Floyd County, in southwest Virginia, is rapidly achieving world-wide attention as a prime tourist locale. This extraordinary destination features live Old-Time and Blue Grass music in multiple venues almost nightly, an ever-increasing number of fine restaurants and lodgings, numerous festivals, and outstanding scenery. The rolling hills, lush pastures, and spectacular mountains greet year-round tourists from all over the world.
In the midst of Floyd County, is the small-yet-significant town of Floyd. This lively town sparkles with amazing and unique shopping opportunities. Among of all these jewels, however, is an unexpected treasure. The Gallery of the Floyd Artists Association can be found in “The Station”, downtown Floyd, at 203 S. Locust Street. That’s just across the street from the famous Floyd Country Store; the hub of local Country Music activity. Now entering its twelfth year, The Gallery was founded in 2007 by six members of a weekly drawing group.
Working together, they built their business in a renovated space below the Sun Music Hall, in The Winter Sun building. It was a great location, and the space came complete with large, framed panels to show their work. Before long, the group began offering adult and children’s classes, holding receptions with local musicians, and exhibiting the work of local guest artists.
As new members joined, the original six took advantage of the remodeling that was taking place nearby in what would become “The Station”. They were the first tenants to move into the now-iconic plaza, and in subsequent years, they expanded into an additional suite across the hall. In the years since, the group moved into a larger space, down the hall, and they can still be found there today.
Because Floyd residents and visitors have demonstrated a consistent preference for work by local and regional artists, that’s what is exclusively offered at The Gallery. They host an impressive selection of area guest artists, featuring the work in two-month, rotating exhibits. Each new exhibit begins with a public reception for the artist, held from 5:00pm – 8:00pm, every other first Friday evening.
For more information about these events, the work of the members, gallery classes, membership, being a guest artist, or for directions, please visit the new web site online at www.anewleafgallery.com. Displays at The Gallery include paintings in oil, acrylic, and watercolor; many featuring local landscapes, barns, and mountain pastures. The artists also provide note cards, book marks and prints containing their work. The Gallery also features occasional guest displays of local pottery, felting, wood turning, metalwork, leather pieces, and other original, three-dimensional work.
One Gallery member offers handmade silver jewelry in numerous designs, including earrings, bracelets and necklaces. In 2019, more new memberships have inspired the group to reimagine the gallery space. They plan to reinvent the colors and atmosphere of the gallery; opening it up and increasing the light in the large space.
A lovely combination of natural shades in light mocha and leafy spring green have been selected for the walls and trim. With a new look, the group also felt it was time for a new name. In keeping with the new atmosphere, The Gallery will now be known as “A New Leaf Gallery”.
In recent months, The Gallery was proud to feature the outstanding work of the Floyd County High School senior art class. The exhibit included numerous media forms such as oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings, pottery, papier-mâché, and sculptures. This was the fourth year that the work of these gifted students was exhibited, and Gallery members have formed a close bond with both the young artists and their instructors. After the first exhibit came to an end, Gallery members learned that funding had been severely cut for both art supplies and teacher salaries. In an effort to support ongoing art classes at Floyd County High, The Gallery joined forces with teachers to begin on-going fund-raising for art supplies.
On the counter of The Gallery, an old milk bottle appeared. Almost immediately, customers began dropping their loose change, and even twenty-dollar bills, into the bottle. Donations added up quickly, and Gallery members were delighted to pass them on to the teachers. Inspired by this public generosity, The Gallery members wanted to create an event that would boost the donations even further.
In 2017, they arranged a Valentines Event to brighten up the long Floyd winter. They chose chocolate as the main theme, and “A Chocolate Affair” was born. The main attraction was an enormous table with a spectacular selection of delicious chocolate items, all made by the members. Visitors could pay for small or large plates filled with items they’d selected for sampling, or for taking home to enjoy later. This event has since become an annual affair!
Generous donations of merchandise have also been obtained from community businesses. These items go to fill two large gift baskets each year, with each basket valuing over $500.00. Along with door prizes and additional donated items, these baskets are then auctioned off during the Chocolate Affair, raising around $1,000 or more each year for Art Programs supplies. The twelve-or-so current members are proud of this fund-raising project, and they look forward to many more Chocolate Affairs in the future.
They are also thrilled with their new look and their new name, and eagerly await visitors each day. They love sharing their enthusiasm and talking about all the talented local artists featured on the walls. The members wish to invite everyone to this wonderful area so they can experience the fine art of so many talented members and guests. They also invite everyone who appreciates fine art to join them for all the regular events and new exhibits. To receive regular information about events, leave your email address at the counter when you visit.
Gallery hours beginning April 2019:
Monday through Thursday: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
For more information about the Gallery and the work of the artist members, visit online at www.anewleafgallery.com. You may also call 540-745-7367, or email anewleafgallery@gmail.com