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 Virginia Artists Juried Exhibition, a competition with over $3,000 in cash awards, features artwork in all media by some of the best artists and craftsmen from across the Commonwealth of 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.
By Hand: Contemporary Crafts
April 18 – June 20, 2026
April 18 - Reception
Contemporary crafts represent a vibrant and evolving field that blends traditional handcrafting techniques with modern design sensibilities and innovative materials. This exhibition encompasses a wide range of practices, including ceramics, textiles, glasswork, woodworking, and metalworking, often characterized by a deep emphasis on creativity, functionality, and sustainability. Celebrated for its ability to bridge the gap between art and everyday life, contemporary crafts engage with themes of identity, culture, and the environment, making it a dynamic reflection of today's society. This group exhibition features artists Julia Pfaff, Cathy Vaughan, Ed Francis, Chad Alan Clark, Cheryl Mihills, Chris Wagner, Reni Gower, George Cramer and Macie Rollins.
Form & Fire: Works from the Ceramic Designers Association
This exhibition features a diverse collection of ceramic works, including functional pieces and sculptures from member artists association with the CDA. The Ceramic Designers Association's mission is to promote ceramic arts and enhance cultural life in the Hampton Roads area by bringing together local ceramic artists and potters. The CDA is a non-profit organization with approximately 90 members, ranging from beginners to professionals.
Conversations in Clay: Works by Kay Franz
“The current direction in my work grew from the solitude of the pandemic. As stressful as it was initially, it offered a respite from the political chaos of the past several years as well as time to really concentrate on my work. As I became more focused and entrenched in my studio during this period, I recognized the need to slow down in my processes and intensify my relationship with clay. I have always been interested in and utilized textures and organic forms but have taken this into a greater depth of detail in the past few years. I am a hand builder and do not rely on the wheel for my work. My work tends towards the sculptural while keeping forms that feel familiar and accessible.”
Color Stories with Cotton Batik: Quilts by Genny Preston Epstein
“After earning my BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2001, I discovered cotton batik and the unlimited beauty of pairing several prints and colors to create unique designs. My Art Quilts are a unique color story, using over 20 different colors & prints, they have been award winners for over 15 years."