Downtown Lynchburg Comes Alive with Colorful and Bold Paintings Contributed by Local Artists

Artistic visions and works create a sense of wonder that captivates and inspires people, and downtown Lynchburg’s Art Alley provides an outlet for people to experience that wonder firsthand.

First conceptualized in early 2020, the Downtown Lynchburg Association staff and a small board committee founded the Alley at 1100 Commerce St. as a perfect opportunity to improve the public space and showcase fine art. 

Executive Director of the Association Ashley Kershner called the Alley a “positive space that will spark joy in the community.”

“In the wake of COVID, we all need a little love and joy and positivity,” Kershner said. “So, the space seeks to invoke that.”

Kershner hopes the Art Alley will expose many people to the inspiration of art in an open, comfortable and public environment.

Artists were found by means of public calls and social media and then asked to submit pieces. The submissions were then reviewed and scored by a panel comprised of association staff, sponsors and members of the arts community. At the end of the process, 11 artists were chosen to showcase their work with full creative control.

Sixteen artists in total contributed their talent and work to the Art Alley. The larger aim, however, was to set up the Alley as a collaborative effort between artists, contractors and volunteers. The entire process to paint and set up the Alley took 23 days. 

Lisa Jones, the artist behind the abstract design that fills the main road of the alley, was satisfied with the final product.

“I’m really happy with how it turned out. Doing it to scale was interesting. I honestly had never done anything this big before,” Jones said. “So, taking it from paper and then putting it onto the street sounded like it could have its challenges, but it actually went really smoothly.”

Jones felt extremely honored to play a part in this project as the artist selected for such a focal point piece in the alley.

“It’s an awesome opportunity, and I’m really grateful for it because it could have been anybody,” Jones said. “I think all these artists that are represented here do beautiful work, and it’s pretty amazing to be a part of it.”

Additionally, a 2011 Liberty alumna, Morgaine Godwin, also had the opportunity to present her piece “Color Sorbet” at the Alley.

“I was in the studio art and graphic design program,” Godwin said. “And for me, it’s just a really cool opportunity to give back to my city.”

The Downtown Lynchburg Association hopes that the addition of the Art Alley will make the area a more vibrant, exciting and welcoming place. The association hopes that with such an attraction, more residents and tourists will visit downtown and create a positive economic impact for the city.

For more details on the Art Alley, check out Downtown Lynchburg’s website, and for more events in the downtown area, follow its Instagram account @downtownlynchburg.

Tso is a feature writer.