Art Show at Cooley Gallery Draws a Crowd

The featured the paintings of Maggie O’Neill and pottery of Tim Sherman in a well-attended art show on Friday, Nov. 18. Located at 12 South King Street in downtown Leesburg, the Cooley Gallery is owned by Redskins tight end Chris Cooley and his wife Christy, who are Leesburg residents.

An hour after the show’s opening, about 60 people were looking around the gallery, admiring the works of art, chatting with the artists and making purchases. Cooley said that he was pleased with the event.

“It’s by far the best turnout we’ve had for not a First Friday,” he said. “I know at least 50 more people who have called and said they are on the way.”

O’Neill, a Washington, D.C.-based artist and founder of O’Neill Studios, said that she was impressed with the show. "It’s really lovely, and I’m very grateful to Chris for including me” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing he’s done here.”

Several colorful depictions of Washington, D.C. landmarks, including the U.S. Capitol building, Lincoln Memorial and Ben’s Chili Bowl, were among O’Neill’s paintings on display.

Sherman recently received a degree in art and design from Towson University with a concentration in ceramics. He creates pottery with an eye on usability, comfort and beauty. He is a resident artist at Baltimore Clayworks, where he teaches, exhibits and creates his pottery.

“I’m very excited,” he said, looking around at the crowd in the gallery. “Even sold some stuff.”

The works of Cooley and several other artists were also on display. Cooley, an art major during his college days at Utah State, is known mostly for his pottery, and also paints. He and his wife opened the downtown Leesburg gallery late last year.

The festive atmosphere at the art show included wine tastings offered by and the music of Steele and Oglevee. The show will officially end Sunday evening but the artists' work will continue to be displayed indefinitely.