By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
The Fluvanna Art Association began modestly in 1975, when a small group of women, including founders Alice Clifford and Harriet Snead, gathered in Snead’s basement to draw and paint together.
What started as a casual pastime soon evolved into an organized group of local artists sharing their work with the community.
Today, the Fluvanna Art Association (FAA) has grown to more than 90 members working across a wide range of artistic media, including watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, mixed media, collage, fiber arts, glass, woodworking, sculpture, printmaking, and photography.
The organization welcomes artists of all experience levels, from beginners all the way up to seasoned professionals, and provides a space for creative exploration and personal growth.
FAA’s mission is to foster creative freedom and artistic expression while encouraging members to learn from one another. Sharing knowledge remains a cornerstone of the association, fostering a collaborative environment in which artists support and mentor fellow members.
Throughout the year, FAA offers opportunities for members to expand their skills and showcase their work through monthly meetings featuring guest speakers and demonstrations, hands-on workshops, exhibitions, and field trips to museums and galleries.
As Fluvanna County has grown, the association has worked to strengthen the local visual arts. Recognizing Charlottesville’s vibrant arts community nearby, FAA members have sought to build connections while highlighting artists within Fluvanna itself.
The association has collaborated on a permanent art installation at the Carysbrook Performing Arts Center and regularly supports local students by donating funds for supplies to middle and high school art departments.
FAA members also exhibit their work at venues throughout the region, including wineries, local businesses, and galleries such as the First Floor Gallery at the Center at Belvedere in Charlottesville.
The group continues to look for new ways to expand exhibition opportunities and connect artists with the community.
The Fluvanna Art Association meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Fluvanna County Public Library.
The next meeting will be held on March 24 and will feature artist Diane Wilkin discussing various forms of printmaking. Wilkin will demonstrate how a drypoint image can be developed in layers of color and share examples of plates made from solar, zinc, and plexiglass. Finished prints will also be available for examination.
The meeting is open to the public.
More information about the Fluvanna Art Association is available at fluvannaart.com.
