 Boat models crafted by Ray Rodgers of Urbanna are
featured at the exhibit which will be open until June 1.
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The Robert O. Norris Bridge, being such an important part of the area’s identity and history, has received special notoriety during this, its 50th anniversary year. The bridge over the Rappahannock River connects the counties of Lancaster and Middlesex.
The Middlesex Art Guild (MAG) is currently hosting an art exhibit featuring the works of a number of local and regional artists commemorating the bridge as part of the anniversary agenda originally planned by the Norris Bridge Committee of White Stone. Local artist and resident Candie Newman, who is the director of the Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership, helped plan the exhibit with the cooperation of the Rappahannock Art League of Kilmarnock and MAG.
This large and diverse exhibit is now on display at the Middlesex Art Guild’s Gallery Center on Virginia Street in Urbanna and can be seen until June 1.
“When the suggestion of the exhibit was presented to us we felt it was an ideal way we could use the gallery space,” said Elaine Berry, president of the art guild. “So many of our residents from the county have long histories, many of which relate to the area before and after the construction of the bridge. Their stories, many of which have been shared with us since the exhibit opened, give all the artwork on display special meaning. We are so happy to have this opportunity to work with the Bridge Committee and the Rappahannock Art League in order to host this important and also very sentimental collection of art and memorabilia.”
A large part of what is on display at the MAG Gallery Center is a collection of six boat models crafted by Ray Rodgers of Urbanna. Each model is a precise replica of the original, and painstakingly put together by Rodgers. Visitors can get up close and see the intricate work on display of the “Commodore Maury,” a private yacht originally built in 1893; the “P.E. Pruitt,” a 60-foot deadrise built in 1935; the “Margaret,” a wooden hull menhaden fish steamer built in 1912; the “Rebecca Ann,” a Chesapeake deadrise built in 1955; the “Lancaster,” a side wheel steamer; and the “Bethpager,” a familiar sight on Urbanna Creek and the river, originally built as a deadrise, which has been refitted for passengers.
Mr. and Mrs. Walt Hurley of Urbanna have also contributed to the exhibit by lending a large collection of interpretative material and photos that add historical relevance to the models on display.
“Don’t miss the opportunity to visit an important part of the landmark celebration of the 50th birthday of the Norris Bridge and its place in our shared history,” said Berry.
Gallery visitors can meet special guest Ruby Lee Norris and the artists and contributors to the exhibit during a special reception on Saturday, May 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. The reception has been generously sponsored by Tom Williamson of Urbanna and Richmond.
The Middlesex Art Guild is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and your much needed and greatly appreciated financial contribution may be tax deductible. Those interested in becoming a volunteer should call 758-9080.
Honeywind