This just in–local artist-run gallery and occasional event space Reference Art Gallery will be closing their doors in just about one month’s time, and tonight they’ll be hosting the opening of their last-ever exhibition. It’s always a sad day when a local DIY art space gets shut down, and it certainly comes across as ominous that the event is being advertised as “VCU Police Presents” Reference Gallery’s Grand Closing–did police harassment put this place out of business? I don’t have an answer to that question, but I can tell you that at times like this, regardless of what’s happened to take something away, it’s best to try and appreciate what we’ve got while we’ve got it.
This just in–local artist-run gallery and occasional event space Reference Art Gallery will be closing their doors in just about one month’s time, and tonight they’ll be hosting the opening of their last-ever exhibition. It’s always a sad day when a local DIY art space gets shut down, and it certainly comes across as ominous that the event is being advertised as “VCU Police Presents” Reference Gallery’s Grand Closing–did police harassment put this place out of business? I don’t have an answer to that question, but I can tell you that at times like this, regardless of what’s happened to take something away, it’s best to try and appreciate what we’ve got while we’ve got it. So, for anyone who hasn’t already made plans for tonight and would like to check out some great local art, head over to Reference Art Gallery, located at 216 E. Main St., for an opening reception that will be held tonight from 7 til 11 PM. On exhibit will be new work by local artists Conor Backman, Ross Iannatti, James Shaeffer, and Edward Shenk. The art will be on display through May 20th by appointment only, but if you want to see it in a festive public setting, you’re gonna have to go check it out tonight. For more info, check out the facebook event page HERE, or watch this insane and not at all safe for work video trailer for the event:
Monsieur Zohore’s Art Is Funny, Until You Think About It 🏳️🌈
Editor’s Note: RVA Magazine is proud to partner with Virginia PrideFest, happening this Saturday, September 12, and to produce the annual Pride Guide celebrating Richmond and Virginia’s LGBTQ+ community. You can download the 2026 Pride Guide HERE. We’d also like to...
