AiM High Artists in Middleburg

By Richard Hooper

The goal of Artists in Middleburg, as described in its mission statement, “is to nurture, develop, and provide arts educational opportunities for all, especially the youth, in our area utilizing our rich resource of local artists to teach and share their art. In so doing, AiM will support and strengthen the local arts community in Middleburg and the surrounding Piedmont area by increasing the vitality, awareness, and appreciation of the arts.”

At the gallery, located at 102 W. Washington Street, the group is meeting its goals. Workshops and classes are given throughout the year. Equine sculpture classes taught by Goksin Carey will begin again in February. Carey is a member of Virginia Equine Artists, is certified through the American Academy of Equine Art, and is an associate member of the National Sculptor Society.

Ms. Carey also offers classes, in a joint program that began in 2014 between AiM and the National Sporting Library and Museum, from July 9 through July 13, held at NSLM. Recent workshops in painting have been given by Earl Tester and landscape artist Antonia Walker. Tom Neel also spoke recently about framing. The classes are structured for various levels, and anyone who is interested is welcome to participate.     

Themed exhibits change every four to six weeks, and each show is judged with a Best in Show award and other recognition. In addition to the work on display at the gallery, a file is kept on 100 or so artists who are members of AiM.

The diversity of style and subject matter is a delight. In addition to sculptures and paintings, there is glasswork and notecards reproducing work by some of the artists.

As a location for local artists to exhibit, AiM is one of Middleburg’s wonderful resources and is a friendly environment for buyers and browsers alike. The gallery is open from Wednesday through Sunday between 12:00 and 5:00 pm. If you have not stopped by, it would be an excellent New Year’s resolution to do so. ML