McGuffey Art Center — Attraction in Charlottesville

Great opportunity to meet real people who make real art. Art that is accessible to a philistine like me, because the artists at McGuffey are excellent teachers as well. I've learned about glass-blowing from Chip Hall and have seen photographic artist Scott Smith manipulate light & shadow using the simplest tools to produce the most elegant images. Having a multi-generational mix of learners in the building, makes for a contagious enthusiasm about a subject that doesn't come easily to many of us. This place is a real gem. Try it on First Fridays when the locals come to rub elbows and share vino in a convivial atmosphere of...

Located in an old stone elementary school this art center offers open artist's studios where your can talk to various painters and other media artists at work. There's also a small gallery space on the first floor. The halls of the three floored building are lined with paintings. I enjoyed taking with the friendly artists and checking out their work. Figure drawing groups are held weekly. From what I understand these aren't classes, you bring your own materials and pay a small fee...

Very cool artists and art at this center. Only drawback - the building is old ( and awesome) but its doors are solid wood and kept closed. Artists who are there have...' Come in' signs on their studio door. Somewhat intimatidating. Unlike other art centers that have partial glass windows and glass doors to allow visitors to peek in and see the art work and the doors are kept open. Which is very welcoming. Different vibe here. But cool art when you dare venture into one of...