by Charles Hendricks | May 31, 2025 | artwork, First Friday
A Bond with the Landscape
June 6, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
2nd Floor
141 W. Bruce St.
Harrisonburg, VA, 22801
About the artist:
Lori Mier, known online to some as Lori May, is a passionate lifelong learner and a self-proclaimed grief rebel. Her life is a tapestry woven with love for her son (an emerging 7th grader), cherished friendships that have become family, and a dedication to community work. Lori’s enthusiasm for coffee and fashion is matched by her profound appreciation for mountain sunrises.
As the author of
“Merin and Her Very Bright Star: A Story of Resiliency,” Lori draws from her personal journey of loss and healing to let children know that grief is real and it is okay. She is currently crafting a poetic memoir that promises to delve deeper into her experiences. With a degree in Social Work, Lori founded “Through Hiking,” a not-for-profit initiative offering guided hikes to foster care agencies and youth, fostering a connection with nature and resilience.
Lori’s commitment to education and social justice is evident in her past role on the Equity Committee for Rockingham County Public Schools and her current position on the Board of Directors for the
RISE Foundation in Waynesboro, VA. Although not a native Virginian, Lori has found her true home in the Shenandoah Valley.
In August, Lori will embark on a new chapter as a middle school English teacher, building on her timeserving in AmeriCorps when she was 21 assisting in a classroom in the Bronx, NY
,
five years with
RISE Scholars, three years of experience as a substitute teacher and her imminent teaching license. Passionate about nurturing the diverse social, cultural, emotional, and academic traits, and sparking the energy of middle school students, she is intentional and dedicated to igniting a love for reading, writing, and speaking. Her classroom will be a shelter because she is a shelter.
Her journey as a nature photographer began nearly a decade ago, capturing the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Her work, featured in publications like AT Journeys and Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, is available on her Etsy shop,
Butterfly And The Storm.
Lori’s artistic journey was unexpected; she embraced the title of photographer only after repeated inquiries about her healing sunrise and sunset images. Her connection to nature traces back to her Minnesota childhood and her early years in Oregon, where her parents tragically lost their lives. A return to Oregon in2020 revealed the striking resemblance between those mountains and the Shenandoah Valley, deepening her bond with the landscape. Through her photography, Lori shares the spiritual and therapeutic essence of her hikes, inviting others to experience the magic of morning and evening light.
*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.
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 | Apr 28, 2025 | artwork, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect
We love celebrating the arts in the valley, from murals to sculptures to sketches to paintings, art brings us joy. It has the power to change your perspective, evoke inner reflection, and even generate conversation. Each month we host an artist at the Depot we invite you to join us to celebrate the art, artists, and to add to the conversation. This month’s artist is well known in our community and her work is full of energy and depth. I hope you will be able to join us for the May 2025 First Friday opening of “Intrinsic Flow.”
May 2, 2025, 5pm – 7pm
141 W. Bruce St. second floor (at the Depot)
Exhibition Title: Intrinsic Flow
Bio & Artist Statement: Delaney Westwood is a fluid acrylic artist born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley. Her work is rooted in experimentation, using the creative process as a way to explore the universe and the essence of flow. By mixing acrylic paints with a flow medium called Floetrol, she creates pourable blends that move across the canvas through dynamic techniques.
Each piece is completed in a single, cohesive session, sometimes lasting 14 hours or more, allowing the work to unfold organically and intuitively. Delaney seeks to capture the primordial energy of the universe with the aim of evoking peace, resonance, and a sense of inner knowing in the viewer.
“Intrinsic Flow” is a showcase of both abstract and representational works, each one a unique meditation on movement, energy, and form.
*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.
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 Audrey | Mar 28, 2025 | artwork, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect
First Friday – April 4, 2025: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
We hope you can join us for our First Friday through the Arts Council of the Valley, as we feature works by Jeff Hoodock for the month of April and woodturnings by David Sutton for one night only!
Learn More: First Fridays at the Depot Featuring Jeff Hoodock and David Sutton
Jeff’s Bio
Born in 1958 in Washington, D.C., Jeff’s early influences were Andrew Wyeth and the Abstract Expressionists and his early training included studying plein air watercolors with Bill Gerhold. His love of art drew him to St. Mary’s College of Maryland where he studied painting with Tom Rowe and Earl Hofmann. Jeff has traveled and worked in Boulder, Colorado and taught English as a second language in Hamamatsu, Japan. In 2004, he earned an MFA in Fine Arts/Painting from JMU. He currently resides in Harrisonburg, VA.
David’s Bio
I grew up in Penn Laird, VA and went to Montevideo High School and became interested in wood turning as a part of shop class. After college I had a career with the University of Florida with their aquatic plant program. After I retired to Port Republic, Virginia I pursued my interest in plants. I joined the Harrisonburg Farmers Market in 2007 to offer plants and produce. I remembered how much I enjoyed turning wood during shop class so I bought a lathe and began to make rolling pins and added them to my offerings at the Market. Many of the wood products I now offer come from suggestions of customers.
About Port Farm Wood Turnings:
Most wood is from local trees. I try to showcase the natural beauty and grain characteristic of the wood while trying to items items that have a functional use. All wood products are food safe and water resistant
by Charles Hendricks | Mar 3, 2025 | artwork, community, First Friday
It is time to join us to celebrate art in the valley at the Depot. I hope you can join us to see this incredible show put together by
Cheryl Shanahan that celebrates life lived in what ancient Greeks referred to as Kairos time.
As always, this event is free and open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided by the Gaines Group Architects!
Cheryl’s Bio:
Cheryl Shanahan is an internationally collected acrylic painter who splits her year between New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and Metro Richmond, Virginia. Her family has had ties to New Hampshire for nearly a century. Cheryl is a graduate of the University of Richmond. Cheryl started her creative path at age four when she taught herself how to read music. She expressed herself as a classically trained pianist, an avid writer, and a photographer for decades. Having grown up with several amateur artists in her family, she was curious about painting. In 2020, Cheryl signed up for acrylic painting classes. She got eight lessons under her belt before the lockdown, and much to her surprise, there was a painter who was eager to come forth. Her knowledge of composition, value, and color from her photography experience helped her immensely when she jumped in the deep end of the painting pool. Cheryl exhibits in group and solo exhibitions in New Hampshire and Virginia. She is a member of the
Seacoast Artist Association and an Associate Member of the
National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society (NOAPS). Gallery representation is through Jackson Art Studio & Gallery in Jackson, New Hampshire.
Artist Statement:
“Pastorale” is a celebration of life lived in what ancient Greeks referred to as “Kairos” time – “the right or critical time” – flow state. Modern society is in a wrestling match with chronological time: our calendars, planners, watches, meetings generally dictate how the days are run – and the reality is that it’s really a contemporary construct or experiment. “Pastorale” celebrates those who work in rhythm with Nature’s pace and flow and honors the spaces where the built environment meets the natural one.
by Charles Hendricks | Nov 27, 2024 | artwork, citizen architect, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Office Culture
Our December First Friday Holiday party is a special time. We always look forward to our artists that are here for one night only. This month, we are really excited about the creations that Erika Cash will bring for you to enjoy.
Royal Knotz was created by Erika at the beginning of 2024 as a branch off of her crochet business that she has with her mother, Wistful Willows. Royal Knotz focuses on crochet patterns that Erika develops herself.
Erika Cash is a wife and mother of 3. She has been crocheting for 26 years. Erika can bring many things to life with just a ball of yarn and a hook and has been commissioned to make many one-of-a-kind items. She loves creating crochet patterns and watching others bring the patterns to life. Erika sees crochet as a way to express herself and relieve stress.
by Charles Hendricks | Nov 26, 2024 | artwork, citizen architect, community, First Friday, Office Culture
Here comes Santa Clause to the Depot. It is by far my favorite time of year and my favorite First Friday at the Depot. Santa will be in the building!!!
We are excited to partner with our Depot neighbors, R.S. Monger and Sons and Herr and Company to host an extra special holiday party and First Friday event! Mark your calendars and plan to stop by the Depot on Friday, December 6th between 5-7 pm to partake in the festivities.
The holiday spirit will be celebrated and shared as we listen to live music performed by Red Wing Academy, share our wish lists with Santa himself, and enjoy local artist creations. The festivities are numerous and will be held on both the second and first floors of the Depot. Santa will be on the first floor and available for you to take your own photos with. We will also have Red Wing Academy playing for your enjoyment. Artists for December will include Justin Poole and Erika Cash!
As always, this event is free and open to everyone! Food and refreshments will be provided. Visit the event page and RSVP here.
Did you know that Santa can be traced back to the 4th-century Christian Saint, Saint Nicholas. Born in modern-day Turkey, St. Nicholas was known for his generosity and kindness, often secretly giving gifts to the poor and needy.
Over time, stories about St. Nicholas’s generosity spread throughout Europe. In the Netherlands, he became known as Sinterklaas, a figure who brought gifts to children on December 6th. When Dutch settlers brought their traditions to New York, Sinterklaas evolved into Santa Claus.
The modern image of Santa Claus, with his red suit and sleigh pulled by reindeer, was popularized in the 19th century. Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (more commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas”) and Thomas Nast’s illustrations in Harper’s Weekly helped to solidify this image.
While the exact origins of Santa Claus are shrouded in legend, his enduring popularity is a testament to the power of kindness, generosity, and the magic of Christmas.
