Artspace, one of Richmond’s most beloved contemporary art galleries, is set to present a new exhibition titled “Artists at the Atelier,” featuring works by artists who have participated in the Virginia Atelier residency at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, France. The exhibition will run from August 23 through September 21, 2024, offering art enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the creative output of Virginia’s finest artists, shaped by their time in the heart of Paris.

The exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 6 pm to 9 pm, where attendees can engage with the artists and get an early look at the diverse works on display. On Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 2 pm, curator and Richmond-based artist Beth Beaven Jasper will give an insightful gallery talk, providing deeper context and exploration of the artists’ works and their experiences in Paris.

According to Beth Beaven Jasper, “many professional Virginia artists and art educators have had the great opportunity to be a resident of the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, France, since 1966. After having the opportunity to experience it myself, I realize the profundity of it and the impact on my art, as well as the importance of connecting with so many artists from all over the world. I believe that sharing this experience through art and discussion is extremely valuable to the Virginia arts and art education.

While each artist resident has their very unique experience, I believe we all can agree on the nature of the remarkable environment nurtured at the Cité and its importance in the arts. I love that we will be able to bring some of the magic of the residency as a collective group to share with visitors via visual art, poetry and music.

One of the artists featured, former VCU Sculpture Professor Myron Helfgott, left this earth in 2020. Thanks to his daughter, Megan, he will have a piece included. I know he had a great fondness for Paris and enjoyed his residency at the Cité. I felt like I would see him out of the corner of my eye now and again as I walked the streets in the Marais. I dedicated the show catalog to Myron.”

Artists at the Atelier features a wide range of artworks created by Virginia artists during or inspired by their residency at the Cité. This multifaceted exhibit delves into contemporary art practices in Virginia, reflecting the rich and varied influences these artists encountered during their time abroad. The exhibition promises to be a visual feast, showcasing a broad spectrum of mediums, from painting and sculpture to printmaking and mixed media.

The Cité internationale des arts, located in Paris, was established to foster a global community of artists, providing a unique space for creative exchange and collaboration. The Virginia Atelier, a part of this prestigious network since 1966, allows professional Virginia visual and performing artists, musicians, and educators to reside and work in Paris, offering them a platform to connect with the international arts community.

The proceeds from artwork sales will contribute to maintaining and enhancing the studio and living space used by the visiting Virginia artists, ensuring the continuation of this invaluable residency program.

The exhibition will feature an impressive lineup of Cité resident alumni, including Artspace members Michael A. Pierce and Elisabeth Flynn-Chapman, as well as other notable Virginia artists such as John D. Antone, Ruth Bolduan, and Kerri Cushman, among others. The exhibit also highlights musicians who have been a part of the residency, including Dwight Bigler, Bruce Mahin, and VCU music legend, Doug Richards.

About the Curator

Beth Beaven Jasper, the curator of Artists at the Atelier, began her artistic journey at Radford College in the late 1970s and earned her BFA in Painting and Printmaking from VCU Arts in 1997. Recognized for her talent, she received a VMFA fellowship for drawing in her final year under the name Beaven. Alongside her spouse, artist Wolfgang Jasper, Beth has completed three residencies at the Cité internationale des arts since 2019. These experiences have profoundly influenced her artistic direction, inspiring her to explore new mediums and approaches. Her commitment to integrating Virginia artists into the global arts conversation fueled her passion for curating this exhibition.

Exhibition Highlights

• Ruth Bolduan – “La Magicienne”, 58 x 40 inches, oil on canvas
• Bill White – “St Paul’s Rooftops from the Cite”, 28 x 36 inches, oil on linen
• Kerri Cushman – “Systematic Play”, various sizes, handmade paper panels
• John D. Antone – “Paris House”, 12 x 20 x 6 inches, bronze
• Paul DiPasquale – “Paris”, 12 x 12 inches, #4/6, cast stone

Art enthusiasts and collectors are encouraged to visit the exhibit to experience these works in person. For those unable to attend, photos of the installation can be provided upon request. For more information, or to arrange interviews with curator Beth Beaven Jasper, please visit the Artspace website or contact the gallery directly at 407-312-9012.