The Blacksburg Regional Art Association (BRAA) was happy to show off their new space within The Artful Lawyer in downtown Blacksburg on March 27, at an event sponsored by Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., (DBI).
DBI sponsored the March Mix and Mingle for members of its organization and about 30 people came to and see the newly renovated space at 318 N. Main Street.
Lawyer James Creekmore, owner of the house, and Diana Francis, gallery manager, came to the rescue of BRAA, DBI Inc., and Montgomery Country Tourism when they were unexpectedly forced to find a new home following a large rent increase in their former space.
The space at The Artful Lawyer was renovated specifically for the three new tenants.
The art association, founded in 1950, is an all-volunteer, 501 c 3 non-profit with about 100 members from the Blacksburg area and beyond.
“This is the first time we have had access to such a lovely space,” said Gerri Young, president of the organization. “There is a synergy here that benefits us all. We all aim to support the arts and the area and to showcase the many talented people who live here. BRAA will provide a new art exhibit in the space every two months which will include both 2D and 3D works. This is easily the best opportunity we have ever had to support our 3D artists due to excellent shelving provided by The Artful Lawyer.”
Currently showing are Tom Barnhart of Christiansburg with his wonderful and unusual knotting work; Larry Mitchell of Blacksburg with his well-known fused glass, Teri Hoover of Blacksburg with her Gratitude Baskets of wrapped cloth, Rejane Pratelli of Blacksburg with handmade silver jewelry and Nancy Norton of Christiansburg with her mixed media Natural Beauty artworks. Most of the artworks on display may be purchased.
The Artful Lawyer is open M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to the BRAA space, the rest of the first floor of the building features rotating, quarterly exhibitions of artworks by local artists. Collection of abstract work is currently on show. Coming up is pottery, poetry and pastels exhibit opening April 24, reception 5:30-8:30 p.m.
—Gerri Young
