Opening with a public reception 6 p.m. -8 p.m. on Nov. 13, at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond (at 1812 W. Main St.), 20/20 A Look Back at the Craft + Design Show is a curated exhibition of works selected from 20 of the most prominent Richmond collections of pieces purchased at the Craft + Design Show.

The exhibition surveys the fine furniture, jewelry, pottery, glass, textiles, wood and other pieces while celebrating the 45th year of the Craft + Design Show, coming up November 21-22, 2009. Singer/songwriter Terri Allard from Northern Virginia will perform at the opening reception.

From its beginning as the Hand Work-Shop’s pottery sale on orange crates in a Church Hill backyard, the Craft + Design Show has evolved into a nationally prestigious venue featuring one-of-a-kind works by artists from across the country. Over the years patrons and collectors have had a wide selection of works to choose from in each of the traditional craft media (clay, glass, fiber, metals and wood). As time passed, artists working in mixed and alternative media have been included as well, broadening the choice and deepening the quality of the show.

“Long-time patrons have faithfully attended the show and been delighted by the works offered,” notes Katherine Huntoon, Director of Exhibition Programming. “Many have assembled valuable and widely appreciated collections of pieces from the Craft + Design Show,” which Huntoon culled to assemble the exhibition.

20/20 features pieces from collectors such as Marcia and Harry Thalhimer, Tricia and Jack Pearsall, Ginny and Andy Lewis and Frances Lewis. Works by popular artists such as Stoney Lamar, Ron Puckett, Tom Chenoweth, Maurice Beane, Coloratura (Catherine Roseberry and Rob Womack), Laney Oxman, Deborah Rogers, Clifford Earl, Richard McCord, Gabriel Ofiesh, Steven Glass and Robert Trotman will be on view in the Center’s True F. Luck Gallery through Dec. 23, 2009.

Support for exhibitions at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond is provided by Altria Group, Inc.

20/20 A Look Back at the Craft + Design Show is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Millie Jones, founder of Festival Flags, the company whose product became one of Richmond’s identifying characteristics and created a national trend. Millie and her husband Judge Tom Jones were longtime supporters of and early advocates for the former Hand Workshop and very actively involved in community events creating, leading and building the Old and Historic Broad Street Association.

The Visual Arts Center’s 45th Craft + Design Show brings 75 of the nation’s preeminent artists to the rotunda of the Science Museum of Virginia (2500 W. Broad St.) November 21-22. The popular show, sponsored by Dominion Resources, Inc., offers a rare opportunity to meet artists from 17 states, half of them showing their work in Richmond for the first time. Proceeds from show ticket sales support the Center’s mission to engage the community in the creative process.

– The information above was provided by Maggi Tinsley at the Visual Arts Center