July 22-Oct 12, 2025
Hue & Happenstance
In this collection of 12 abstract paintings by Rachel Crockett Smith, color is central. From bright and playful to stormy and subdued, the shared palette creates a rhythm within the chaos of shape and line. Smith works on several pieces at once, layering color and texture as she goes, responding to what unfolds in the work during this unrestrained process.
“It’s about allowing mistakes, building on them, starting over when needed, and letting something meaningful emerge along the way.”
Rachel Crockett Smith lives and works in the Winchester area and recently founded Hive Studio in Stephens City, Virginia. Smith holds a BFA in Studio Art, is a dedicated arts educator, and an advocate for youth engagement in the arts.
Spectral Stories
These 14 paintings by mixed media artist Jen Poteet explore her love of color and storytelling. Working in watercolor, acrylic, and ink, Poteet creates glimpses into sweetly spooky worlds and the characters who inhabit them. Clever details invite the viewer to look closely to see the relatable in the unusual.
“It’s okay to paint whatever you want. Even if it is weird to others, someone out there is going to love it and feel seen. I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s fine by me.”
Jen Poteet lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she creates fine art, writes, and works alongside her husband in their tattoo studio, Black Sheep Studios.
"There's a fine line between planning and chance" by Rachel Crockett Smith. Acrylic & pastel on canvas.
"Are we there yet?" by Rachel Crockett Smith. Acrylic & pastel on canvas.
"Beyond the Mark" by Rachel Crockett Smith. Oil on panel.
"I Certainly Could Drink Tea For All Eternity" by Jen Poteet. Watercolor, acrylic, pen.
Left: "He Wore His Heavy Heart" by Jen Poteet. Watercolor, acrylic, pen. Right: "Ghosts in the Playground" by Jen Poteet. Watercolor, acrylic, pen.
Left: "Want to Be My Valentine?" by Jen Poteet. Watercolor, acrylic, pen. Right: "No Thanks, I'm Already Booked" by Jen Poteet. Watercolor, acrylic, pen.
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley believes that art has a special role in the community. The Art in the Halls program provides space for regional artists to showcase their work in an area that is free to the public and accessible by all.
The goals of this program are to:
Interested in applying to be part of Art in the Halls? The MSV invites emerging to mid-career artists to apply.
What you will need:
The MSV invites artists of any medium to submit their work, but please note the restrictions of the exhibition space. The Art in the Halls program is mounted in the Glaize and Lewis halls on the first floor of the MSV building. Groups or artists who wish to be considered should complete the application form. Please note that MSV will not accept pieces that are older than three years or have been shown regionally within the last year. Have questions about whether your artwork is a good fit for Art in the Halls? Contact Christy Broy: cbroy@themsv.org , (540)662-1473, ext 244.
How it works:
Submissions are reviewed from the digital images provided in the application and exhibition selections are determined by committee. Submissions are also evaluated on the exhibition description and artist’s statement. This information helps the committee understand the level of artistic development and commitment of the submitting artist/group. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Work submitted for the exhibition must be of the same quality, medium, and style as the work submitted in the proposal. Artists must be the original creators of the work they are submitting.
The MSV will do its best to respond to your submission, but please note that we receive a large number of inquiries. An MSV representative will contact you should additional materials be requested for further consideration.
Artists who are accepted will have a three-year interval before another solo proposal will be considered. Artists are strongly encouraged to keep pricing consistent with websites and other sale sites.
Please note:
Paperwork:
Selected artists will receive an Artist Welcome Packet that contains all pertinent exhibition paperwork that must be completed by the designated deadlines. By signing the Art in the Halls Agreement, the artist agrees to meet all deadlines for deliverables and to maintain open communication with the MSV as the exhibition is planned and organized.
Commission & Payment:
The MSV retains a commission of 40% on sales made through the Art in the Halls program.
Interested in applying to be part of Art in the Halls? The MSV invites emerging to mid-career artists to apply.
For 16 years, ArtScape has transformed the Old Town walking mall into an outdoor art gallery, accessible to all. This year, the project showcases over 45 banners featuring the work of regional artists.
This display showcases the beauty and diversity of nature through the perspectives of two Virginia artists.
This display of twenty-five works by regional artists explores seasonal transformations through the creative eye.
This display showcases three Shenandoah Valley artists working in distinct mediums to illustrate individual perspectives of a shared world!
Explore a display of works by dozens of regional artists that showcases art selected to be reproduced on banners in Old Town Winchester.
Explore the fantastical worlds created by Ben Hatke and David Kiefer in this exhibition that examines artists as storytellers.
This display features the Fourth Annual Teen Art Club Exhibition and Impact, which include works by local student artists and Virginia public school educators.
Sapphire is a display of works from ShenArts members that explores the color blue in a variety of styles in celebration or the organization’s sapphire (45th) anniversary.
This display features four regional artists working across several mediums who embrace the varied and recognizable imagery of pop culture.
