What's Black, White, and Gray all Over? Shades of Gray Exhibition October 6-29

She Lives Memento Mori #5 by Heather Thurston

Shades of Gray opened on October 6th, a #FirstFriday event in the ViBe District that had viewers stepping into a world without color. The juried exhibition, on view through October 29th, features 79 works by 65 local and regional artists. Artists were asked to submit work using a palette limited to black, white, and gray. 

Although the color palette is limited, the content for this exhibition is nothing short of expansive. Viewers will find everything from fine art photography featuring animals, people, and nature; abstract paintings and portraits in greyscale, and expressive sculptures and textiles that tell a story. 

The special guest judge for Shades of Gray is Jennifer Morningstar, the former director of the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center in Hampton, VA and former director of the Lee Arts Center in Arlington, VA. Morningstar helped curate the show and selected the award winners announced at the opening reception.

Dark Hedges Row by Cheryle Alexander

Javon by Katie Culver

The Wood Between Worlds by Jama Watts

Chaos #1 by Jorge A. Saenz

Pictured above are the honorable mention and special recognition award winners standing in front of their work with guest judge, Jennifer Morningstar. Hover over the photos to see the artists' names.

Award winners were able to tell the stories behind their work at the opening reception. Pictured below are are the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners standing proudly with their pieces.

Catherine Geronimo, Hole in my Side, 3rd Place

Socorro Manta Silhouette by Howard Rodman, 2nd Place

Heavenly Dap by Dominique Taylor, 1st Place

Shades of Gray is on view October 6-29 and concludes with Artists Talk, a casual conversation with exhibiting artists about the inspiration and processes behind their work. Artists Talk will be held on Sunday, October 29th from 2:00 to 3:00. This event is free and open to the public.

Photos by Sandi Lee Snider
Blog post by Jaimie Kelley Choi