Once again several dozen local artists opened their homes and working studios for the 10th annual “Open Studios” tour over the weekend, welcoming fellow artists and art lovers. Among the highlights was the opening of a new working art studio/gallery at 110B Kirk Avenue in downtown Roanoke, owned by Ann Bondurant Trinkle.
Trinkle, the wife of Roanoke City Councilman Dave Trinkle, earned a master’s in fine art (for sculpture) from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been working out of her home until now. Dozens showed up for the opening reception last Friday and more stopped by over the weekend as part of Open Studios. “This is beyond luxury for me…I’m so excited,” said Trinkle, referring to her new space.
Trinkle’s work on display now at 110B Kirk Ave. includes carved wood. “They are paintings with sculpture on them,” is how her daughter describes it. “It’s been sort of [my] mode for the past ten years.” Before that Trinkle was more prone to creating larger, freestanding sculptures. “I’m really wondering what I’m going to make…Kirk Avenue’s the place,” said Trinkle. “The art scene is thriving in Roanoke, Virginia. It’s such an exciting time to be here.”
Meanwhile on Saturday, Jamie Nervo was setting out some of her paintings on a lawn in South Roanoke, sharing space with several other artists. Blue Ridge Marathon runners whizzed by early in the morning while others got ready for the annual Garden Tour. “We get all different types of folks,” said Nervo, “people that are into art and people that are just browsing. It’s just a fun [weekend] to get out and look at art.”
Nervo liked that so much was happening last weekend, and right along Avenham Avenue in some cases. “The more that’s going on, the better for Roanoke. I think it’s great.”
By Gene Marrano [email protected]