There is no shortage of scenic views and serene nature settings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas. Everywhere you turn. there are lovely things to see and places to explore. It’s not surprising that artists of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels are inspired to create wonderful works of art that reflect their passion and showcase their talents. Great art deserves to be appreciated—so if you are visiting the area or even if you are a hometown native, be sure to add a Rivah art stroll to your summer bucket list!
Across the Northern Neck region, colorful painted murals have been popping up on the walls of buildings, bringing a fresh, lively look to our charming little towns. These are the work of the talented artists of the Montross Mural Studio founded and led by Melanie Stimmell Van Latum. The bulk of these large scale, street art creations decorate the streets of Montross in Westmoreland County. Some examples of their work can be found at the Art of Coffee, Bridget’s Bouquets, Angelo’s Pizza, and the old Coca-Cola plant. They have also branched out into neighboring towns with murals now appearing in Callao and in Colonial Beach. Each of these artworks portrays elements of the Northern Neck and is focused on celebrating the unique aspects of our small hometowns. These creations are hard to miss, but you will certainly want to take time to appreciate them up close—so be sure to add at least one to your list of “must see” locations.
Click here to learn more about Montross Mural Studio.
Next, head over to Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern (RHHT) in Northumberland County. This historic treasure is located in Heathsville and is the last surviving 1700s structure of its kind in the Northern Neck. The Tavern is a unique gathering space for crafters, artists, and makers of all mediums. RHHT features a fully-operational forge where visitors can witness members of the blacksmith’s guild crafting metal creations. The facility is also home to a weavers’ and spinners’ workshop and a quilters’ workshop where crafters gather to create unique fiber creations. A colonial-style carriage house also exists on the property and hosts the Tavern’s woodworking guild. The Heritage Arts Center Gift Shoppe is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers an assortment of artisan wares for purchase and welcomes guests to peruse and chat with on-site guild members. The Tavern Café is also open during these hours and serves up delicious homemade soups, quiches, breads and sweet treats all prepared by volunteers of the Culinary Guild. RHHT is the site of the Heathsville Farmers Market that takes place on the 3rd Saturday of every month from April through October. “Make it a Heathsville Saturday” and visit this historic gem to enjoy glimpses of the past and some beautiful works of art!
Click here for information about classes, events, and more at RHHT.
Over in White Stone, Allure Art Center features original artworks from award-winning Virginia artists in a wide range of styles and mediums. Step into the professional art center and peruse the top notch fine art gallery. Allure offers special exhibits throughout the year in addition to an ever-changing collection of works from their resident artists. The center also houses an artisan jewelry studio with handcrafted designs from local artisans. Artists are often coming and going, and patrons are welcome to engage in discussion or sit in on demonstrations that are being given.
Throughout the month of July, Allure will host “The Art of Glass,” an exhibit featuring glasswork creations from 6 different Virginia glass artisans. An opening reception will be held for the event on July 9th at 6pm.
Click here to learn more about Allure Art Center.
Across the Rappahannock River, the Tappahannock Artist Gallery (TAG) is a cooperative art center that aims to enrich the community through arts and culture. TAG promotes the work of its guild members and local artists and also offers educational classes and other events. The main gallery is open on Fridays from 12n-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. TAG will be presenting a new collaborative exhibit entitled “Creative Expressions,” beginning with a reception on July 9th from 5p.m.-7p.m. This exhibit will feature the work of sisters Bonnie and Kathryn Murray and will include an assortment of paintings, photographs and collagraphs inspired by the natural world.
Click here to learn more about TAG
RAL Art Center has been a fixture of the Northern Neck community since 1949. Thecooperative art center is owned and maintained by its members and is divided into 3 sections to offer the full art experience. The Gallery is a space dedicated to displaying the work of the more than 50 member-artists of RAL. Works of all mediums from paint to pottery to jewelry and more are available to view and enjoy year round. The Stouffer Exhibit Room features new themed exhibitions each month that are judged by renowned art experts with prize ribbons being awarded. The Pike Studio is available for seasoned or budding artists of all ages to come enjoy classes, paint nights, or open studio time.
For more information about classes and upcoming events, click here to visit the RAL website.
Arts on Main is an organization in Gloucester that provides a creative environment for the arts to flourish. This location offers workshops, classes, special exhibits and events for artists of all ages to enjoy. The location offers a 4,000 square foot gallery for area artists to display their works in a professional setting.
For more information on Arts on Main click here.
Bay School Community Arts Center in Mathews County is another location that offers the opportunity to discover and support our local artists. Their Art Speaks Gallery holds monthly exhibitions and also displays the works of its members. Community outreach is also an important element of the center’s mission and they provide a wide range of classes and programs for artists of all ages and skill levels.
Click here to learn more about the Bay School Community Arts Center.
Throughout the month of July, RAL in Kilmarnock, Arts on Main in Gloucester, and the Art Speaks Gallery in Mathews will all be featuring works from members of the Virginia Watercolor Society in an exhibit entitled “Summer of Color.” Each gallery will adopt a different theme that celebrates the diversity of the natural world and its enduring influence in art. The theme at Arts on Main will be “Flora and Fauna.” At the Art Speaks Gallery, the theme is “Land and Sea: Inspiring Views,” and at RAL, the theme will be “Portraits and Still Life.”
Art is certainly abundant in Rivah Country! Make it a date and enjoy the best that the area has to offer!
