The Blude Ridge area is bursting with art and artists, varying from paintings to sculptures to blown glass. Both Staunton and Lexington have an up-and-coming art scene, and being situated almost smack dab in the middle of them 30 minutes each way means that Sugar Tree Inn is the perfect location to base yourself in for an art filled weekend. Check out all there is to do!
Lexington
Artists in Cahoots
Opened in 1983, Artists in Cahoots is a cooperative gallery owned and operated by artists local to the area. In the gallery, you can find paintings, photography, printmaking, jewelry, ceramics/pottery, ironwork, woodwork, sculptures, and more. The gallery hosts regular member artists while also feature “guest” artists that have the opportunity to show off and sell their artwork.
Address: 21 W. Washington in downtown Lexington, Virginia
Hours: Open Tuesday—Saturday 10am – 5:30pm (closed Sunday and Monday)
The Cabell Gallery
https://www.cabellgallery.com/index.php
The Cabell Gallery presents art from emerging and established local and regional contemporary artists of Virginia. While the gallery focuses on oil, watercolor, acrylic, and pastel paintings, they also feature art in the forms of glass, jewelry, and furniture.
Address: 5 W. Washington St. Lexington, VA 24450
Hours: Sunday 10am-3pm, Monday 11am-3pm, Wednesday—Saturday 10am-5:30pm (closed Tuesday)
Chelsea Collections
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057044186152
Recently reopened, the Chelsea Collections specializes in antiques, furniture, and home décor, while also selling gardening items, gifts, and gourmet food items. These items are either new, used, and/or recycled and reimagined.
Address: 112 West Washington Street, Lexington, VA, 24450
Hours: Open Tuesday—Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-4pm (closed Monday)
Earth, Fire, & Spirit Pottery
https://www.earthfirespiritgallery.com/
As in its name, Earth, Fire & Spirit pottery produce and sell handmade stoneware and ceramics that are both functional and decorative. In addition to their pottery, they feature paintings and wall art, as well as jewelry.
Address: 15 W Washington St. Lexington, VA 24450
Hours: Monday –Saturday 10:00am - 5:30pm, Sunday 11:00am - 3:00pm
Nelson Gallery
https://www.nelson-gallery.com/
The Nelson Gallery features one or more artist(s) from the local, regional, or national level monthly, while also showcasing a group of local artist on a rotating and ongoing basis. The gallery is free of charge to all visitors. Receptions are also held on the first Friday of each month, from 5-7pm, as part of First Fridays Downtown Lexington.
Address: 27 West Washington Street in Lexington, VA, 24450
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11:00am – 5:00pm (closed Sunday to Tuesday)
Staniar Gallery
https://www.wlu.edu/staniar-gallery
The Staniar Gallery is a 1,300 square foot gallery of contemporary and historical works by regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists, featuring a variety of artwork through paintings, sculptures, and woven art to name a few. The gallery works in tandem with the Washington and Lee University’s art history department. The gallery is free of charge to the public.
Address: Wilson Hall in the Lenfest Center at Washington and Lee University, 204 W Washington St, Lexington, VA 24450
Hours: Monday—Friday 9am-5pm (closed Saturday and Sunday) (during the academic year)
Staunton
Beverley Street Studio School
https://www.bssschool.org/bsss-gallery/
The Beverly Street Studio School is an art school that offers year round non-degree college-level art for serious art students, while also hosting a number of free community programs that include art discussions and lectures. The gallery itself hosts work from students and instructors, as well as rotating exhibits by guest artists. Depending on the exhibition running, you might find paintings, photography, and/or sculptures.
Address: 22 W Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401 (The BSSS shares a space with the CoArt Gallery)
Hours: Tuesday—Friday 9am-3pm (closed Saturday to Monday)
CoArt Gallery
Founded in 1998, CoArt Gallery is a cooperative gallery of local artists in the Shenandoah Valley/Charlottesville area as features 40 spaces for artists. Here, artists can showcase their oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings, as well as print making, photography, ceramics, sculptures, and collages. In addition to their gallery, they host opening receptions for a featured artist of the month that sometimes include a talk from the artist on their work.
Address: 22 W Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401
Hours: Wednesday 1-5pm, Thursday—Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm (closed Monday and Tuesday)
R.R. Smith Center for History & Art
https://www.rrsmithcenter.org/
Located in the designated Staunton Red Brick District—the arts and culture center of the city—the R.R. Smith Center for History & Art encompasses the County Historical Society, Historic Staunton Foundation, and the Staunton Augusta Art Center. Within the Center, you can find art galleries, archives, a garden, and classrooms.
Address: 20 South New Street, Staunton, VA 24401
Hours: Tuesday—Friday 1-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 10am-2pm (closed Monday)
Sunspots Studios
Sunspots Studios is a family owned and operated art studio in Staunton’s historic downtown, focusing on the art of glassblowing since 2000. In the studio, you can find in-house made art glass as well as work from local artisans that include oil candles, bord feeders, jewelry and more. Not only can you shop around here, but you can also participate! Sunspots hosts live glassblowing and glassblowing classes. Why not try your hand at it and create your very own ornament or pumpkin! Live glassblowing is from 11am-4pm and “Blow Your Owns” are scheduled between 1-3:45pm.
Address: 202 S. Lewis Street, Staunton, VA 24401
Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11 am - 5 pm (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Art is at an abundance here in the Shenandoah Valley, and we couldn’t be luckier to be in the center of it all between Lexington and Staunton. Next time you stay with us, be sure to check out one or two of these galleries, or even make a day of it gallery hopping! You won’t be disappointed!
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