SVWC's Lawrence Gallery Welcomes Two Unique Artists

The SVWC Art Committee has been coordinating art exhibits in Lawrence Gallery for over ten years, and their newest exhibition marks number 81! The resident-led group aims to vary the mediums and styles of work to keep things fresh. This stunning show will remain through May 2, 2025.

Ann Rule Thompson, from Harpers Ferry, incorporates Encaustics with ceramic surfaces for her “Seeing Through the Surface” exhibit. From Greek to "to burn in," the Encaustic process dates back to the 5th Century BC, and pieces have been found in Egyptian tombs. The method combines beeswax and tree resin to produce a gorgeous 3-D effect. The wax paint is heated to liquid form and painted on while hot. Dimension and color are added by embedding objects and scraping the surface to create depth. They look like photographs at a distance, but you can appreciate the interesting layering and texture up close.

Our showcases display the intricate works of Shenandoah Valley artist Christy Dunkle. Christy earned a bachelor's degree in visual arts and a master's in landscape architecture. She studied under Scottish artist Rachel Davies. The area’s mountains and valley provide endless inspiration for her mosaic designs, which include slate, gold leaf, glass, recycled roof tiles, deep black Youghiogheny River shale, Mexican smalti, and Marcellus shale needles. Her small pieces can be placed on a shelf or hung on a wall.

An opening reception will be held on March 8 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Commons area above the lobby. Or...feel free to visit the Gallery any day between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.  

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Started in 2020 as a first of its kind in our area, the Memory Café is a safe and comfortable space where care partners and their loved ones living with any type of dementia can gather to socialize, play games, and enjoy activities together. Experience community, laughter, and conversation with others navigating similar changes and make new memories together.

‍This is a FREE event hosted by SVWC, on the second Monday of each month. NOTE: The location has changed from previous years to The Espresso Bar and Cafe' in downtown Winchester. For additional details, contact Donielle Weatherholtz-Palmer at dpalmer@svwc.org.

Once again, SVWC was nominated in FOUR categories for the Winchester Star's Annual Star Awards! Voting starts on April 2 and continues through April 8, so please vote often!

- Best Assisted Living Facility

- Best Rehabilitation Facility

- Best Retirement Community

- Best Senior Living Community

Thank you for the nominations, and thank you in advance for voting for us!

Click on this link, scroll down to the "Health/Medical" category, register, and vote.

https://www.winchesterstar.com/special/star_awards/voting/

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Fireside Recitals

To help revive an SVWC tradition, cellist Devin Jones will offer a FREE recital at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, in the Bistro. Devin works in Dining Services at SVWC. She holds a master’s degree in cello performance under the tutelage of Shenandoah Conservatory Professor Irving Schwarz. Chris Tillman, another SU graduate, will accompany Devin on violin. The Fireside Recitals showcase advanced degree candidates. Typically, six recitals are held a year. Bob Sherwood is working to relaunch the Fireside Recitals. Please contact him if you are interested in helping to plan and execute the recitals.

What happens when passionate people come together? Find out at our "Taste and Tour" on Tuesday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. Experience the vibrant connections of our Life Plan Community firsthand. Enjoy a tasty lunch and explore our beautiful grounds. With a limited number of move-in-ready Villa apartments, now's the perfect time to plan your spring move and join our thriving community. RSVP today!

Call 540-665-5914 or visit www.svwc.org/villatours to register.

The event is sponsored by Carroll Construction.

Friday, April 25 in the Bistro - Colin Davin

Last year, Colin Davin stunned the Bistro audience with the clarity and passion of his playing. This year, the Shenandoah Conservatory Guitar Studio Director will present music by two legends of Latin American guitar in the Bistro Concert on Friday, April 25. His program will showcase virtuosity, romance, myth, and dance from two legendary composers: Agustín Barrios Mangoré (1885-1944) from Paraguay and Leo Brouwer (b. 1939) from Cuba. Barrios Mangoré's music spans a wide range of stylistic influences, from the folk traditions of his native Paraguay and across Latin America to the music of J.S. Bach and the great European Romantics. Meanwhile, Brouwer's dynamic modernism incorporates minimalism and Afro-Cuban folk music with an innovative harmonic language to create unique musical worlds.

Davin holds a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Southern California and a Master of music from The Juilliard School. Already, reviews name him “one of today’s most dynamic artists.” He has performed across the world, at venues including Alice Tully Hall at Carnegie Hall, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Paris Conservatoire, and the Fridge Fringe in Dubai. His interest in new music is strong.  His solo recording, “The Infinite Fabric of Dreams,” has been praised by one reviewer as “…achingly beautiful…a thoughtful, perceptive interpretation.” Another said, “Davin knows the pieces deeply and delivers virtuosic and exciting performances.” 

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 CASH, and a portion of the proceeds goes to the SVWC Fellowship Fund.

The Bistro Concert Series is sponsored by Atlantic Union Bank. For more information, call 540-665-0156.

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