Oil on linen painting from 1998 by Eldridge Bagley titled “Reunion Table.” Courtesy of the Morris Museum of Art, Augusta, Ga.

Those who were involved in the Central Virginia arts scene decades ago often share a common tale. Their stories — now approaching legend — recount long lines of people “camping out” during the dark, pre-dawn hours prior to the opening of the Heart of Virginia Festival – not for a musical act but for a chance to buy one of Eldridge Bagley’s paintings when he exhibited there.

Reflections of the Heart: Eldridge Bagley — 50 Years of Painting is a retrospective that deftly weaves the artist’s personal history tightly to the regional culture and landscapes of Southside Virginia.

The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) welcomes the community to an opening reception on Friday, Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.; early entry for Friends & Partners at 5 p.m.

This exhibition is guest curated by Jay Williams and Alex Grabiec and will be on view from Dec. 10, 2022 through April 16, 2024.

There’s more to this in the current issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Support local journalism by purchasing the issue at a local newsstand or subscribing at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to receive the print edition or view the full article in the e-edition version.