Gallery Exhibitions
One of the leading tenets of the mission at The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center is to offer our community an exciting and diverse schedule of visual art exhibitions. Since its inception, the Visual Arts Center has been focused on the creations of artists living and working in Coastal Virginia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. In doing so, we promote contemporary art makers and provide an opportunity for our visitors to interact with the art and artists of our own time. One artistic emphasis is on group exhibitions which offer a broad range of artists, media, styles, content and perspectives on our world.
The Visual Arts Center presents a series of exhibitions each season including a number of established exhibitions coupled with newly curated topical exhibitions. The Hampton Arts League Members Exhibition affords each of its members the opportunity to exhibit their artwork. The Artists Who Teach Exhibition displays the artwork by artists who also teach art in Coastal Virginia. The Virginia Artists Exhibition, a competition with over $7,000 in cash awards, features artwork in all media by some of the best artists and craftsmen from across Virginia. Additional exhibitions may include invitational exhibitions focusing on diverse themes, media and content which are curated by The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center.
2023 Virginia Artists
September 16 – November 11, 2023
This much-anticipated annual juried exhibition showcases many of Virginia’s finest artists and artisans. Artists from across the Commonwealth who work in all styles, genres, and media were invited to submit artworks for consideration. This year’s juror is Erik H. Neil, Ph.D., the Macon and Joan Brock Director of the Chrysler Museum of Art. The juried exhibition features cash prizes awarded to First ($1,000), Second ($750), and Third ($500) Places as well as Awards of Distinction and Honorable Mentions.
- Artist Reception: September 23 at 3pm
- Cocktails at the Charles: October 20 at 5:30pm | REGISTER
The Triumph of the Human Spirit
Solo Exhibition by Vonnie Whitworth
“I find myself at a stage of life that I can concentrate on the images and subjects that truly inspire me to my core. With no parameters, I am able to pursue this search into the soul of the subject. An ordinary experience, a slice of life, or a moment in time makes my heart race. Dignity, beauty, strength, and grace become my source of inspiration. Since childhood, I have been interested in capturing the human spirit. This solo exhibition is an opportunity to express myself with my watercolor paintings and graphite drawings.”
2023 Small Works
December 2, 2023 – January 13, 2024
Small works of art can be just as powerful and meaningful as larger pieces. These miniature creations can pack a punch in terms of their artistic value and emotional impact. They offer a unique opportunity for artists to explore different mediums and techniques in a more intimate and concise way. Despite their diminutive size, small works of art can leave a lasting impression on those who view them, showcasing the skill, creativity, and imagination of the artist behind them. Small works of art are also often more affordable, making them accessible to a wider range of collectors and enthusiasts. This juried exhibition is open to all Coastal Virginia and Virginia artists. Awards are given for First ($200), Second ($150), and Third ($100) Places along with Awards of Merit for Small Works and Miniatures.
2024 Hampton Arts League Member Exhibition
February 3 – March 30, 2024
The Hampton Arts League Member Exhibition presents the artwork of The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center’s member organization showcasing both emerging and established artists working in a variety of media. This diverse exhibition represents the talented and unique artists who reside and work in Coastal Virginia.
A Dramatic Land: Photographs of Ireland by Glen McClure
Photographs by Glen McClure
Born in Norfolk and a lifelong resident of Virginia, Glen McClure has brought the people and places of the United States and Europe into focus through his photography. His first visit to Ireland in 1994 led to his obsession with the landscapes and seascapes of this great country. In his words, “I follow the light. Literally, I look at the sky and then drive or walk in the direction that looks interesting. I have followed many a tiny, narrow back road with no idea where it would lead, and something magical is waiting at the end.” This exhibition features a selection of McClure’s work over the past 25 years.
Hampton City Schools Art Student Exhibition
(K-12) Celebrating Youth Art Month
March 1 – March 30, 2024
Renewal Outdoor / Indoor Sculpture Exhibition
April 20 – June 15, 2024
Utilizing the grounds of The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center, this curated outdoor sculpture exhibition highlights artists from Virginia and North Carolina. Entitled Renewal, the exhibition revitalizes the open space around the Arts Center to create wonder, surprise, and discovery as visitors stroll the grounds. Invited artists will also display smaller works within the galleries.
Hampton Roads Pride Exhibition
Celebrating and showcasing artwork created by LGBTQ+ artists, this exhibition addresses issues related to the LGBTQ+ community, such as identity, representation, discrimination, and liberation. The exhibition will feature a wide range of mediums, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media work.