Larry Hypes
Contributing Writer
CHRISTIANSBURG – Beginning this week, history – and music – comes alive at the Montgomery Museum of Art and History.
And it’s free.
An exhibit called “Sent with Love” will be on display until the end of February. Featuring the fashion in which a legend has been transformed into a major commercial holiday, the background and items for viewing cover not only the wide world but also include local photographs, valentines and even wedding outfits from the Montgomery County and New River Valley areas.
“We wanted to delve into the Valentine’s Day history but with a local twist, connecting a widely celebrated commercial holiday with the Montgomery County community,” said collections and communications coordinator Grace Atallah in a recent interview.
Another engine powering current events is “Service Stations: Driving America’s Automobile Culture.” Already up and running, this exhibit will also remain ready for viewing until the end of February. Although the New River Valley was originally settled by pioneers with horses and wagons, the area began to thrive when the railroads brought a new travel culture. Finally, the advent of the automobile in the 20th century proved to be another culture change, with county and state roads such as Rt. 460 and Interstate 81.
With cars and trucks requiring fuel, the “service” or “filling stations” in and around Montgomery County provided the ingredient to move citizens from home to stores to school and churches and all types of events. Early vehicle owners had to scramble to find gasoline outlets and then mechanics to work on the cars and trucks when they needed maintenance. It is a fascinating slice of local and regional history.
Noted artist Linda Hinson’s display features 11 Zambian villagers and 11 animals from all over the world in a stunning array of visual portraits in charcoal entitled simply “Beings.” Hinson says that a being is a “living creature” but the term also includes a state of existence, an activity or an ongoing process. Questions about this exhibit are welcomed.
One interesting point about both the humans and animals depicted is that both sets of beings share not only DNA but the use of tools. Hinson also observes that both have another common feature: each group has suffered.
“Our museum is completely free to visit and we welcome our citizens to come and see us,” said Atallah. “We achieve our mission to preserve history and present art by making our exhibits accessible to the community.”
Finally, the MJAM (Montgomery Junior Appalachian Musicians) children are back picking and playing traditional tunes each Monday for approximately two hours in after-school sessions at the museum with instructors from the area.
The Montgomery Museum of Art and History is located at 4 East Main St. in downtown Christiansburg and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Saturday 1 – 4 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday. Group tour information is available and handicapped parking is located at the front.
For more information, e-mail director@montgomerymuseum.org or call 540-382-5644. Sherry Wyatt is museum director.
