Exhibition at the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art

I knew when I had to park on the 3rd level of the downtown Staunton parking garage it was going to be good.

Tonight was the opening exhibition for "Iron and Wood" -- an exhibit featured by the Staunton Augusta Art Center in the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art. Located in what was once the 1893 Eakleton Hotel (which, throughout its history, played host to prominent citizens like President Woodrow Wilson and Amelia Earhart), the building has now been renovated back to its original beauty and serves to showcase the history and art of the Shenandoah Valley.

"Iron and Wood" showcases sculpture by Katharine Gilbert and Ida Trusch. The exhibit will run from July 18 - August 23, 2008. The Smith Center's gallery hours are 10 - 5 M-F, 10 - 2 Sa., and 1 - 4 Su. There is no admission charge. For more information you can go to their website here.

This is only my second time to the R.R. Smith Center and being invited to their opening exhibition and gallery talk was very special. This is what makes Staunton such a wonderful city and what keeps revenue pouring in. An appreciation for the arts is essential to the well-being of a expertly run city or county. Staunton is on the right track -- and establishing more venues like this in the city, we will certainly see a rise in the Queen City's economy and growth.

All total, throughout the event, over 100 people showed up to view the exhibition. Included in the exhibition was a a long table with excellent homemade cookies, fruits, a brie board, hand squeezed lemonade, and much more.

The Art Center's UVA intern Laura Draper Alexander shows some artwork off to a interested attendee.

This sculpture was one of the showcase features by Ida Trusch. It is a beautiful wooden piece the incorporates a dolphin, the head of a turtle, and on the side away from the camera - a fish. It retailed for $2800.

Artwork lined all the walls of the Smith Center. All the artwork and sculpture was/are available for purchase.

Vice President of Standards Greg Cook discusses some of the whitetail deer antler sculptures that could be found throughout the exhibit.