HISTORY AND STORIES – LIFTED BY LEGACY

This collaboration between artists and journalists explores the lives, histories, and ongoing challenges of Black Americans through local and national stories. Presented by 8News and the Black American Artists’ Alliance of Richmond, the exhibition blends journalism and visual art to honor Black resilience, creativity, and legacy.

On view at the Jane Sandelin Gallery from January 24–February 21, 2026.

Up and Down by Trotter Hardy

Trotter Hardy explores how shifting the camera up or down reveals surprising perspectives. This collection shows how bird’s-eye and worm’s-eye views alter proportion, importance, and meaning—reminding us that our mental perspective often depends on our physical one.

This exhibit will be in the Centre Gallery at Art Works from January 23, 2026– February 21, 2026.

Endangered: Art of the Wild by Carrie Lensch

Carrie is a Virginia native and self-taught artist with a background in wildlife biology. Her vibrant, detailed paintings—often featuring birds, African wildlife, and tender parent–child themes—reflect her love of nature and conservation. Known for expressive eyes and stained glass–like linework, she shares her passion by supporting nonprofits and wildlife causes.

This exhibit will be in the Corner Gallery at Art Works from January 23, 2026– February 21, 2026.

Simply Photography 2026

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 is a juried exhibit with cash prizes. The exhibition will be in the main galleries, Port I and Port II through February 19, 2026.

January 2026 All Media Exhibit

Each month Art Works invites artists to submit their work in an open call-for-entries. These exhibits are a focal point of all Art Works’ openings. There is no theme for this exhibit—so anything goes, any topic and any medium. This is a juried show with cash prizes. The exhibit will be in the Skylight Gallery at Art Works from January 23, 2026– February 19, 2026.

The Community Bridge Project – Justyn Canada

RVA Thriving Artists introduces Justyn Canada in the most current Community Bridge Project. Justin Canada’s work centers on figurative and portrait-based realism, using expression and detail to tell stories from diverse cultural, racial, and social backgrounds. His portraits highlight the beauty, resilience, and complexity of ordinary people, inviting viewers to see themselves and others with empathy while celebrating diversity and shared humanity.

This exhibit is in the upstairs Bridge Project space at Art Works and will continue through February 28, 2026.

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11th Annual Middle School Art Show

Featuring selected works from Bell Creek Middle School in Hanover County & Short Pump Middle School in Henrico County. The opening reception is Saturday, January 10th from 12 pm – 2 pm. with music provided by the BCMS Strings Ensemble, Exhibit continues through January 11th.

Free and open to the public.  Public Garage parking is available at the Current East 5th Street.  Check in the office for a parking validation.

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4th Friday at Art Works

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 present a variety of subjects and photographic methods that are sure to leave you impressed.

We are excited to host 8News: Honoring Black History in Richmond and solo exhibits by Trotter Hardy, Carrie Lensch, and Justyn Canada. And what’s a 4th Friday without our monthly All Media Show? This curated exhibit features all mediums and many topics by Virginia artists.

Please join us for the opening reception on January 23rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Meet the artists and enjoy live music. The exhibits continue through February 21, 2026. The event is free and open to the public. Plus, parking is free too! Come and be a part of Richmond’s vibrant artistic community.

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4th Friday at Art Works

This February, Art Works presents solo exhibitions by Ryan Lytle, Jane Skafte, Ginny Loving, and Catherine Purdy, along with the juried All Media Show and the Community Bridge Project with Justyn Canada. From surreal needle-felted animals and lush botanical paintings to haunting handmade dolls and expressive wildlife portraits, there’s something for everyone to discover. Join us for the opening reception on Friday, February 27, 6–8 p.m. with live music, refreshments, and the chance to meet the artists. Admission and parking are free—come celebrate creativity in Richmond!

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4th Friday at Art Works

Art Works presents a dynamic lineup for March’s 4th Friday, featuring solo exhibitions by Ryan Lytle, Tammie Comer, Ann Chenoweth, Joseph Weller, and Raana Abtahi, along with the March All Media Show, a juried exhibition showcasing exceptional work by regional artists.

From surreal felted sculptures to intimate portraits of sisterhood, from a reflective retrospective to a collaborative installation confronting confinement, these exhibitions reveal the depth and diversity of contemporary art in Virginia.

Join us for the opening reception on Friday, March 27th, 6–8 p.m. to meet the artists, enjoy live music, and experience new works throughout the galleries. Admission is free and open to the public, with validated parking available.

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4th Friday at Art Works

This April, Art Works celebrates creativity, renewal, and community with a diverse lineup of exhibits. Senior students from the Henrico Center for the Arts showcase four years of study in the Jane Sandelin Gallery, while Second Nature by Marissa Boyce transforms reclaimed materials into sculptural works of resilience.

Art in Bloom, presented in partnership with the Richmond Historic Foundation during Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, invites artists to interpret the beauty of nature and new growth. The juried All Media Show highlights local and regional talent across all styles and mediums, and the Community Bridge Project continues to support emerging artists from Central Virginia through mentorship and exhibition opportunities.

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4th Friday at Art Works

Join us on Friday, May 22nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an inspiring evening at Art Works as we unveil new exhibits exploring identity, the body, domestic life, and the creative power of community. Meet the artists, Heidi Peelen, Geneva Dinh, Anna Demovidova, Meagan Samuel, the RVA Clay founding members’ exhibit, and local artists exhibiting in the All Media Show. Enjoy live music, refreshments, and libations courtesy of RVA Thriving Artists, and connect with Richmond’s vibrant art scene.

The event is free and open to the public with convenient, free parking available. Exhibits will remain on view through June 20, 2026 (unless otherwise noted).

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4th Friday at Art Works

Join us on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an inspiring evening at Art Works as we unveil our newest exhibitions. Meet the artists, enjoy live music, refreshments, and libations sponsored by RVA Thriving Artists, and experience an exciting range of visual expression.

This month’s shows feature Heidi Peelen, whose mixed-media works explore domestic life and identity; a tribute to Joe DeIulio, celebrating his vibrant legacy of color and humor; and Diane Wilkin, whose pastels and monoprints capture the intricate rhythms of nature. Deborah Milan Brudvig translates her life in music into expressive abstract paintings, and the All Media Show highlights diverse works by local and regional artists.
In the Community Bridge Project, emerging Central Virginia artists continue to share new perspectives and creative growth.

The reception is free and open to the public, with convenient, free parking available. Exhibits continue through July 18, 2026.

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4th Friday at Art Works

Join us on July 24, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. at Art Works for the opening reception of our new exhibits!

Meet our featured artists, enjoy live music, and savor refreshments and libations sponsored by RVA Thriving Artists.Step into Sacred Queerness: Nature, Spirituality, and the Queer Experience in the main gallery — a powerful exhibition benefiting Virginia Pride through sales from this show.

Also on view: solo exhibitions by T. Parker, Justin White, Heather McCoy, and Mandy Powell, the Community Bridge Project, and a brand-new All Media Show highlighting local talent.

This event is free and open to the public. Convenient and free parking is available. The exhibits will continue through August 22, 2026. Sacred Queerness: Nature, Spirituality, and the Queer Experience continues through September 19, 2026.

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4th Friday at Art Works

Join us on August 28, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. for the exciting opening reception of our new exhibits at Art Works. Meet the talented artists, enjoy live music, refreshments, and libations sponsored by RVA Thriving Artists, and celebrate another vibrant season of creativity and community.

Each August, Art Works partners with a local organization to raise funds and awareness. This year, we’re proud to support Virginia Pride. The community comes together by donating items for a silent auction, and Art Works contributes a portion of all sales from Queer by Nature to benefit the cause.

Additional exhibits include new works by Martin Neal Reamy, a collaboration between Richard Harding and Ginny Loving, and the juried August All Media Show featuring regional artists.

This event is free and open to the public, with convenient, free parking available. Exhibits will remain on view through September 19, 2026.

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4th Friday at Art Works

Join us on September 25, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an exciting opening reception of our new exhibits at Art Works. Meet the talented artists, and enjoy live music, refreshments, and libations sponsored by RVA Thriving Artists. Featured artists are Sky Dai, Alcova Key, Carol Gruppe, Tatiana Grace, Anna Davila, and the All Media Show by local artists.

This event is free and open to the public. Convenient and free parking is available. The exhibits will continue through October 17, 2026.

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4th Friday at Art Works

Save the date for our 4th Friday Reception on October 23, 2026. Embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your favorite costume and join us for an unforgettable evening as we unveil our latest art exhibits. Immerse yourself works by Sky Dai, Alfonso Perez Acosta, Johnye Bennett, Lew Lott, and the All Media Show by local artists. Meet the talented artists, and enjoy live music, refreshments, and libations sponsored by RVA Thriving Artists. Don’t miss out on this night of art and enchantment!

This event is free and open to the public. Convenient and free parking is available. The exhibits will continue through November 14, 2026.

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4th Friday at Art Works

Save the date for our 4th Friday on November 27, 2026. 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 a collaborative exhibit by Paul DiPasquale, Wolfgang Jasper, and Darryl Starr and exhibits by MRAA, Dylan DeLuca, and the November All Media Show by local artists.

This event is free and open to the public. Convenient and free parking is available. The exhibits will continue through January 16, 2027.

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