The public is invited to the opening reception of “VA250: America Made in Virginia,” a collection of new works by Artists in Cahoots members, on Friday, July 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the studio.
The themed display highlights a wide range of two-and three-dimensional work as a local event tied to the state of Virginia’s and national celebration of our country’s 250th birthday. Artists featured include Ed Bordette, Richard Furman, Marsha Heatwole, Jan Jarrard, Bill Kluge, Tim McMahon, Lori McMahon, Kelly Nye, Greg Sandage, Elizabeth Sauder, Lee Sauder, Mariam Todd, Rebecca Warner and Maureen Worth.
Among the work on display is a new acrylic painting by local artist Marsha Heatwole entitled “A Meditation on Colonialism.” The piece depicts native wildlife found in Virginia in 1776. Hovering over the brightly colored wildlife is a border of gray-toned “ghost images of European settlers grabbing at the animals,” said Heatwole. “I started researching and making this piece last winter during a lengthy icy cold spell as I tried to stay cozy next to my woodstove.”
She continued, “I kept adding more animals and wildflowers as family and friends visited me and suggested changes. I do believe in change, and I think that change, now, can come in the form of welcoming more wildlife into today’s landscape ‒ especially beavers, the keystone species.”
Over our 250-year history the United States has become a world leader in higher education, particularly in Virginia where several of our universities predate the signing of the Declaration of Independence —including Washington and Lee University. The board of trustees for Augusta Academy—founded in 1749 — changed the name of the school to Liberty Hall Academy on May 13, 1776, to reflect revolutionary sympathies. The remnants of Liberty Hall, though not in its original location, stand on the outskirts of today’s campus.
Local photographer Kelly Nye offers an image, “Liberty Hall,” in recognition of the university’s important place in our state and our nation’s history.
“A MEDITATION on Colonialism,” acrylic painting (detail) by Marsha Heatwole.
