Founded in 1973, Second Street Gallery is the oldest nonprofit 501(c)3 contemporary art space in Central Virginia.
We promote contemporary artists through the presentation of their work in a professional gallery and encourage an appreciation of contemporary art by educating the public through exhibitions, lectures, workshops, classes, tours, and publications. Second Street Gallery is committed to offering Charlottesville and the Central Virginia region leading-edge new art in perspective and context, and to fostering an active and open appreciation of this art by directly engaging the issues surrounding works by the best contemporary artists in the field. Second Street Gallery presents 10-14 separate exhibitions each year and a full calendar of related outreach activities that complement its exhibition season.
Our primary mission is to enliven Virginia through access to the best in contemporary art and artists and to inspire new ways of thinking, seeing, and doing.
Established by a group of ten artists affiliated with the University of Virginia and the local community (Linda Kennard, Eugene Markowski, Paul Martick, Christopher Morris, Timothy Morris, Lindsay Nolting, Priscilla Rappolt, George Roland, Rick Rosenblum, and Emily Wheeler), Second Street Gallery was the first art space in Downtown Charlottesville and a leader in the revitalization of the Historic District. We are now located inside the City Center for Contemporary Arts building designed by Bushman-Dreyfus Architects. Completed in 2003, the CCCA also houses two other non-profit groups, Live Arts (a community theater) and Light House (a youth media organization).
GIVE
As a nonprofit art space, Second Street Gallery depends on support from the community to bring the best of contemporary art and arts outreach to Central Virginia and beyond. We welcome all donations big or small.
JOIN
For one $25 contribution, Second Street Gallery Members receive discounted tickets to workshops and select events, advance notice of exhibitions and events, and special members-only previews for select exhibitions.
SPONSOR
Exhibition and program sponsors receive invaluable community promotion while supporting the best in contemporary art and community engagement. Follow the link below to learn more about how you can make a difference.
VISIT US
Second Street Gallery is located on the Historic Downtown Mall on the ground floor of the City Center for Contemporary Arts. The gallery is directly across the street from an hourly parking lot and the Water Street Parking Garage. Ample street parking is also available, as well as the Market Street Parking Garage on the opposite side of the Downtown Mall. The gallery is accessible by public transit at the E Water St at 3rd St SE and 2nd St SW at the Downtown Mall stops.
Images courtesy of Jesùs Pino Photography, Keith Freeman, Meghan Smith, and Cameron Kincheloe.