Artist of the Month
This outreach opportunity enables artists, near and far, to share their craft with the local community through our non-profit creative arts center and gallery. Sponsored by VECCA, the Artist of the Month shares a solo or group art exhibition for one month at a time. VECCA is particularly interested in promoting non-member artists; as well as emerging artists of all age and medium. Take a look at upcoming and previous shows.
Upcoming Artists/Exhibitions
March 2025 - Amir Barnett
Science and Soul
Amir Barnett is a 25-year-old, self-taught visual artist and designer based in Washington, DC. His work seamlessly blends the precision of his technical background with his creative spirit, forming a distinct visual language that bridges structure and fluidity.
Growing up in Washington, DC, Barnett was immersed in the city’s vibrant art and streetwear culture, drawing early inspiration from the works of Basquiat, Murakami, Keith Haring, and Picasso. Frequent visits to art museums shaped his artistic sensibilities, while his deep appreciation for urban culture manifests in the raw, expressive energy of his work. His love for nature, sports, and music further informs his practice, creating dynamic pieces that capture movement, rhythm, and emotion.
Barnett’s background as a civil engineer plays a central role in his artistic approach. He is deeply inspired by the contours of the land, the movement of streams, and the sense of peace he finds during site visits. His work reflects the organic shapes found in nature, mimicking the fluidity of water and the topographical patterns of contour maps. The bold lines and intricate compositions in his paintings echo the line work he uses in engineering site plans, transforming technical elements into compelling visual narratives.
His artistic journey has been widely recognized—he was named one of DC’s *25 Under 25* for art and design in 2021, and his artwork and clothing designs have been showcased on every continent except Antarctica. In May 2024, his debut solo exhibition at Homme Gallery in Washington, DC, was a resounding success, selling out and drawing over 200 attendees.
As he continues to expand his artistic practice while pursuing his Professional Engineering license, Barnett remains committed to merging the analytical with the expressive. His work is a testament to the harmony between structure and creativity, bridging the worlds of engineering, art, and culture in a way that is both thought-provoking and deeply personal.
Want to be an Artist of the Month, too?
You can fill out our Artist of the Month form below for more information. Or send questions to VECCArts@gmail.com. Currently taking applications for 2025.
Previous Artists of the Month
November 2024 - Summer Kerr
Whispers of Wilderness
This exhibition features original artwork inspired by the beauty and serenity of nature. Many pieces are painted on wooden cutouts of Virginia, while others depict scenes on heart, fish, and bear shapes. There are additional pieces on canvas, where wooden frames create the silhouettes of trees and a bear, creating a unique interplay between the art and its natural elements.
Artist Bio: Summer is a self-taught oil painter who creates original pieces inspired by scenery across the Commonwealth. Her father crafts the wooden cutouts that serve as unique canvases for her artwork. Summer participates in art shows and pop-ups. She enjoys painting live to share her love of art with others.
October 2024 - LGBT+ Artists
Celebrating Queer Artists
PFLAG and VECCA are working together to bring you a month of LGBT+ creators in October.
September 2024
- Rachel Fitzsimmons
Going Within: Messages from the Raven
Rachel Fitzsimmons uses acrylics to bring you into her quiet world of meditation and ritual. Last October, she had trouble seeing with her left eye and suffered from neurological challenges. She went to a quiet place within her. Within this internal world, she discovered helpers she never knew she had, including the Raven. In various traditions of mythology, the Raven has many meanings. One of the meanings from mythology is that they can bring messages from the spirit realm. As a messenger and a prophet, the Raven has helped Rachel go to the realms that are “unseen.” These are dark paintings to represent to journey without sight but gaining a new sight.
August 2024 - Ralph Weber
Impressions in Painting
Oil paintings by local artist, Ralph Weber, who draws on life experiences and the beauty of nature to share his artistic voice.
July 2024 - Linda L. Anderson
Seasons of Beauty
Linda L. Anderson – Woodland landscape paintings that were inspired by the beauty—throughout the seasons—of the Shenandoah Valley.
Learn more about Linda and her art on her website, lindalandersonfineart.com.
June 2024 - Lonnie Harkins
Opening Reception June 8th 4-6pm @ VECCA
Scratching That Itch
A Show featuring the talents of Artist Lonnie Harkins in the little known medium of scratchboard. A medium where sharp and scratchy tools are used to draw and create art in black and white, and transparent inks are used to add color.
May 2024 - Caitlin Garvey
Petals Project
April 2024 - Laurel Vaughan
Artistic Reflections in Poetry
Laurel Vaughan, pastel and mixed media artist, whose work is a special exhibition based on the published poetry of Sarah E N Kohrs. In honor of National Poetry month, stop by VECCA to experience “Artistic Reflections of Poetry” in a reverse-ekphrastic collaborative project.
The Space
All AOM artists use this as the main space for exhibiting their artwork. There is a shelf that allows for business cards, an artist bio with show description, and a sign-in book for visitors. If you have notecards or small artwork on easels, this space can also be used for those creations. In addition, VECCA offers an art rack that can be used for prints.
In addition to the main wall space, VECCA also offers the window shelf, two large easels that stand in the window cavity, and the window wall for use by the AOM artists. Measurements are provided above. AOM artists are also invited to use VECCA’s easels or bring their own, as well as to incorporate unique or seasonal window display items (such as colorful scarves or media-related items that would be on exhibition throughout the AOM month chosen).
If you have further questions about exhibiting as an Artist of the Month at VECCA, please email VECCArts@gmail.com. We strongly encourage artists to visit our gallery space prior to their show to get an in person feel for the space.
