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The McGuffey Figure Drawing Program

Open Figure Drawing Sessions at McGuffey Art Center

NOTE REGARDING COVID-19: These ongoing sessions have taken a different format (reserved seating, smaller class sizes with social distancing and masking). If you are interested in coming to join us for live figure drawing, please contact Robert Bricker robertebricker@yahoo.com.

Offered to the public as part of McGuffey’s on-going cultural services to the community of Charlottesville and surrounding counties, our three figure drawing sessions per week offer, for $15, the opportunity to draw or paint from a live model. The sessions are “instructionless”, and non-judgmental. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own odorless drawing, painting and sculpting materials and join in the fun. The groups consist of of all skill levels–beginners and experienced artists are welcome. Reserved seat access to the session requires an orientation session and an agreement with Robert Bricker. Reserved seating is per session and there is no commitment to continue. All sessions are fun, friendly, and supportive.

Sam Fisher: Authenticity of Myself

Amdane Sanda: What Will Be Your Guide to Purpose?

Artist Talk with Hanna Taubenberger (2022): February 20, 5PM EST

Residency program artist, Hanna Taubenberger spoke about her mixed-media artist practice, her concept/themes, and her current growing body of work. 

The Current of Legacy:

Places hold energy. They carry history.

In August of 1619, the first enslaved Africans in the mainland English colonies arrived at Point Comfort, VA (modern-day Hampton, VA). These more than 20 enslaved Africans were sold for food and supplies, marking the beginning of slavery in the United States.

Regardless of race or background, these first enslaved Africans are a part of our history and our legacy.

I’m inviting the community to take part in a portrait series to explore their connection to these first enslaved Africans and to reflect on how their life impacts the history we are all currently creating together. Portrait participants will have the shoreline of Point Comfort projected onto them so that they may become part of the landscape while simultaneously casting the shadow of their legacy onto the shoreline.

Half the proceeds from this portrait project will be donated to The Fountain Fund, a local organization which provides low-interest loans and support to formerly incarcerated people who are working to successfully reenter their communities. Learn more here.

Artist Talk with Eric Sorensen: May 16, 2021

On May 16, 2021 at 4PM EST, we hosted a virtual artist talk with abstract painter Eric Sorensen, who completed a recent residency program stay for the month of April 2021 in the McGuffey Artist Residency Program. During this virtual event, Sorensen shared about his intentionality of material use and the preparation involved in the creation of his abstract works. Sorensen also shared more about his current developing body of work, exploring communicating emotion through color, line, and shape.

Artist Talk with Natalie Cox: April 8, 2021

On April 8th, 2021 at 5:30PM EST, we hosted a virtual artist talk with resident artist Natalie Cox, who is currently completing her residency time in the McGuffey Artist Residency Program (Feb / Mar 2021). Moderated through a Q/A session, Cox shared a bit about her creative process and her materials, as well as shared works completed during her time in the residency space.

Poetry Reading with Larry D. Giles: April 4, 2021

On April 4th, 2021 at 2PM EST, we hosted a virtual poetry reading with poet Larry D. Giles. During this virtual event, Giles performed some poetry from his most recent book, Father Tree Water: Collected Poems and Photographs of the Rappahannock Mind Body Spirit. Moderated through a short Q/A, Giles also shared with us about some of the themes relating to his work and his creative growth. 

Short Film Screening & Director Q/A with filmmaker Ellis Finney: March 27, 2021

On March 27th, 2021 at 4PM EST, we hosted a virtual short film screening & director Q/A with filmmaker Ellis Finney. During this virtual event, we showcased three short films, some of which were featured in the Water: The Agony & Ecstasy of the Black Experience exhibition. Finney shared a little about his creative process, moderated through a Q/A session with artist and curator Derrick J. Waller.

Poetry Reading with Adrienne Oliver: March 16, 2021

Missed this virtual reading? The recording will be up on McGuffey’s YouTube channel this coming week.

On March 16th, 2021 at 5:30pm, we hosted a virtual poetry reading with writer Adrienne Oliver. During this virtual event, Oliver performed some original poetry for an upcoming project she is working on, as well as shared her performance prose she submitted for the current exhibition at McGuffey Art Center, Water: The Agony & Ecstasy of the Black Experience. Moderated through a short Q/A with artist and writer Kori Price, Oliver also shared with us some of the vital themes she explores in her work and reflected on her creative growth. 

Poetry Reading with Dorothy Marie Rice: March 7, 2021

Missed this virtual reading? The recording will be up on McGuffey’s YouTube channel this coming week.

On March 7th, 2021 at 4pm, we held a virtual poetry reading with artist and poet Dorothy Marie Rice. During this virtual event, Rice performed several poems and prose she submitted for the current exhibition at McGuffey Art Center, Water: The Agony & Ecstasy of the Black Experience.

Artist Talk for Water: The Agony & Ecstasy of the Black Experience: March 11, 2021

Missed this artist talk? The recording will be up on McGuffey’s YouTube channel this coming week.

On March 11, 2021 at 5:30PM, we hosted a virtual artist talk with 10 artists from the current exhibition, Water: The Agony & Ecstasy of the Black Experience. The artists featured in this virtual event were: Sahara Clemons, Clinton Helms, Leslie Lillard, Benita Mayo, Kweisi Morris, Kori Price, Benford D. Stellmacher, Jr., Derrick J. Waller, Marley Nichelle, and Veronica Jackson.

Artist Talk with Theo Trotter: Feb 9, 2021

On February 9th, 2021 at 5:30​pm, McGuffey Art Center hosted a virtual artist talk with papermaker and fiber mixed-media artist, Theo Trotter. Trotter recently completed a residency in our newest residency studio space at McGuffey Art Center in January 2021. Moderated through a series of questions, Trotter shares core themes and concepts he explores in his work, as well as a little about his affinity for mixed-media creation.

Artist Talk with Meesha Goldberg (featuring filmmaker Michael Jones): Jan 30, 2021

Missed this artist talk? You can watch the recording on McGuffey’s YouTube channel.
On January 30th, 2021 at 4pm, we hosted a virtual artist talk with community muralist, Meesha Goldberg. This artist talk featured a live viewing of Michael Jones’ newest short film, KINFOLK, exploring the focal intentions behind Goldberg’s mural.

KINFOLK. by filmmaker Michael Jones

Filmmaker and incubator program resident, Michael Jones, recently directed and produced a beautiful short film, following the completion of a recent mural by artist and poet, Meesha Goldberg. KINFOLK explores the context and message behind Goldberg's mural of the same name.

Artist Talk with New Members: Jan 24, 2021

Missed this artist talk? You can watch the recording on McGuffey’s YouTube channel.
On January 24th, 2021 at 4pm, we hosted a virtual artist talk with some of our newly juried members to McGuffey Art Center. This talk features: Abigail Wilson, Deborah Davis, Michael O. Snyder, Logan MacKethan, Sri Kodakalla, and Zoe Edgecomb.

Artist Talk with Jill Kerttula: Jan 17, 2021

Missed this artist talk? You can watch the recording on McGuffey’s YouTube channel.
On January 17th, 2021 at 4pm, we hosted our first virtual artist talk with full-time fiber artist, Jill Kerttula, who recently showcased her work in a solo exhibition at McGuffey Art Center for January 2021.