March – April 2024 Exhibits

Art Works is excited to present an exceptional lineup of solo exhibitions showcasing the talents of Amelia Rafle, Jasper Drilling, Johnye Bennett, Dan Thompson, and Jeni Sleigh. These exhibits explore themes such as climate change, circular motion, transformation, and empowerment through creative processes.

In addition to these solo exhibitions, enjoy the monthly All Media Show, featuring curated and juried works by Richmond’s finest artists.

Join us for the opening reception on March 28th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., for an evening of captivating art, live music, and the opportunity to meet the artists. This event is free and open to the public, with complimentary parking available. Come celebrate art and creativity with us at Art Works!

 Martyrs and Ghosts by Amelia Rafle

Amelia Rafle’s artwork combines both traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques to simplify complex climate data, making it easier to understand and inspiring viewers to take action. Inspired by multispecies theories and a love for birds, the work includes community eco-focused print workshops. In Martyrs and Ghosts Amelia encourages viewers to turn grief into action. “Martyrs” features deified birds with gold halos, while “Ghosts” presents a shadow flock of endangered species. Participate in this interactive exhibit and print birds which will form a memorial to promote climate action, highlighting grief’s power to inspire change.

The exhibition will be in the Jane Sandelin Gallery at Art Works through April 19, 2025.

Larval Stages by Jasper Drilling

Through their art, Jasper Drilling explores the profound connection between the life cycles of insects and amphibians and their own journey as a transgender individual. By focusing on the larval stage—the period before metamorphosis, between birth and adulthood—they draw parallels to their transition.

Their self-portraits, layered with images of eggs hatching and tadpoles growing legs and becoming frogs, vividly depict that change is uncomfortable, frightening, necessary, and exhilarating all at once. This work aims to convey the complexity and beauty of transformation, celebrating the resilience and courage it demands.

The exhibition will be in the Port Gallery I at Art Works through April 19, 2025.

Color in Motion: Exploring Palettes by Johnye Bennett

Johnye Bennett’s inner child is ageless, and painting with colorful tubes of paint brings her endless joy and curiosity. Each stroke on her easel is filled with raw emotions—excitement and hope. Inspired by different cultures around the world, she creates liberating and dynamic works using a variety of media including acrylic, oil, oil sticks, charcoal, markers, and pastels. Bennett’s art captures the essence of moments, feelings, and glimpses of beauty, driven by her desire to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

The exhibition will be in the Port Gallery II at Art Works through April 19, 2025.

Echoes of Insight by Jeni Sleigh

Jeni Sleigh, born in Zambia and trained as a Teacher of Fine Arts at the University of Kwazulu Natal in Durban, South Africa, has over 35 years of experience teaching pottery, painting, drawing, printing, and photography across four countries. She loves empowering people to become creative in their own right. Her artwork, exhibited and sold in Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Canada, and Zambia, now includes pastels with bright colors and interesting compositions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, and Perth, Australia, Jeni continues to inspire and train students in a wide range of ceramic techniques, including raku and pit firing.

The exhibition will be in the Centre Gallery at Art Works through April 19, 2025.

The Circle Spirit Lives On by Dan Thompson

Dan Thompson presents a captivating collection, from the Bauhaus to MoMA: The Circle’s Spirit Lives On. This exhibit features acrylic works on paper and canvas, all framed under glass, and showcases Thompson’s unique monoprints created using a gel plate. Through these pieces, Thompson explores the enduring influence of circular forms in modern art, celebrating their timeless appeal and dynamic presence.

This exhibit will be in the Corner Gallery at Art Works through April 19, 2025.

March 2025 All Media Show

This exhibit is a focal point of all Art Works’ openings. It is a juried show with cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The show is open to all artists and all mediums. There is no theme this month. Call for entries is February 15 – March 16, 2025, and may be submitted through the online form.

The exhibit will be in the Skylight Gallery at Art Works through April 17, 2025. Check our website for details on submitting artwork: Call for Entries