Smith House Galleries Features Two Exhibitions and a Silent Auction in January

HARRISONBURG, VA – Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) welcomes the start of a new year with an opening reception for two fresh exhibitions at Smith House Galleries during First Fridays of the Valley Jan 2. Visit the Smith House between 5 and 7 pm to admire the works of Liminal Aesthetics and Hyperwave Exploration (by Adam Wirdzek) in the Darrin-McHone Gallery and Art for Mutual Aid (by 27 local artists) in the Rhapsody Room; participate in a silent art auction; mingle with the exhibiting artists; and enjoy light refreshments.

Thanks to exhibition sponsors Jeff and Darcy Tyrrell, both shows will be on view through Jan 30, with in-person visits Monday-Friday, 11 am to 4 pm (closed Jan 19). You can also visit during Second Saturday, Jan 10, from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information, see valleyarts.org, or email acvofficecoordinator@gmail.com.

Liminal Aesthetics and Hyperwave Exploration includes printed digital works by artist Adam Wirdzek. Wirdzek, who spends most of his time producing music as EBRO, also enjoys exploring 3D printing and web development. His visual artwork draws influence from vaporwave, frutiger aero and retro liminal aesthetics. Wirdzek shares, “Nothing is by chance. Everything happens for a reason even if we don't see the big picture right now. My artwork is to help people remember how powerful they are and remind them that they can make positive change in this world that feels like it desperately needs help. I know I can't fix everything, even though I want to, but I know that I can strive to be the best version of myself. And hopefully in doing so, empower and encourage others to do the same.”

Featuring works by 27 artists, Art for Mutual Aid features sculpture, painting, mixed media, photography, illustration, collage, and fibers. Participating artists are: Judith Anderson, Pat Augsburger, Barbara Camph, Ken Carson, David Cowardin, Bonnie McBee Fisher, Loring, Charlie Kasch, Julia Koehler, Jo Lam, Janet E. Marshman, Frank Marshman, Doris Martin, JoAnn McGranahan, Britney Mongold + Nathan Horst, AJ Morey, Prusha Nor, BJ Risi, Mary Rouse, David Shombert, Arnita Taliaferro, Mwizenge S. Tembo, Laura Thompson, Greg Versen, Herb Weaver, and John Zecchini.

Conceived during a monthly meeting of the Artist to Artist group (a collection of artists, led by ACV Artist Members, who regularly meet at Smith House Galleries to discuss the personal and global impacts of art and artmaking), this exhibition was brought to life through the enthusiastic generosity of local artists dedicated to making a positive difference through their creativity here in Harrisonburg-Rockingham. With one artist donating their previously-planned January solo show in the Rhapsody Room, and 27 artists donating beautiful works of their own creation for auction, Art for Mutual Aid aims to harness the power of community to support our community.

All artwork in the Art for Mutual Aid exhibition is available for purchase through a Silent Auction Jan 2-23, 2026. Net proceeds from purchased artwork will be split between Arts Council of the Valley and Open Doors (for Navigation Center operations). Individuals may bid on exhibited artwork using a Bidding Number assigned by Arts Council of the Valley. For each exhibited artwork, the highest bidder by the end of Jan 23 will be contacted to complete payment Jan 26-30, with purchased artwork available for pickup Feb 2. Minimum starting bid for each artwork is $50. To register for a Bidding Number online, please visit https://forms.gle/So7Tz3uCa4sxpmy97.

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 $524,800 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.