponsored by RVA Thriving Artists. Featured is Peter Allen, Jason Bryant, George Tisdale, the RPMG group show, and a Fine Craft Exhibit.
This event is free and open to the public. Convenient and free parking is available. The exhibits will continue through January 17, 2026.
December
1-28
Holiday Gift Shopping and Exhibits
Discover the perfect holiday gifts at the Made in RVA Holiday Shop! Our collection features handcrafted items by local artisans, including fragrant candles, soothing soaps, Richmond prints, jewelry, pottery, totes, stickers, knitted hats and scarves, cards, ornaments and so much more.
Don’t miss the opportunity to find local treasures that celebrate creativity and connection. Make your holiday shopping an unforgettable experience filled with love and community spirit. The shop is open until December 28, 2025. Secure gifts as unique as the people you cherish!
