Reference Gallery has offered an outlet for truly experimental work in Richmond and now they could use our help raising funds for the upcoming season. Check the video.
Reference Art Gallery is an independent artist run art and music space in downtown Richmond, VA, founded by four VCU undergraduate BFA students in the summer of 2009. We have launched a KICKSTARTER in hopes to raise much-needed funds that will keep our project sustainable throughout the upcoming year.
Our gallery focuses on exhibiting a diverse range of emerging artists from cities across the U.S.A. and abroad, as well as promoting artists from Richmond. Although many galleries are established as a commercial venture, our attitude is more in line with that of a non-profit organization. We believe that this attitude is most representative of our mission because the artwork that we display is based on what we are excited to show, rather than what we believe will be most marketable and profitable.
We hope that our space can continue to serve as a center for the arts community here. We have already worked with local artists on a number of projects. Since its inception in the fall of 2009, REFERENCE has held 15 exhibitions and shown work by over 60 artists, 20 of which have been associated with the local community and Virginia Commonwealth University. Exhibitions include shows curated by current graduate students, a performance by professor Stephen Vitiello, a solo show by VCU Painting Department Fellow Rhys Himsworth, a series of community based projects with professor Hope Ginsburg and her students, as well as many other group exhibitions combining works from internationally recognized artists as far away as Norway and Hong Kong with other burgeoning talents.
We decided to open a gallery because wanted to promote Richmond’s local art scene and bring exciting new artists from around the world to our city. With your donations, REFERENCE will continue to increase the presence of Richmond in other cities, bring more attention to local artists, and allow networking opportunities with galleries and curators worldwide for tomorrow’s promising creators. We are grateful to be able to pursue this project while surrounded by a supportive community. We need your help to keep us running strong in 2011!