Mission
We create inclusive opportunities for artists to showcase and sell their work, providing them with exhibits, education, and professional development.
Our mission is to bridge the gap for emerging artists by offering them the resources needed to advance their careers. We aim to bring exhibits to the Central Virginia community that expand viewpoints and lift the voices of historically underrepresented or marginalized communities.
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OUR VALUES: Inclusivity, Empowerment, Community Impact
Our Programs
We provide opportunities for artists to work, exhibit, and hone their skills, both artistically and professionally. Learn more about how you can be involved!
Figure drawing sessions
RVA Thriving Artists offers a valuable opportunity for artists of all levels to hone their life drawing skills.
Open Figure Drawing Sessions: A dynamic, twice-monthly class featuring a live model, with sessions alternating between nude and costumed poses.
Held at Art Works, this class offers artists a chance to practice their skills in a supportive and creative environment. Registration is required to attend, and the fee is $10 per session.
Queer life drawing
Queer Life Drawing: Held once a month at the Gold Lion, this inclusive drawing session features queer-diverse models in clothed or costumed poses.
Community Bridge Project
RVA Thriving Artists is proud to sponsor a Virginia-based visual artist for a three-month gallery exhibit. The Bridge Project is dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity within our community while offering opportunities to artists from historically underrepresented and marginalized group.
other programs
RVA Thriving Artists supports immersive and interactive exhibitions that elevate marginalized and underrepresented voices and encourage new ways of seeing. These projects often include installation elements and may fall outside the scope of a typical commercial art space.
While select works may be for sale, the focus is on experience and connection. In some cases, funding is sometimes available to help artists offset exhibition-related costs.
A Look Back - Past Exhibits
Leadership Team
Glenda Kotchish, President
Glenda (she, her) is the owner of Art Works art center in Richmond, Virginia founded in 2003. Her background is in IT and banking. In 2003 she saw the potential for Manchester to become a vibrant community and set out to create an art center inclusive to all artists and the community. She is a painter and ceramic artists, writer, mother of two sons and grandmother of two.
Jessie Boyland, Secretary
Jessie (she, her) is a graduate of VCU School of the Arts, holding a degree in Painting and Printmaking. With extensive experience collaborating with artists, she specializes in planning and executing exhibits and special projects. Jessie has also juried numerous art competitions for organizations across Virginia and has worked alongside both national and international artists. Outside of her professional work, Jessie is a devoted mother to two daughters and enjoys figure drawing in her free time.
Bill Kotchish, Treasurer
Bill (he, him) is a tax consultant for many small businesses and individuals. Prior to this he was an IT consultant for financial institutions and insurance companies. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in mathematics.
Chris Schoen, Advisor
Resources
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