Meet the Artist: Douglas Beecher and "To Shenandoah and Back Again"

Every few months a Richmond artist takes over the exposed brick walls at Holistic Life Studios. Our next featured artist is Douglas Beecher, a photographer, artist, educator and, in his own words, learner. His exhibit, To Shenandoah and Back Again, opens on Friday, December 4.

The story behind the show

We'll let Douglas explain it himself:

"Like all things, life cycles. You go through things, have new experiences, learn about yourself and improve. This exhibit is about my journey and a trip to Shenandoah National Park, where I was reintroduced to the artist inside myself. My hope is to inspire others to take a chance and reintroduce themselves to the passion that is hiding deep within."

The photographs are close and patient: a barred owl looking straight back at the camera, a young deer in the long grass, a wasp seen up close. Each one asks you to slow down and look a little longer, which is the point.

Opening night

• When: Friday, December 4, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
• Where: Holistic Life Studios, 1011 East Main Street, Suite 310, Richmond. Take the second elevator to the third floor.
• Cost: free admission, and everyone is welcome
• Art and refreshments will be available to buy

Come and meet Douglas, see the work up close and hear the stories behind the pictures. Street parking is free after 6 PM.

Why we hang local art

We believe creativity is part of healing and part of being human. Our walls have shown painters, illustrators, watercolor artists and now a photographer, and each show brings new people through the door. Before Douglas, our walls belonged to Cameron Gray, whose exhibit closes with our Halloween Eve party on October 30. You can meet all our earlier artists on our Featured Artists page.

Are you an artist?

Each featured artist has about 90 days on our walls to show and sell their work, with an opening night to launch the show. If you'd like to be considered, tell us about your work.

See you on December 4. Everything coming up is on our Events page.