by Shawn Nowlin
At its core, the Taubman Museum of Art at 110 Salem Avenue is a space created to preserve, interpret, collect and present works of art while also inspiring and educating the public.
The Late Night Series, held every first Friday of the month, are in conjunction with Art By Night and features unique cultural experiences, lively entertainment and insightful programming.
On Oct. 6, dozens of community members gathered to honor the work and life of local artist David Ramey Sr. who passed in 2017 at the age of 78. Titled “Gainsboro Road and Beyond,” his son, Dave Ramey Jr., also an artist, received a standing ovation.
“My number one objective right now is to continue my dad’s legacy. When he moved to Roanoke at age ten, he lived right up the street from the Gainsboro Library. Today, some of his most cherished art can be seen on the library’s walls. It means the world to me that his work is going to be here for years and years to come,” he said. “Because he was a folk artist, dad had the ability to create beautiful art solely from his imagination. This is why all of his drawings are so detailed.”
All were welcomed to the free event that had a cash bar. Between 5 to 9 p.m., there were performances from Radford University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Lady RUs, poem recitals and more.
Museum staff were on hand to answer questions and provide information. Generous support from the Trout Lily Foundation, Virginia Humanities, the Secular Society and the Edgar A. Thurman Charitable Foundation for Children helped make the event possible.
One hundred detailed works and 75 handwritten narratives of Ramey Sr. In the museum paint a picture of what his life was like growing up prior to the national urban renewal programs being instituted. “It was so important to him that people knew the real history of the Gainsboro community. What really happened in the ‘50s and ‘60s,” Ramey Jr. said.
Of all the projects his father created, Junior says one in particular stands out. “The very first picture I saw him draw was when I was young,” he explained. “He brought my brother an art kit and captured that moment so perfectly.”
Interested individuals have through March 31 to experience the exhibit. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit taubmanmuseum.org.
