June First Friday

The exhibit is the result of a participatory workshop during May’s First Friday which invited participants to (re)build with fragments—both narratively and physically. Rooted in an ongoing body of work examining the materiality of clay into brick—a humble and important building material of the earth—we explored themes of extraction, tactility, temporality, and sustainability. We looked at the history of brick building in the Shenandoah Valley and weaved together new histories and memories.

Artist Bios
Traci Wile is a community organizer, artist, educator, and architectural designer whose work centers on inclusive, participatory design. She is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at James Madison University, where she invites students to understand architecture as a catalyst for change—one rooted in dialogue, equity, and environmental stewardship.

Artist Renée Calway works within the community to facilitate dynamic, interactive healing arts experiences. Utilizing materials in unconventional ways, she promotes social and ecological awareness with a special interest in intersectional studies of socio-politics and statistics. As an educator, Renée teaches studio school classes to all ages at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and is a first-year MFA Candidate at James Madison University.