With a vast collection of Australian aboriginal art, Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, part of the University of Virginia, is a prominent attraction in Charlottesville. The museum owes its existence to John W. Kluge, who donated his vast compilation of exhibits for the museum. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions and scholarly activities. This is a must-visit place for art enthusiasts.
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Shop for local arts and crafts including handmade candles, jewelry and even mosaics at C’ville Arts. Not only are all the goods on display handcrafted, but they are also priced quite fairly. Sculptures, photographs and wall art are also showcased among other items. Adrian Davis, Deb Booth and Beck Garrity are just some of the artists whose works are featured here. The staff is also quite friendly and courteous, allowing you to take your time as you go through their collection, while being eloquent about the intricate process that goes behind the production of every piece. Whether you are in the mood to buy some souvenirs for yourself, spruce up your home or simply buy some gifts for friends and family back home, head to C’ville Arts and you certainly won’t be disappointed with their gorgeous collection and great prices.
A historical art school, the McGuffey Art Center is well-known all over the city for its contemporary art exhibitions by local artists as well as the numerous talks held from time to time. Not only do visitors get the chance to glimpse and even rent artworks by artists like Dominique Anderson, Judy McLeod and Rebekah Wostrel, but the art center also organizes a number of events and even summer camps for budding artists. If you are still wondering about whether you should head to this artsy corner, know that the McGuffey Art Center boasts of three galleries, guided tours and workshops among other facilities.
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The University of Virginia Art Museum is a well maintained educational institution that houses some wonderful pieces of art. The museum first opened in 1935, and since then has been home to some of the most prized art pieces in the world. The museum regularly features temporary exhibitions from all over the world, and even has a collection of permanent displays that shed light on Mediterranean, Asian as well as American art from the 15th to the 20th Century. For more information about the artwork displayed, the kind of art involved and it's history, do check the website or call ahead.
If you want to get a glimpse of some stunning artworks, then head to the Fralin Museum of Art, a fine arthouse. Not only does the museum and gallery offer sales of original artworks by artists like Andy Warhol, Patrick Dougherty and Jacob Lawrence, but the buzzing art space also offers a host of services to its patrons. School and group tours, lectures as well as art jams are just some of the events you can participate in. Photographs, prints and sculptures can also be bought from here. If you are in the mood to give your eyes a visual feast, a visit to the Fralin Museum of Art certainly won’t let you down.
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Located at the City Center for Contemporary Arts, just off the Historic Downtown Mall, the Second Street Gallery is one of Central Virginia's leading contemporary art institutions. Established in 1973, the gallery has always been at the forefront of the contemporary art world, lending its support to some of this generation's most brilliant artists and educating the community about the significance of their work. Forever responsive to the concerns of the present, contemporary art grants the viewer an opportunity to explore the world through the eyes of another, enriching their own understanding of contemporary issues. The Second Street Gallery aims to facilitate this through a year-round program of art exhibitions, workshops, classes, lectures and other art events. The gallery is also a regular participant of the monthly first Friday celebrations in Charlottesville. Visit the gallery for a glimpse of inspirational artwork created by emerging and established contemporary artists.
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