Grand Opening of the Blacks in Classics Museum, Alexandria, VA

This past Juneteenth we celebrated the grand opening of the Blacks in Classics Museum located in Alexandria, VA, a show curated by Dr. Anika Prather, Lecturer at Howard University. The show is dedicated to showcasing Black people throughout the world that have either contributed to the Western canon or are somehow connected to it via study of the Classics. When we think of Classics we think of works by Aristotle, Homer, and Plato, but there were so many Black people that have contributed to high works of culture and literature including Frederick Douglas, Terrence the Playwright , and Phyllis Wheatley, just to name a few. This ongoing project featuring my artwork will continue to expand in the coming years and will feature more contemporary Black figures, like James Baldwin and Barack Obama.

Here are some images of the grand opening:

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Intern Museum Coordinator: Alexandra Zeppeiro

Dr. Anika Prather and V.W.(artist)

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Apples Study: Oil on 11″ x 14″ Panel

Apples Study: Oil on 11″ x 14″ Panel by Artist V.W., 2021

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays! As the year is coming to a close, I wanted to reflect on the blessings experienced this year despite all of the negative things happening throughout the world. I am grateful for my health, family, and home. I also am thankful for all of the opportunities granted to me this year and the coming year. I think it is important to remind ourselves daily that many of the things we have are blessings and luxuries instead of focusing on what we don’t have and need. Having something as simple as clean water and food is a blessing.

This will be my last painting for the year and will be taking a break until next week or so. I painted this from life in alla prima (wet-on-wet). I will be posting a full demo of my still life in the near future. I wish everyone a safe and blessed Happy New Year!

www.vanessawithun.com

Keep Watch: Oil on 24″ x 24″ Wood Panel

Keep Watch: Oil on 24″ x 24″ Wood Panel, by V.W.

This is a painting a began about a year ago. I decided to put it away and sort of forgot about it until recently. I remember being unsure about it back then, but there were elements I really liked. I painted this from my imagination. Today, I decided to add some touches to it to bring out the contrast and color. I also used a different medium back then, so I don’t want to do too much to change the effect of the old medium which consisted of a special old masters blend. Wood panels have been one of my favorite surfaces, besides linen, to work on.

See more: www.vanessawithun.com

Overdue Update & Art show at The Gallery Espresso!

I know it has been forever since I have posted anything at all! I have to admit, I was going through a rough period in my life, but, thankfully, I am doing much better!

I have been keeping up with my artwork, and I was happy to have participate in Sulfur Studio’s “Tondo in Toto” Show in April of this year. So what have I been up to? Well, my family and I may be moving in the next few months. There are several places we are looking at, but my aim is to move overseas. I am excited for what is to come, and will update my blog once I know my destination!

Also, you can listen to my recent mini interview with Rob from WRUU in Ssvannah, our local radio station here (The last 4 minutes): https://www.wruu.org/broadcasts/10799/

As the interview pointed out, I am excited to announce that my show “Windows” is up for the month of May. The closing reception is on the 24th from 6 pm to 9 pm.

https://www.galleryespresso.com/art-show/

Western Lit Figures day two… Work in progress with charcoal.