In 1966, an artist-parishioner of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond, Virginia, held the belief that art should be accessible to everyone, to view and to own. The Gallery was born, with 22 artists showing and selling their works. Over the 50+- year history of the Gallery, more than 150 artists have been participating, offering pottery, oils, mixed media, watercolor, furniture, sculpture, fiber arts, jewelry, stained glass, and more! It is a year-round effort to draw people in, we work with juried artists through volunteer efforts to mold and sculpt creative connections in the larger community. This year, the deadline for submissions for juried artist applications end at on April 30.

When the Gallery first started, it was the little church project. Over the years, the leadership team members became known as the Steel Magnolias because they: added a volunteer training program, refined the juried-artist process, and expanded the canvas of talent to include student artists. Last but not least, the building, itself, on Blanton Avenue was designed in the Brutalist architectural style by Ulrich Franzen and Associates. Like the Gallery at First UU, the building has also stood the test of time as a work of art.

It's that time of year when we are recruiting for the many, many volunteer shifts it takes to make Gallery happen.  You'll see us set up in the lobby from now until the week of the show, so stop on by and we'll see if we can find just the perfect Gallery 'job' (or two) for you.
Volunteer power is what makes the show the glory that it is.  We welcome thousands of guests into our church home and provide them an opportunity to see and purchase beautiful art, and provide our artists with income they don't have to stand in a booth to collect.  It's also a great way for us all to meet others in our church community that we don't know and build some community.  And did I mention the daily food trucks and our own Edie Rose coffee when the show is open?
So please consider lending your considerable talents and some of your time to this glorious endeavor.  We have jobs for every ability and talent.  We need volunteers from late September through the end of October.  Sale dates are Wednesday, October 22-Sunday October 26.
---
See us in the lobby on Sundays, or if you like, hit up our online registration portal or contact gallery@richmonduu.org.
---
Thank you for all you do, hope to see you at the table!
---
Your Gallery Directors & Co-chairs

 

Gallery at First UU dates are

October 22 to October 26, 2025

This will be the 58th year of our much-loved juried fine arts and crafts show.

The mission of Gallery is to:

Promote the arts and support the local arts community

Connect our church members through diverse volunteer opportunities

Provide a venue for non-members to get to know us

Contribute to our collective spiritual wealth and development through art

Enrich the church culturally and financially

For more information go to,

GalleryatFirstUU.com

804-525-9551

gallery@richmonduu.org

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram