The Arts Depot has supported local and regional artists for 30 years.
2020 marks the 30th anniversary of The Arts Depot, Abingdon, Virginia. For 30 years, The Arts Depot has supported local and regional artists, offering them opportunities to display and sell their work, expand their skills and connect with other artists.
The 31st Annual Holiday Members Show features artwork for sale by current Depot Artists Association members Nov. 18 through Dec. 26. This exhibit is a community favorite, and offers a people’s choice award each year.
In 1990, when the Depot Artists Association was formed, more than 4,000 hours of volunteer work by more than 50 volunteers transformed Abingdon’s historic freight station into two art galleries, a dance studio and resident artist studios.
There are now three galleries: the juried Spotlight Gallery, and the Members and Founders Galleries. Nancy Garretson and Sara Reese, two of the original resident artists still work at The Arts Depot. Also in studios are artists Jackie Dolpp, Nancy Johnson, Rita Nabors, Steven Reeves and Joyce Samuel. All seven are highly skilled, offering a wide array of media, style and pricing options.
Welcoming the community into art comes naturally for this seasoned non-profit arts organization. The Arts Depot has been a hub for art gatherings, classes and workshops, group meetings, musical events and Virginia Highlands Festival events since 1990. Sharing the direct experience of art helps our community thrive in many ways.
One of the organization’s favorite events is the 6 x 6 sale in February offers affordable art at $36 each, with a surprise unveiling at precisely 6:36 pm leaving folks scrambling to find their favorites. The evening is a fun time for all.
In the coming year, The Arts Depot is making a few changes. The Spotlight Gallery will be more inclusive in 2021 by offering five community and group exhibits. Artists should be looking for invitations in the coming weeks.
The Depot Artists Association has about 200 members. Membership is $30 per individual, $50 per couple, and $10 for full-time students. Membership is based on the calendar year and offers exhibit opportunities, sales, newsletters, a lending library and discounts on some workshops.
The Depot Artists Association looks forward to another 30 years, and is grateful to the Town of Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, corporate sponsors, members and individual donors for making it possible to serve the community.
For more information, visit www.abingdonartsdepot.org. The Arts Depot is located at 314 Depot Square in Abingdon.
