The Studio at Firnew Farm

Before there was art, there was painting. ... I remember a conversation I once had with an elder painter who was a particular proponent of abstraction, insisting on the absolute importance of painting's independence from any demand it illustrate a predetermined meaning. "Well, how do you feel when you look at a painting by Caravaggio?"
Everyday Painting" by Barry Schwabsky

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Piedmont Council for the Arts Profile


Firnew Farm Artists Circle
Hood, VA

     What started in 2003 with 5 artists in an old milking parlor on Firnew Farm grew into a community of nearly 45 artists who meet weekly and show twice a year.  The farm sits stunningly
at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a 360 degree view to the Southwest Mountains.        

     They meet weekly to work independently in The Studio and outside plein air, and host a Review and Critique of New Works from 3 to 5.  Facilitated by Trish Crowe, the founder, a visiting artist is invited to lead the Critique monthly. Words really don't do justice to the sheer energy and creativity that is witnessed weekly. 

     When the milking parlor was outgrown, the old barn and silo were converted into a gallery space.  The acoustics are terrific and local Bluegrass band, The Possum Ridge String Band, have been on hand for nearly every opening.  Still it seemed a natural evolution to venture into the community and widen the art experience. Local shows have included:  Sweely Estate Winery, the Kemper Residence, River District Arts and last Christmas at Montpelier. The most exciting event was the arrival by helicopter of Governor Tim Kaine to open the exhibition:  The Legacy of the Land.  

     When beloved member of the Group, Tucker Hill, passed away, a Legacy Arts Scholarship was created.  This was a first in these rural counties. Two have been awarded and there are funds for the next ten years to award. 

     Our student outreach has extended this year to our Benefit Art Show: BLUE to the Madison County Boys and Girls Club and working with the students every afternoon.  

     For upcoming events and a sample of the artists' work, check our new blog site:  FirnewFarmArtistsCircle.wordpress.com or email:  TheStudioFirnewFarm@gmail.com or phone:  Trish Crowe:  540 948 3079

No comments:

Emma Papenfus

Emma Papenfus
Carroll University, Waukesha, Wisconsin art student

There we are in the Vatican!

There we are in the Vatican!
Ann Dye, photo

The Montpelier Ladies: Sue Linthicum, Megan & Trish Crowe, Nora Siegel Sterling and Gail Trimmer Unterman

Art capturing art, capturing art ...