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 served artists, community meet-ups, free exchange workshops that focus on the business of being an artists and techniques to improve and expand one’s craft, open figure drawing sessions and stipends for community projects.
Programs
The Exchange
Join us for The Exchange meetings. In these programs, you will learn about the business side of being an artists (creating a website, marketing your art, copyright laws, and techniques around making art (welding, painting, illustrating, clay work and more).
Palette Knife Painting
Linda Hollett-Bazouzi will lead this Exchange. She has painted exclusively with a palette knife since 2007 (with rare exceptions). She picked up a knife at a class on using the palette knife and plein air painting, and never looked back. A huge advantage is the ease of cleanup!
In this Exchange, Linda will talk and demonstrate. Then participants will try their hand at painting with a palette knife. Supplies are included.
The event is free. Click here to register as spots are limited.
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.
Queer Life Drawing
Queer Life Drawing sessions are held at Gold Lion Community Cafe. Bring your art supplies and sketch our model. Your donation pays the model and goes towards fundraising for the Color Theory: The Richmond Queer Art Experience , an exhibit at Art Works in August and September celebrating Pride Month in Richmond.
Location: 1014 Hull Street Richmond, VA 23224
Date: May 2, 2023
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Happy Hour Meet-ups
Join us for monthly Happy Hour Meet-ups at Benchtop Brewing (434 Hull Street). Time: 6 pm – 7 pm.
April 18
May 16,
June 20
July18
Aug 15
Sept 19
Oct 17
Nov 14
Dec 19
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.