The Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center is celebrating the work of area artists with its latest exhibition, including the third member’s co-op show of 2018 and an assembly of artwork from Williamsburg Portrait Guild members. The exhibited opened with a reception Monday evening and runs through Aug. 31.
“They’re all so different and new,” said Apryl Altman, WCAC vice president, artistic director and one of the artists featured in the co-op show.
The member’s co-op show features the work of six artists — including four newcomers — spanning much of the center’s main gallery. Various media are represented, including jewelry, wood and watercolor.
“The fact that we can bring in new artists and encourage them to show their work is very exciting,” Altman said.
New artists include Dorothy Ellis, a retired teacher and printmaker who recently moved to Williamsburg from Richmond, and Mary Lassiter, who works with mixed media including acrylic, leather, wood, fabric and more.
On the main gallery’s back wall, Williamsburg Portrait Guild artists show off portraits of family, friends and captivating characters.
“A lot of times, portraits can be very insightful and full of emotion,” Altman said. “It really does make you think how it relates to your own family as well.”
Artist Jeanne Kouhestani said the portraits showcase artists’ individual styles, which can lead to commissions for new work.
“I just love painting faces,” Kouhestani said, lauding the character and beauty found in the human face.
With the theme of “Williamsburg Favorites,” the center’s fireside gallery highlights scenic locations around Williamsburg. The middle gallery also showcases the winners of the 2017 juried regional show ahead of the 2018 iteration in October.
“We thought it would be fun to whet people’s appetites,” Altman said.
Also looking forward, prints remain available for the center’s upcoming “Camera to Brush” show, which tasks artists with selecting a photograph to use as inspiration for a new creation of their own; the gallery will display the photographs and interpretations together Sept. 4 through Oct. 12.
“It’s an exciting cooperative effort,” said Andrea Lemieux, art center coordinator. “We’re cooking up a really good fall schedule.”
On the educational side, the gallery is featuring a Nuno-felted scarf workshop Aug. 25.
In the meantime, Altman said the latest show offers worthwhile ideas and diverse expression for anyone interested in checking out local talent.
“I would encourage them to come see a variety of paintings by emerging and veteran artists in all mediums,” she said. “We’re always looking for new people to come and enjoy not only our members’ art, but art in general.”
Want to go?
The exhibition runs through Aug. 31 at the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center, 110 Westover Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free and open to the public.
