Two New Exhibitions Feature Local Black Artists

A new exhibition in Charlottesville interprets artist Robert Reed’s work through the lens of his experience as a Charlottesville native attending the segregated Jefferson School and Burley High School. A second show delves into the Black experience of Charlottesville with the work of local, Black photographer Derrick Waller.

In the heart of Charlottesville, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center is currently exhibiting Reed’s work in “Robert Reed’s Charlottesville” through December 26. An internationally renowned Black artist and Yale professor, Reed's abstract work makes use of symbols, shapes, and colors that are specific to his experience of Charlottesville, such as school colors, the stairs of his Charlottesville home, and the windows of the Jefferson School. Reed often tied these artistic elements to carefully crafted titles to further create meaning and draw observers into the experience of interacting with his art.

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center is located in Charlottesville's historic Jefferson School City Center. The heritage center features a permanent historical exhibit, rotating contemporary art gallery, and a robust calendar of events, that combine to highlight Charlottesville's African American history and culture of the African diaspora.

Just a mile away from the Jefferson School at Studio IX, adjacent to the IX Art Park, is another exhibition that dives into the Black experience of Charlottesville. Derrick Waller is a Charlottesville-based and nationally recognized Black photographer. Running through January 2nd, his first solo exhibition titled "A Good Cry" is on view at Studio IX and documents the Prolyfyck Run Creww/Crew and their experience of creating a welcoming and empowering space for those marginalized in Charlottesville. Waller places importance on the feelings of each image, which speaks to the goal of his work: “I want US to be SEEN. I want US to be HEARD. I want US to be FELT."

These two exhibitions just introduce what Black artists are doing in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. More works can be seen in galleries throughout the city and the county, and events like Maupintown Film Festival, founded by local filmmaker Lorenzo Dickerson, a relative of Robert Reed, adds a different facet. Black artists in Charlottesville and Albemarle County are creating with all kinds of media, and it’s important to see, hear, feel, and engage.

Tickets to "Robert Reed's Charlottesville" are free but must be reserved in advance. If you can’t make it during the holidays, be sure to ask about Reed’s work in the permanent collection at the Jefferson School.

"A Good Cry" is free and open to the public during Studio IX's gallery hours.