Reserve free short-term space. The Gallery is your temporary studio.
Charlottesville is contending with 2 pandemics; an uncontained virus and systemic racism. Both pandemics continue to threaten the health, security, stability, and lives of members of our community. The Bridge is making our Belmont neighborhood gallery available for the cultural or creative pursuits of anyone grappling with or displaced by either pandemic.
At no charge.
This opportunity is open to anyone in our community. Group sizes will be limited/monitored, social distancing will be maintained, and sanitation of the space will occur prior to each occupancy. For those uncomfortable with these measures, outdoor courtyard space is also available. Click here to reserve space starting in August.
CreativeMornings Talk with Stilts Walker
This month's theme: Underdog
Register now to join us for tomorrow's (Friday) CreativeMornings, rousing zoom chat with Stilts Walker. Stilts Walker is an incognito public artist and criminal-at-large who currently creates artwork for the people of Charlottesville, VA. Walker’s primary medium is sausage—or, rather, large wheat-pasted prints of hot dogs that can be found on public walls throughout Charlottesville. instagram: @stilts_walker
We believe that art is uplifting. stimulating. inspiring.
Art helps us center ourselves. understand our world. communicate with others.
We're thrilled to announce our exciting new effort to transform the patient spaces of UVA Health Inpatient Psychiatry into creative & therapeutic environments. Over the course of July, renown local artist Bolanle Adeboye is painting interactive chalkboard murals that invite patients to creatively engage on their journeys to health and wellness.
Why now?
New national guidelines for patient safety recommend the removal of framed artwork from facilities where patients may be prone to use objects to harm themselves or others. This unfortunately means all artwork has recently been removed from the hallways and rooms of UVA Health Inpatient Psychiatry. With the help of dedicated and thoughtful staff, we're turning this into an opportunity to improve the patient experience. We look forward to the therapeutic opportunities these murals will provide.
“Art is the one place in this culture where it is celebrated for your mind to work differently. Having a permanent platform for patients to participate expressively in their own healing environment is empowering and opens the door for further therapeutic investigations and research. Bolanle’s art presents itself as an invitation for this.”
-George Andrews, UVA Art Professor & Inpatient Psychiatry staff leading recovery model art sessions.
How it works.
By using specially formulated chalkboard paint, Bolanle Adeboye paints colorful and immersive landscapes that anyone can mark with chalk. This allows patients to creatively personalize their space and to process their experience. Families & guests can leave encouraging notes and doodles and hospital staff can scribble welcoming phrases or reminders.
Bolanle embellishes the designs with some speckles and permanent chalk-like doodles to break up the plane and invite engagement. If a patient wants to start over with a blank mural, the chalk eraser is always handy!
How you can help.
Become a sustaining supporter or make a one-time contribution. Your pledge goes a long way toward ensuring projects like this continue to inspire and connect Charlottesville.
