39
As the YMCA at Virginia Tech celebrated 150 years of service, the Y Center on N. Main St. turned to local artists to help transform an ordinary hallway into a vibrant community gallery. The space showcases the work of artists of all ages and backgrounds.
“The YMCA has always supported creative expression, from our pottery studio to our dance programs, so expanding into a dedicated gallery felt like a natural next step,” says Laureen Blakemore, director of community engagement. Although the center’s long hallway offered ample exhibition space, poor lighting and worn walls made it less than inviting.
In 2023, generous support from Diane Relf and her organization eARTh, Ed Tuchler of Shelter Alternatives, and Bell Electric helped turn that vision into reality. “We were able to install professional lighting and a hanging system, brighten the space, and create what is now a dynamic community gallery,” says Blakemore.
The current exhibit, Still Learning, Still Creating – A Lifelong Learning Exhibition, runs through July and features the work of members from the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Virginia Tech. The LLI is a volunteer-driven program that offers non-credit educational courses, field trips and social events for adults 50 and older. “At the Y, we believe that everyone is creative, and the gallery reinforces our mission by inviting people to share their work in a welcoming space,” Blakemore adds.
Today, the hallway displays watercolors, oil paintings and drawings that demonstrate how creativity flourishes at every stage of life. Art sales are handled directly by the artists, with some choosing to donate a portion, sometimes all, of their proceeds to support YMCA initiatives.
Coming Soon
“Our gallery strengthens connections between the arts and the community,” Blakemore shares. The next major exhibit, Stories We Share – The Courage to Connect will be part of the Y’s annual Welcoming Week celebration, kicking off mid-August. Welcoming Week is a national initiative that celebrates communities working to become more inclusive and welcoming to all.
Though most exhibits remain on display for about three months, the gallery occasionally hosts shorter exhibitions, such as the Cranwell International Center’s annual Home Beyond Home exhibit. Held each April, the 2-week exhibit features Hokies sharing their personal stories of home through photography.
Creativity Galore
Art belongs to everyone, regardless of training, experience or ability. The Y Community Gallery embraces artistic endeavors that reflect and connect to local New River Valley people and communities.
The gallery’s open and approachable atmosphere distinguishes it from more traditional exhibition venues. Visitors might encounter work by professional artists alongside pieces created by retirees, students, workshop participants and first-time exhibitors, reflecting the Y’s belief that creativity belongs to everyone. In a space that was once an overlooked hallway, that vision is already taking shape — one exhibition, one artist, and one connection at a time.
Text by Emily K. Alberts
Photos by Jon Fleming
Emily K. Alberts, freelance writer and frequent contributor to New River Valley Magazine enjoys exploring local art, history and unexpected treasures waiting to be discovered in thrift stores throughout the region.
