“Experiences Big and Small” and “Art for the Artist’s Sake” Opening Reception

Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) celebrates the opening of two new oil painting exhibitions at Smith House Galleries on July 5, with a reception 5-7pm during First Fridays of the Valley! “Experiences Big and Small” features works by Debra Keirce and “Art for the Artist’s Sake” highlights creations of Trudy L. Cole. Join us for the opening reception, sponsored by an Anonymous Fund of The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, to meet both artists and enjoy light refreshments while exploring their artwork!

Originally from Detroit, Debra Keirce is an accomplished artist in contemporary realism. In her Northern Virginia studios, she paints in oils up to four feet tall, with a specialty in true miniature pieces as small as your palm. Keirce is proud to be a US Coast Guard artist and 2022 Best in Show winner. Eight of her paintings are in the government collection and she is the recipient of a rare artist residency at sea with crew on the U.S. National Security Cutter Stone. Traditional artworks are the foundation for Keirce’s art business, but she embraces the vintage and surreal in paintings she calls “a little bit quirky.”

Trudy L. Cole has many passions, including painting, drawing, singing, and gardening; animals; and the farm she calls home. An artist with degrees in both fine arts and graphic design – followed by an extensive career in graphic design – and an owner of Snapps Creek Stables, Cole is particularly interested in that space where her passions meet. In retirement, she is returning to her fine arts roots, (for now) focusing on oil painting.

Both exhibitions run through July 26, with in-person visits Monday-Friday, 11 am to 4 pm and on Second Saturday July 13, 10 am to 2 pm. During Second Saturday hours, visitors can enjoy a painting demonstration by exhibiting artist Debra Keirce. The exhibitions will also be available online (valleyarts.org/current-exhibition) in early July.