Exhibit companion to “Let’s Go to the Depot” History Exhibit and recent NRV Passenger Rail Panel
CHRISTIANSBURG – “Let’s Go to the Depot! How the Railroad Changed Montgomery County and Cambria” history exhibit opened on July 13 at the Montgomery Museum of Art and History.
The railroad, completed through Montgomery County in 1854, created a social center where sweethearts ran off to get married and fresh-faced draftees set off to serve their country. It was also a point of commerce, where goods and harvests from the county were shipped and products from around the world entered into Montgomery County.
In conjunction with the “Let’s Go to the Depot” history exhibit, members of the museum and other local artists have participated in a railroad-themed art show. Photographs, watercolors, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawings, and even wood scrollwork are represented. The 41 pieces by 20 artists of trains and related items will be on display now through September 8. The public may view the pictures online and vote for their favorite at https://montgomerymuseum.org/exhibits/railroad-theme-show. Online voting started on July 18, but even better, come in and see for yourself.
The closing reception is on September 7, 5-7 p.m. at the museum. People’s Choice voting will allow only one vote per person, and voting will close at 6 p.m. the day of the reception, with awards presented at 6:30 p.m.
Last week, the museum hosted a very successful panel discussion on NRV passenger rail, providing a forum of updates and discussion led by experts from the New River Valley Regional Commission, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, and the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board. In a packed lobby, community members learned more about the history of passenger rail and the exciting new developments regarding Amtrak’s future service to Christiansburg and the New River Valley.
Artists and their specific media in the Railroad Theme Art Show include:
Aileen Fletcher Digital Photography
Betty Moore Acrylic
Matt Gentry Watercolor
Judy Niehaus Acrylic
Blake Gore Miniature Drawing
David Pearce Painting/Photography/Drawing
Sue Hossack Ink, Acrylic
David Petersen Photography
Carol Josefiak Oil
Mary Ratliff Watercolor
John Josefiak Watercolor
John Singleton Photography
Carl Lefko Photography
Charles Whitescarver Photography
Susan Lockwood Photography
Sally Mook Watercolor/Acrylic
Rita Mayer Wood, Acrylic
Pippi Miller Photography
Glenn McDaniel Digital Art
Wayne McKinney Photography
Submitted by Montgomery Museum
