May – June 2026 Exhibits

In May Art Works presents the annual Maggie Walker Governor’s School Senior Art Exhibit on May 8th showcasing the extraordinary talent and creativity of the school’s graduating visual arts students. And then on May 22nd, join us from 6 pm – 8 pm 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).

Inherited Manners & Domestic Bliss by Heidi Peelen

Heidi Peelen, a mixed-media artist from Portsmouth, Virginia, explores the emotional landscape of domestic life through drawing, video, installation, and performance. Her work reflects on the roles of mother, wife, and caregiver—figures shaped by the ideals and expectations of suburban life. Using materials such as ballpoint pen, vinyl transfers, and layered video projections, Peelen creates intimate, thought-provoking vignettes that invite viewers to reflect on identity, gendered labor, and the quiet beauty found in everyday care.

The exhibition will be in the Jane Sandelin Gallery at Art Works and will continue through July 18, 2026.

Inside Outside: The Body in Art by Geneva Dinh

Geneva Dinh, a metalsmith and fiber artist, explores the beauty and complexity of the human body through her distinctive sculptural and wearable works. Combining metal and fiber, she creates pieces that reimagine human organs outside their natural environment, inviting viewers to “wear their insides outside.” Rather than aiming to shock or unsettle, Dinh’s work fosters a sense of curiosity and comfort with the body’s inner workings. Through this intimate exploration of form and function, she encourages reflection on existence, identity, and the quiet wonder of life beneath the skin.

The exhibit will be in the Port I at Art Works through June 20, 2026.

Emergences by Anna Demovidova

Anna Demovidova, originally from Rostov-Veliky, Russia, and now based in Virginia and Washington, D.C., presents Emergences—a series of paintings where boundaries between self, thought, and nature dissolve. Her work explores the inner worlds of women, where solitude holds both tension and grace. Figures merge with petals, leaves, and shifting light, reflecting moments of quiet transformation. Through layered, poetic imagery, Demovidova invites viewers into spaces of reflection and resilience, where silence itself becomes a voice. Her art has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is included in collections across the U.S. and Europe.

The exhibit will be in the Port II at Art Works through June 20, 2026.

RVA Clay Founding Members Exhibition

The RVA Clay Founders Exhibition celebrates the artists who helped establish the newly formed RVA Clay Non-Profit Organization. This exhibition showcases the remarkable range of talent, technique, and creativity of the founding members—artists whose work reflects the strength and diversity of Richmond’s clay community. Dedicated to promoting the appreciation and practice of ceramic arts, RVA Clay fosters connection through studio tours, exhibitions, and public programs that enrich the cultural and economic vitality of the region

The exhibit will be in the Centre Gallery at Art Works through June 20, 2026.

Everyday Observations: The Spaces In Between by Meagan Samuel

Meagan Samuel creates black-and-white photographs that highlight the subtleties often overlooked in daily life. Through intimate details and poetic compositions, her work transforms quiet moments into spaces of reflection, inviting viewers to slow down and see with greater depth. Each image balances presence and perception, capturing both the stillness and the emotional resonance of the everyday. By working in black and white, Samuel emphasizes form, light, and contrast, allowing the essence of her subjects to emerge with clarity and quiet strength.

The exhibit will be in the Corner Gallery at Art Works through June 20, 2026.

May 2026 All Media Show

Local artists will showcase their talents in this All-Media Exhibit. Call for entries is April 15 – May 10, 2026, and may be submitted through the online form. This juried show offers cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

The exhibition will be in the Skylight Gallery at Art Work through June 18, 2026. Check our website for details on submitting artwork: Call for Entries

The Community Bridge Project

RVA Thriving Artists is excited to welcome a new artist to the Community Bridge Project. Emerging artists from Central Virginia—including those from underserved and marginalized communities, are encouraged to submit their proposals through the online application form. Selected artists will receive free exhibit space in the upstairs Bridge Project gallery at Art Works, along with mentorship and educational support. The program provides guidance on developing a theme, creating a cohesive body of work, preparing for exhibition, and promoting the show. The exhibition will run through May 30, 2026..

This exhibit is sponsored by RVA Thriving Artists, a nonprofit arm of Art Works offering opportunities for emerging artists including marginalized and under represented communities. Learn more at: RVA Thriving Artists website.