Western Loudoun Artists Showcased at Purcellville Art Gallery

Our oldest daughter is a graphic design major and an artist. Ever since she was little, she drew on everything–paper, boxes, walls, pieces of wood, herself. While pursuing her degree at George Mason, she has never stopped painting and drawing. (She’s even designed a few tattoos along the way, including my own!) We’ve always enjoyed going to galleries together, and Mason actually requires art majors to visit and write about galleries for credit each semester. This has brought us to different museums and galleries in DC, Boston, and New York City. Next month, we’ll head to New Orleans.

You can imagine how excited we were to hear that Purcellville was getting an art gallery of its own, right on Main Street. While we’ve always had Franklin Park’s Arts Center (have you visited the current Bob Ross exhibit?) it warmed my heart that we now have dedicated creative space for Western Loudoun artists. When the Purcellville Art Gallery  issued a call for local artists’ works to exhibit, Erika submitted three pieces (for the first time in her life), and one of her paintings was chosen.

Her painting is just one of many works of art currently on display at the gallery: there are paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, and more. So much beautiful, local work. One of the watercolors on display sold just minutes into the new collection’s opening! This Saturday, there will be an outdoor artists’ market from 12-6, and then an artists’ reception at 6 pm. All are welcome! The current show will run until January 3rd, and then a new collection will be displayed.

The not-for-profit space isn’t just about the gallery, though, as they are hosting classes and allowing for the space to be rented out. This month, they have already hosted a watercolors class and a photography workshop.  (Their website lists all upcoming events, and they are also posting frequently on their Facebook page.)

We stopped by yesterday to see Erika’s painting hanging live and in person, and while we were there took a look at the beautiful pieces on display. (Hint: Don’t miss the gorgeous dragon sculpture!) There are four or five rooms full of art, plus a gift shop. The building itself is a piece of art as well, with a gorgeous mural stretching across the front of the gallery.

One of the displays (pictured below, on the panel) was full of pieces from the DaVinci Art Program, part of VSA Loudoun County, creating opportunities for people with disabilities to make their own art. The program provides instruction, materials and marketing; they have a western Loudoun location at Franklin Park Arts Center.

The range of talent of our Western Loudoun artists displayed in one space was amazing to see; I’m so glad that the folks behind the gallery took the initiative to create this space. Let’s make sure that we support them, and our local artists! See you at the gallery!

Cheers,
Heather