Smith House Galleries Features Two Mixed Media Exhibitions in October

HARRISONBURG, VA – Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) opens two new exhibitions at Smith House Galleries in October, with a reception on Friday, Oct 3, during First Fridays of the Valley. Modern Times debuts oil and mixed media paintings by Quillon Hall; Distorted Family highlights mixed media paintings by Ver Ikeseh. Stop by the Smith House between 5 and 7 pm to take a look at the new works; get to know the artists; and enjoy light refreshments.

Sponsored by Kristen & Michael Drueen, both exhibitions are on view through Oct 31, with in-person visits Monday-Friday, 11 am to 4 pm and on Second Saturday (Oct 11), 10 am to 2 pm. Each exhibition will also be available online (valleyarts.org/smith-house-galleries-current-exhibition/).

Ver Ikeseh, a Nigerian-born muralist and visual artist, has envisioned harnessing the power of his art to transform his surroundings since childhood. After completing a professional path in Fine Arts at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria initiated The 920 Project: a journey to paint and donate murals in 920 communities across Africa, encouraging others to express themselves creatively along the way. Ikeseh is currently pursuing an MFA at James Madison University and on a mission to paint and donate murals across Harrisonburg and other parts of Virginia.

Ikeseh notes that, through international studies, residencies, local practice, and tourism, he alternates often between feeling “native” and “alien” as his geographical contexts change, and his artwork considers challenges that others face in similar situations. Of his creative endeavors, he shares, “I hope my work will help build a more tolerant society that embraces endless diversities and has an expanded sense of who is family and where is home.”

Quillon Hall was born in Clinton, Iowa. While growing up near farmlands and the Mississippi River, Hall’s creativity was driven by the wildlife, landscapes, and natural objects he saw around him. He studied Art Education at the University of Northern Iowa and was an elementary school art teacher in Iowa for 11 years before moving to Virginia with his family in 2009. He currently lives in Harrisonburg and divides his time between making art, operating Flannel Firefly candle company, and volunteering in the community. He and his wife Karin have two children, Palmer and Sequoia.
Drawing inspiration from nature, music, mood, current events, and other artists/artwork, Quillon shares that “the creation of this work is a spiritual process to me and is a reflection of my thoughts and emotions.”

Arts Council of the Valley is located at 311 South Main Street in Downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia. Programs are supported in part by ACV 25th Anniversary Presenting Sponsor Kathy Moran Wealth Group, and 25th Anniversary Visionary Sponsor Riner Rentals.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit, ACV is dedicated to cultivating the arts, creating experiences, and connecting communities throughout the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Since it was established in 2000, ACV has grown into a multi-faceted community organization that fosters innovative partnerships among area businesses, civic organizations, schools, and artists. Today, ACV manages Court Square Theater and Smith House Galleries, funds local art projects through its Advancing the Arts grant program (awarding more than $518,300 since 2001), supports public art initiatives, and coordinates monthly First Fridays of the Valley community gatherings.

ACV is supported in part by the City of Harrisonburg, the Harrisonburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly. To learn more, visit valleyarts.org.

This press release was provided by Martha Hemingway at Arts Council of the Valley.