First Friday: Art of Wes Freed Opening Reception

The Friends of Wes Freed and Art Hive are delighted to showcase the art of Wes Freed, benefiting The Wes Freed Memorial Scholarship Fund at VCU Arts, with an opening reception on First Friday, March 1, 2024, from 5 – 7pm.

Wes, a visionary artist and musician, was born here in the Shenandoah Valley in the town of Crimora. This is the first time many of his works will be displayed in the Shenandoah Valley near his hometown. You can see the influence of the Valley – evident throughout his body of work – as the landscape here was an integral part of his Southern Gothic style. This is a unique opportunity to experience the birthplace of his signature style and how this region shaped it, as well as to see this body of work, on loan from individual collectors in the Friends of Wes Freed. Art prints and other merchandise will be available for purchase throughout March, proceeds of which will benefit the scholarship fund.

The Wes Freed Memorial Scholarship Fund at VCUarts aims to support the next generation of artists from the Shenandoah Valley and other rural communities, enabling them to contribute their unique perspectives to Virginia’s creative narrative. The fund is currently at $18,000 towards its $50,000 goal for full endowment. Once reached, scholarships will be awarded to students from rural communities in the state of Virginia.

Wes Freed’s art and music have had a profound influence on artists and musicians globally. His passing in 2022 sent shockwaves through the Drive-By Truckers musical community and beyond, even earning recognition in Rolling Stone magazine.

Join us in celebrating his work and in endowing his memorial scholarship that will ensure more rural, visionary voices in art are heard.