Nov 04 Wednesday
Jake McCord, a self-taught artist from Georgia, frequently said that making art was something he did “just for fun.” He lived and worked alone and considered his art to be “company” – Once a painting was complete, McCord would install it on his front porch to share the work with the community, engaging passersby and sparking conversation.
McCord’s works are products of his imagination and his unique vision of the world. Looking at his paintings is an invitation to enter McCord’s lively and colorful world and a reminder that anyone can express themselves through creating art. "Jake McCord: Jolly Company" is on view at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum August 13 – November 14, 2026, and is on loan from Chris Ross and Traveling Art Exhibitions. Please go to Hollins.edu/Museum to find our open hours!
Please also join the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum for a community workshop inspired by McCord's paintings on Friday, October 23rd from 2-4 PM on the front plaza outside the museum.
Image Credits: Jake McCord, "Untitled (Purple Dog with Ball)," 1998. House paint on found wood, 20 x 15 inches. © Private Collection.
Throughout October, there's plenty to see at Art Works. Explore six galleries, visit 82 working artist studios, and enjoy a full lineup of exhibits. Immerse yourself works by Sky Dai, Johnye Bennett, Lew Lott, Carol Gruppé and Unmask curated by Susan Vaughan. The All Media Show features art by local artists. The Bridge Project will continue exhibiting Nathan Hosmer Nevarez until November 30th.
Visit us Tuesdays through Sundays 11am- 5pm. Admission is free and open to the public. Convenient and free parking is available. Exhibits will remain on view through November 14th, 2026 (unless otherwise noted). Carol Gruppé will remain up until October 31st.
Nov 05 Thursday
Nov 06 Friday
Welcome to First Friday at the GalleriesCelebrate the 2026 National Juried Art ExhibitionJoin us on April 3, 5–8 PM for a night of creativity, reflection, and the power of artistic expression. This year’s juried exhibition features 39 artists from 13 states, showcasing works in a variety of media. The evening is an opportunity to explore contemporary art, meet the artists, and engage with thought-provoking work.
About the Exhibition
The 2026 National Juried Art Exhibition, curated by Heath Ballowe, highlights the technical skill, creativity, and unique voices of contemporary artists. Visitors can experience a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and more, each work offering a fresh perspective and insight into the power of artistic expression.
Juror Bio:
Heath Ballowe earned an MA in Decorative Art, Design History, and Material Culture from the Bard Graduate Center (2022), an MFA in Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design (2010), a collegiate teaching certification from Brown University (2009), and a BFA from Virginia Tech (2006). He has taught at the Rhode Island School of Design and Moore College of Art and Design and has managed private and public art collections, including The Clay Studio cataloging project supported by The Luce Foundation for American Art.
Awards Ceremony
At 6:00 PM, join us as Heath Ballowe recognizes outstanding works from this year’s exhibition. Celebrate the achievements of talented artists from across the country and enjoy this special moment of recognition.
Event Details
The exhibition runs from 5–8 PM on April 3, with the Awards Ceremony at 6:00 PM. Catering will be provided by Market at Main, adding a welcoming touch to the evening’s festivities. The gallery is the perfect setting to meet the artists, enjoy curated works, and experience the inspiration of contemporary art.
Nov 07 Saturday
Nov 08 Sunday