RVA Thriving Artists

a non-profit that sponsors programs to educate and inform artists, sponsors open figure drawing sessions, and exhibit opportunities for Virginia visual artists. Projects include offering free exhibit space and marketing for under represented and marginalized artists, community meet-ups, free workshops, open figure drawing sessions and stipends for community projects.

Figure Drawing Sessions

We sponsor open Figure Drawing Sessions on the first and third Sundays of each month. Join us. The fee is $10 and used to pay the model. Time is from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m..  Click on the date(s) below to register.
January 5 July 6
January 19 July 20
February 2 August 3
February 16 August 17
March 2 September 7
March 16 September 21
April 6 October 5
April 22 October 19
May 4 November 2
May 18 November 16
June 1 December 7
June 15 December 21

The Community Bridge Project

RVA Thriving Artists is proud to share with you the Community Bridge Project. This program is a visual arts opportunity that bridges the gaps in the community for artists who are underserved and emerging artists. We sponsor a visual artist for a 3-month gallery exhibit at Art Works Gallery at no cost to the artist. The featured artist is chosen from applicants throughout Virginia. A display space at Art Works is provided and their work is promoted. The recipient gains valuable experience in curating their artwork in a gallery, hanging and pricing the pieces.

Amuri Morris

Meet Amuri Morris. Recipient of The Community Bridge award on display at Art Works March 2024 – May  2024.

Asia Anderson

Asia Anderson embraces watercolors for their unpredictability. The paint’s fluid nature demands problem-solving and adaptation, making each mistake a creative opportunity. Asia’s paintings will be on display through August 31, 2024 at Art Works.

Sarah Zhou

This artist works primarily with acrylic paints to capture their life experiences as a Chinese American. Their art addresses racial discrimination, internalized racism, Asian fetishization, and intergenerational trauma within the Asian American community. Through their work, they aim to challenge the “color blindness” ideology and emphasize the importance of Asian American representation, hoping to foster empathy and understanding. The exhibit was on display in 2024.