The University’s student radio station, WXTJ, hosted its annual art show March 18. The exhibition was held at the unofficial headquarters of the artistic subculture — Gordon Avenue’s “Trash House,” as it is known by members of WXTJ.
Residents of the Trash House were generous enough to lend their space by turning their home into an impromptu gallery. Both University students and established local artists showcased their work, which included poetry zines, canvas paintings, sculptures and a video installation in the basement.
Aside from the video installation, all pieces were for sale. 60 percent of the proceeds went to the artist in question, while the remaining 40 was donated to the agreed-upon charity organization of Planned Parenthood.
The artwork ranged from expressionist pieces to draftsman-like creations. If there were constant amongst the works, it was the confidence necessary to stray into the experimental. But there were more reasons to come beyond the art itself — a live DJ performance from second-year College student Tom Sobolik, free cheese and of course, the opportunity to support an underfed culture in Charlottesville.
Art collectives generally have a less significant presence in University culture than groups such as Greek life or athletics. Thus, foot traffic provides valuable support for small showcases such as these. Successful shows support the art scene in general by providing financial support for budding student artists, who can subsequently pay for expensive supplies.
The showcase felt particularly valuable given the current political climate and the threat it poses to the arts. In a time when national funding for the arts is at stake, in many ways the show felt like a way for students to rally around the importance of art both in culture and their personal lives.
WXTJ’s art show provided an outlet for visual artists for whom there are few avenues. In this sense, the show was both a finished product and a work in progress. Speaking to the former, it was organized and diverse. More than anything, though, it was a positive starting place for the visual art culture’s presence in Charlottesville.
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