2nd Street Gallery

While I am on a bit of an art kick... lets talk about 2nd street gallery! As one of Charlottesville's best contemporary art galleries, 2nd Street offers a space filled with artwork that allows the viewer to think outside the box and appreciate modern art. Each year the gallery hosts between 12-14 exhibits for the Charlottesville and wider Central Virginia community. Openings of these new exhibits are part of C'villes First Friday celebrations, which is a strong tradition offered throughout Charlottesville on the First Friday of each new month. SSG also organizes public outreach activities as well as educational classes for the young and old. 

image from secondstreetgallery.org

As a non-profit gallery, 2nd Street is run by a few paid employees and the helping hands of volunteers around the Charlottesville community. The Board of Directors, comprised of about 20 volunteers, helps govern the gallery and make important decisions regarding exhibits, budgeting, and other aspects of gallery management. 


2nd Street Gallery works to bring in artwork that challenges the viewer and exposes the community to new techniques being used in the world of modern art. In the past their exhibits have incorporated works across different mediums, such as sculpture, painting, collage, and computer media. The artists featured represent a wide range of states, countries, and even continents 

image from secondstreetgallery.org

2nd Street Gallery, located on the downtown mall, offers two gallery rooms. While the gallery is small in size, you will be surprised how much art can fit into the space! Currently on exhibit in the Main Gallery is Abby Kasonik and her show " Time Out" and is described as "Weighty and ethereal, luminous and dark, Kasonik's landscapes offer a mysterious beauty that inspires a range of conflicting emotions."  The second exhibit is located in the Dove Gallery by artist Mara Sprafkin, titled " Awful... I Scratch and Bite". This show has a pop feminist style and is composed of everyday materials 

AbbyKasonik, secondstreetgallery.org

Mara Sprafkin, secondstreetgallery.org

SSG has many volunteer opportunities for the Charlottesville community to become involved! Volunteers can help with Gallery sitting, preparations for First Fridays, art instillations, and outreach programs. As a Gallery sitter, I learned a lot of new information about the Charlottesville art world and met new faces from around the community! If you are interested log onto their website and set along you info... of if you are just interested in visiting for the afternoon, its the perfect place to view contemporary art right in your own backyard.

Have a Thrilling Tuesday... and check back soon!