It’s a new year and a great time to come out to Rappahannock County to enjoy everything our beautiful county has to offer! It may be cold, but the air is crisp and clear, the views are stunning, and the quiet and peace of winter will embrace you. Winter doesn’t stop our artists, and this month there are two new exhibits opening, and more continuing exhibits.
Enjoy a wonderful meal, or a hot drink at our local coffe shops, taverns, and cocktail bars, after an invigorating hike in the Shenandoah or walk around our small towns. Sample award-winning wines, micro-brews, and whisky, and visit all the amazing shops in Washington and Sperryville. See a show at the Theater in Little Washington or the Castleton Festival. It’s all here on our website to help you plan your visit – just click “About Rappahannock” above!
Rappahannock County is so beautiful in January, with open winter vistas of the Shenandoah National Park and beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. It’s a wonderful time to visit the beautiful and special jewel that is Rappahannock County.
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GAY STREET GALLERY
Tim Carrington, Janet Stoeke and Hans Gerhard
January 10 – March 15, 2026
Artist Reception: January 10, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm
337 Gay Street
Washington, VA 22747
540-227-5100
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm or by appointment 540-316-8898
Gay Street Gallery is also happy to help you by phone 540-227-5100 or email office@gaystreetgallery.com.
This exhibit features work from three local artists. The gallery also features work from other artists, works from the archives of Kevin H. Adams and from the Gallery Owner’s Collection.
Images (top to bottom):
The Stillpoint of the Turning World, by Tim Carrington
Fading Light in Yellowstone, by Hans
Tending to the Understory, by Janet Stoeke
MIDDLE STREET GALLERY
“Members & Friends” Show
January 23 – February 22, 2026
311 Gay Street, Lower Level, facing Main Street & across from Ballard’s Gallery
Washington, VA 22747
540-227-5066
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Middle Street Gallery’s annual Members & Friends show is a popular exhibition at the Gallery, featuring work from member artists and their local artist friends.
CONTINUING EXHIBITIONS
GAY STREET GALLERY
Charles Jones, Leanne Fink, and Diana Branscome
October 11, 2025 – January 6, 2026
337 Gay Street
Washington, VA 22747
540-227-5100
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm or by appointment 540-316-8898
Gay Street Gallery is also happy to help you by phone 540-227-5100 or email office@gaystreetgallery.com.
Images (top to bottom):
Water’s Edge, by Charles Jones
Fading Light in Yellowstone, by Leanne Fink
Aurora, by Diana Branscome
MIDDLE STREET GALLERY
“Pastels and Lace”
Kathy Waller Stewart
December 5, 2025 – January 18, 2026
311 Gay Street, Lower Level, facing Main Street & across from Ballard’s Gallery
Washington, VA 22747
540-227-5066
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
My role as an artist is that of translator. No two beings process their sensory input from the world around us in the same exact way. When I apply paint to a surface, I am revealing an intimate experience that I alone am processing. The result, which is the painting, bridges that space shared by the viewer and me. This communication is my inspiration, and it is why I create art.
I work in oils and occasionally in mixed media. I am artistically motivated by many sources including nature, objects and the human figure. I am influence by medieval art, post-impressionism and contemporary realism.
This show consists of figurative pastels and multimedia paintings featuring lace.
SPERRYVILLE ARTIST COOPERATIVE & GALLERY
Benjamin Mason
through March 31, 2026
Sperryville River District
3 River Lane
Sperryville, VA 22740
540-227-6509
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
Ben Mason is an accomplished musician and artist. His mixed media constructions and paintings are influenced by the philosophy of Aboriginal and Tribal art and contain artifacts, found objects, and pieces from nature that present a deeper calling.
Meet the artist at the gallery on the second Saturday of each month, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.