For the Love of Art, a vibrant showcase of artwork from every K-8 student at James River Day School, reflects he extensive variety of artistic elements and principles of design that are explored across a wide array of media in art classes at JRDS.
First Friday, April 3
Free & open to all ages
Concessions, snacks, and drinks
For the Love of Art opening night
Riverviews welcomes Sue Ott Rowlands for a second showcase of her private collection, this time highlighting works by international artists. Crossing Cultures includes artwork Rowlands collected from around the globe.
First Friday, May 1
Free & open to all ages
Concessions, snacks, and drinks
Crossing Cultures opening night
Riverviews welcomes Sue Ott Rowlands for a second showcase of her private collection, this time highlighting works by international artists. Crossing Cultures includes artwork Rowlands collected from around the globe.
First Friday, June 5
Free & open to all ages
Concessions, snacks, and drinks
Riverviews’ current artist- and curator-in-residence Alpha Massaquoi Jr. works in a variety of media, including charcoal, coffee, gouache, and soft pastel. Massaquoi’s large-scale, lifelike drawings in this exhibition highlight each figure's beauty, showing a glimpse of the everyday struggle through facial expression, lighting, and title.
First Friday, August 7
Free & open to all ages
Concessions, snacks, and drinks
Duwenavue Santé Johnson’s How Will Our Ancestors Find Us? Don’t forget the “Chiclets” is a multi-faceted dialogue with the space between the stars and an exploration of shared human experience. The exhibition unfolds in three parts: installation landscapes, textured paintings, and hand embroidery, a meticulous and meditative practice that embodies resilience, dedication, and deep reflection.
First Friday, September 4
Free & open to all ages
Concessions, snacks, and drinks
How Will Our Ancestors Find Us? opening night
Duwenavue Santé Johnson’s How Will Our Ancestors Find Us? Don’t forget the “Chiclets” is a multi-faceted dialogue with the space between the stars and an exploration of shared human experience. The exhibition unfolds in three parts: installation landscapes, textured paintings, and hand embroidery, a meticulous and meditative practice that embodies resilience, dedication, and deep reflection.
First Friday, September 4
Free & open to all ages
Concessions, snacks, and drinks
To close the season, Riverviews Artspace will host its 18th Annual Juried Show. A national call for entires and juror announcement will be made in mid-2026.
First Friday, November 6
Free & open to all ages
Concessions, snacks, and drinks
18th Annual Juried Show opening night
To close the season, Riverviews Artspace will host its 18th Annual Juried Show. A national call for entires and juror announcement will be made in mid-2026.
First Friday, December 4
Free & open to all ages
Concessions, snacks, and drinks
Beyond All Boundaries is a celebration of the boundary-pushing, the unconventional, and the undefinable.
First Friday, December 5th
Free & open to all ages
Concessions, snacks, and drinks
People’s Choice Award announced at 6:30 pm in the Main Gallery
Join us for an extraordinary First Friday as we celebrate the opening night of The Feminine Spirit: American Works from Sue Ott Rowlands' Private Collection!
This May's First Friday is especially significant as we proudly host the premiere viewing of this remarkable exhibition, showcasing American works from Sue Ott Rowlands' distinguished private collection. Be among the first to experience these powerful artistic expressions of the feminine spirit.
As always, First Friday offers a vibrant evening of art and culture throughout downtown Lynchburg, making the arts more accessible to our community while providing an entertaining experience for all. This event is FREE and open to the public!
Special events throughout the evening:
Opening Reception of The Feminine Spirit
Collector’s Talk by Sue Ott Rowlands at 6:15 PM
Artist Talk by Kevin Muente immediately following
Live figure drawing demos (watch — or try it yourself!)
Open Artist Studios: Meet working artists and see them in action
Live jazz by saxophonist Ken Matthews
Drinks, snacks, and signature cocktails at the Gallery Bar
FREE admission for all
Don't miss this exceptional evening of art, community, and celebration at Riverviews Artspace and throughout downtown Lynchburg!
First Fridays occur the first Friday of each month from 5:00–8:00 PM.
First Friday — An Art Review: James River Day School Student Exhibition
Celebrate First Friday at Riverviews Artspace with An Art Review, featuring artwork from every K-8 student at James River Day School! Discover creative expressions in various media while exploring open artist studios.
First Friday:
📅 Friday, April 4 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Explore open studios, meet resident artists, and enjoy refreshments from our Gallery Bar — popcorn, candy, soda, beer, and wine available (cash/card).
Couldn't make it to the Opening Reception? Don't worry! You can still catch the exhibition during First Friday and experience the creativity of these young artists.
Admission:
FREE and open to all ages!
First Fridays occur the first Friday of each month from 5:00 - 8:00 PM