by Charles Hendricks | Jul 19, 2024 | artwork, citizen architect, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Office Culture
On August 2nd, from 5:00pm-7:00pm, we are thrilled to host a First Fridays Gallery Opening at The Depot featuring artist Aaron Moyer! Join us to welcome Aaron and view his photography exhibition entitled An Ode to the Unnoticed, and to enjoy refreshments and community. RSVP for this event on Facebook here and get to know him more in his biography below!
*Accessibility Note: This building was previously restored from a fire. The elevator shaft is currently not functioning and there is an absence of ramps in the space. Because the show is on the 2nd floor, this may pose an issue for those who have mobility needs. We are aware of this need and we apologize greatly if this changes your ability to attend.
Bio:
Aaron is a 23-year-old amateur photographer from the Shenandoah Valley. He recently graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a major in Biology and a minor in Art. The subjects of his photography range from large landscapes to tiny bugs, focusing mostly on capturing the essence of the natural world. Apart from photography, he enjoys listening to and creating music, making yummy coconut curries, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends.
Artist Statement:
An Ode to the Unnoticed
Through the lens of a camera, the Shenandoah Valley is transformed from a small, ordinary dot on Earth into an impressively diverse and intrinsically beautiful landscape. Walking around with a camera in my hand has been a physical reminder to pay attention to the details of the world around me, and to capture the unnoticed features of life that we often forget to appreciate. In my view, a good photograph helps us remember that our lives are drenched in art and that the only barrier to unlocking a lifetime of free exhibitions lies in our perspectives and willingness to observe.
“An Ode to the Unnoticed” Sneak Peek
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This event is free and open to everyone. Snacks and refreshments will be served and we look forward to seeing you there!
Each month we host a new artist in our building’s 2nd floor gallery at the Chesapeake Western Depot at 141 W. Bruce St. (second floor entrance is on Chesapeake). Artwork will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot! We will have food and drink available!
by Charles Hendricks | Jul 15, 2024 | architecture, artwork, community
Harrisonburg has seen a surge in public art over the last decade, and it is incredible!
Public art adds visual appeal to a community. It brings energy and vibrance to once-blank walls and incorporates bright vibrant colors and cool creations. Public art can celebrate heritage, diversity, and tradition. This makes the community more welcoming to others and inspires future artists to create.
It also brings in tourism which has a ripple economic impact on small businesses in our community. People will spend more time in a place that has fun things to look at and that has beautiful works of art to enjoy. These works benefit mental health and well-being for the people using these spaces. The spark curiosity and revitalization.
In Harrisonburg we have wall murals that celebrate people, play, and LOVE. We have ducks that tell a story, sculptures that honor liberty and sacrifice, and historic graffiti. There are dinosaurs and dragons, messages about saving the future, and Children reading. Take a minute and let us know which downtown creation is your favorite!
by Charles Hendricks | Jun 29, 2024 | artwork, citizen architect, community, First Friday, Office Culture
We are thrilled to have a special presentation on “The Remnants of the Crooked and Weedy” at the Depot (141 W. Bruce St. Harrisonburg, VA) on July 5th at 5:30 pm. Colby Lowry, a James Madison University history major (secondary Education and Anthropology) will join us. He is a member of the Marching Royal Dukes, a model railroad enthusiast, and a lover of all things antique. Colby and his grandmother used to watch advertisements for train sets and he remembers talking history with his grandfather on nearly a daily basis growing up leading to his passion for both history and the railroad.
Combining his love for history and trains he has done research on the Chesapeake Wester Railroad. Learning from Charles Grattan Price’s book Crooked and Weedy he will highlight the relics of a bygone era of railroading for all that attend.
This presentation will coincide with our July 5th First Friday Art opening at the Depot. All are welcome.
by Charles Hendricks | Jun 21, 2024 | artwork, citizen architect, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Office Culture
On July 5th from 5:00pm-7:00pm, we are thrilled to host a First Fridays Gallery Opening at The Depot featuring artist April Sachs (she/her)! Join us to welcome April and view her gallery entitled Rising (March 20, 2022-March 20, 2023), and to enjoy refreshments and community. RSVP for this event on our Facebook and get to know her more in her biography below!
*Accessibility Note: This building was previously restored from a fire. The elevator shaft is currently not functioning and there is an absence of ramps in the space. Because the show is on the 2nd floor, this may pose an issue for those who have mobility needs. We are aware of this need and we apologize greatly if this changes your ability to attend.
Bio
April Sachs is an accidental artist. She currently teaches at Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, and has also worn the hats of linguist, bookkeeper, office manager, and library assistant. She enjoys writing poetry, gardening, reading, and dancing at sunrise.
Artist Statement
Rising (March 20, 2022-March 20, 2023)
In late 2021, in the midst of life-changing events, I decided to photograph a constant: the sunrise. The result is 366 sunrise photos, all taken in exactly the same spot. But they are far from identical. The images portray the same scene in many moods, reflecting the changing seasons, weather, and position of the sun (from equinox to solstice and back again).
These photos, each similar and yet unique, echo my own experiences during that year. Sometimes I felt as bleak as the cloudy February mornings, when for days at a time I had to guess at the moment of sunrise, since the sun itself could not be seen. Other days were as joyful as the mist-filled mornings of June, with a mockingbird in the adjacent pasture, singing, flying, and falling with pure delight in life. But whether my own internal weather was bleak or joyful, I knew I had foundations as constant as the sunrise. This was my year of rising.
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This event is free and open to everyone. Snacks and refreshments will be served and we look forward to seeing you there!
Each month we host a new artist in our building’s 2nd floor gallery at the Chesapeake Western Depot at 141 W. Bruce St. (second floor entrance is on Chesapeake). Artwork will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot! We will have food and drink available!
by Charles Hendricks | Jun 20, 2024 | architecture, Charlottesville, community, team
Gaines Group Architects has a new home in Charlottesville at 910 East High St. We hope you will Celebrate with us in Charlottesville for a Chamber of Commerce Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, July 10th from 9am – 11am. Stop by on your way to work and grab a bagel and some coffee, stick around until 10am for a ribbon cutting, then hang out for a bit to let us hear all the incredible things you are doing.
After spending a few years on Pantops Mountain, it was time for us to get back to our roots in downtown Charlottesville. Our former offices have been located on Water St. and Ridge St., just a few steps from the downtown walking mall, and now, as they say, “Guess who’s back, back again”! We are excited to be able to walk to downtown local restaurants, so reach out to us if you ever want to grab lunch.
This bright blue house is the first time in a few decades our office has been in a space we didn’t design, so stay tuned, we are scheming for a very cool future! Please feel free to stop in and visit with our team, hear what they are working on, and see our new space. We look forward to connecting or reconnecting with you soon.
Parking:
– Limited parking behind building and on nearby streets.
– Short walk from Market Street Garage. The first hour at the Market Street Garage parking is free.
by Charles Hendricks | May 24, 2024 | architecture, community
It is time to ROCK THE RIDGE to support MTC! MTC has programs including agriculture production, architecture, auto technology, carpentry, collision repair, dental careers, fire and rescue, heating and cooling technology, nursing, welding, and more. Supporting technical education is critical to the success of any community. Charles serves on the foundation board and the marketing committee and says, “The work we are doing to support these students will pay off for our entire community as MTC develops our community’s future heroes.”
Rock the Ridge is a new summer kick-off event produced by Massanutten Technical Center Foundation and hosted by Massanutten Resort. With so many positive comments after last year’s event hosted at the school, MTC Foundation wanted to kick it up a notch and expand on the ever-popular Thunderstruck vibe. Thus, this new collaborative event was born.
This festival will feature three main stage bands, food, beverages, fireworks, and more!
MTC foundation worked with Bluestone Communications this year to kick off the marketing plan for the foundation and fundraiser – Rock the Ridge. This nationally affiliated student run PR firm at James James Madison University was a pleasure to work with over this last semester. Working with the Bluestone Communications team from JMU allowed us to develop a brand standard for MTC Foundation and graphics specific to promote the upcoming concert.
These students work with a variety of businesses and non-profits each year. Along with branding and social media, they work to get media exposure, which they did for us through WHSV and the DNR.
The Massanutten Technical Center Foundation, under the direction of its Executive Board, supports the mission of Massanutten Technical Center:
“Massanutten Technical Center will provide high school and adult students with the skills, knowledge, and industry-based experiences necessary to attain success in career and community.”
MTC plays a vital role in the community that directly benefits area students, businesses, and citizens alike. Area businesses have access to economical, high quality training services for their employees and a steady supply of highly-skilled potential employees. With MTC in the community, adults can continue their education, and working men and women can acquire new skills that greatly enhance their career prospects. At MTC, high school students are prepared for a future of lifetime learning and career success.
