Gallery Exhibitions

One of the leading tenets of the mission at The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center is to offer our community an exciting and diverse schedule of visual art exhibitions. Since its inception, the Visual Arts Center has been focused on the creations of artists living and working in Coastal Virginia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. In doing so, we promote contemporary art makers and provide an opportunity for our visitors to interact with the art and artists of our own time. One artistic emphasis is on group exhibitions which offer a broad range of artists, media, styles, content and perspectives on our world.

The Visual Arts Center presents a series of exhibitions each season including a number of established exhibitions coupled with newly curated topical exhibitions. The Hampton Arts League Members Exhibition affords each of its members the opportunity to exhibit their artwork. The Artists Who Teach Exhibition displays the artwork by artists who also teach art in Coastal Virginia. The Virginia Artists Exhibition, a competition with over $7,000 in cash awards, features artwork in all media by some of the best artists and craftsmen from across Virginia. Additional exhibitions may include invitational exhibitions focusing on diverse themes, media and content which are curated by The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center.

Hampton Arts League 2025 Member Exhibition

February 1 – March 22, 2025

February 8 – Awards / Reception

The Hampton Arts League Member Exhibition presents the artwork of The Charles H. Taylor visual Arts Center’s member organization showcasing both emerging and established artists working in a variety of media. This diverse exhibition represents the talented and unique artists who reside and work in Coastal Virginia.

On View Concurrently:

Books and Art: Celebrating 100 Years at the Charles H. Taylor

February 1 – March 22, 2025

In 1925, Mrs. Grace Taylor Armstrong. made the decision to create a living memorial to her father, General Charles H. Taylor (who was the Founder and Managing Editor of The Boston Globe). Mrs. Armstrong conveyed in trust the land and building to be known as “The Charles H. Taylor Memorial Library — for the use and benefits of the residents of the City of Hampton. The Charles H. Taylor building served as the central library in Hampton for more than 60 years. Generations of Hamptonians (and visitors) recall with joy the grandeur and scale of the children’s room complete with majestic fireplace and crown molding which remains a beautifully proportioned and engaging room.

To celebrate the 100^th year anniversary, regional artists are invited to participate and create works that focus on the literary arts.

Featured Artists for Books and Art Exhibition

Michelle Barnes

Rowena Finn

Jeffrey Deane Hall

Chris Jeanguenat

Maggie Kerrigan

Jonathan Lee

Katie Prock

Youth Art Month – March 1-22, 2025

Works from students of Hampton City Schools will be on display in the galleries.

Nature’s Dual Lens: Photographs and Botanical Works by Lynne and Victor Frailing

April 12 – June 14, 2025

In conjunction with Hampton Garden Tour Day in Hampton, the exhibition "Nature's Dual Lens: Photographs and Botanical Works" brings together the artistry of two distinct yet complementary mediums—photography and botanical illustration.

PLAYTIME: Toys and Art

April 12 – August 23, 2025

April 12 – Reception

This exhibition of toys and art is a captivating showcase that blends the worlds of childhood wonder and artistic expression. Within the galleries, visitors are greeted with a colorful array of toys, ranging from classic playthings to contemporary designs, each carefully curated to evoke nostalgia and fascination.

This exhibition features a diverse selection of artwork inspired by toys, as well as pieces that incorporate toys as mediums or subject matter. Artists from various backgrounds and styles contribute their unique interpretations, creating a rich tapestry of creativity.

From whimsical paintings and sculptures to mixed-media installations, the artworks on display celebrate the joy, imagination, and cultural significance of toys. Some pieces may explore the symbolic meanings associated with childhood objects, while others reimagine familiar toys in unexpected contexts, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions.

Interactive elements are interspersed throughout the exhibition with hands-on activities, workshops, and play areas encourage exploration and experimentation, fostering a sense of playfulness and discovery.

Through this exhibition, visitors are invited to reconnect with the enchantment of their youth, while also appreciating the profound impact toys have on shaping our identities and experiences. It serves as a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and the enduring magic of toys in both art and everyday life.

Featured Artists for PLAYTIME: Toys and Art Exhibition

Nate Avery

Joel Flippen

Karen Freidt

Cindy Guard

Cliff Guard

Kay Hofler

Sam Hundley

Corinne Lilyard-Mitchell

Ryan Lytle

Lisa Melita

Wade Mickley