Lynchburg Living magazine, Terry Subaru, and Dog-Eared Photos have teamed up to bring you the inaugural Faces of Dogs photo contest.

Residents from the Lynchburg region had their photogenic fur babies photographed by Katie Miller of Dog-Eared Photos over the course of two weekends at Terry Subaru. One hundred percent of proceeds from the photography sessions went to the Lynchburg Humane Society.

Afterward, the photos were shared online and the community voted on their favorite pup. First, second, third, and fourth place awards were given, and their photos will be shared across upcoming issues alongside other adorable doggos.

Check back after each issue as more winners will be placed here.

As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold and a crisp chill settles into the air, it’s time to embrace the warmth and comfort of fall within the walls of our homes. With a few simple tweaks and additions, you can create a cozy sanctuary that welcomes the season with open arms. Here are some tips and tricks to transform your space for fall.

1. Warm Up with Autumnal Colors

Swap out bright summer hues for deeper, richer tones that evoke the feeling of autumn. Think burnt oranges, deep reds, and earthy browns. Incorporate these colors into your decor through throw pillows, blankets, curtains, and even small accent pieces like vases or candles. These warm tones will instantly create a snug and inviting atmosphere.

2. Layer Textures for Added Comfort

Fall is all about texture, so don’t be afraid to layer different materials throughout your space. Opt for plush, soft fabrics like faux fur or velvet for throws and cushions. Consider adding a tactile element with a shaggy rug or woven tapestry. These textures not only provide physical warmth but also add visual depth and interest to your decor.

3. Embrace Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements into your decor. Pinecones, acorns, and dried leaves make charming additions to centerpieces or table displays. Consider filling glass vases with seasonal fruits like apples or mini pumpkins for a touch of rustic elegance. Additionally, introducing potted plants or fresh-cut flowers in autumnal shades can infuse your space with life and vibrancy.

4. Cozy Up Your Seating Area

Fall is the perfect time to create a snug and inviting seating area. Consider adding extra cushions to your sofas and chairs for a plush, comfortable feel. Drape warm, chunky knit blankets over the back of your furniture for easy access on chilly evenings. Placing a soft, fluffy rug beneath your seating arrangement not only adds an extra layer of comfort but also helps define the space.

5. Set the Mood with Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a cozy atmosphere. Opt for warm, ambient lighting with table lamps, floor lamps, and string lights. Consider using candles or scented diffusers with fragrances like cinnamon, vanilla, or woodsy scents to evoke a sense of warmth and relaxation. Dimmable lights give you the flexibility to adjust the ambiance according to your mood and the time of day.

6. Add Seasonal Decorative Accents

Incorporate fall-themed decorative accents to infuse your space with seasonal charm. Consider swapping out artwork or prints with fall-inspired pieces, such as landscapes featuring autumn foliage. Decorate mantels and shelves with seasonal garlands, wreaths, or arrangements of dried flowers and twigs. Don’t forget to update your table settings with autumn-themed dinnerware and linens for a festive touch.

7. Create a Cozy Nook for Relaxation

Designate a corner or nook in your home as a dedicated relaxation space. Fill it with a comfortable chair or chaise lounge, a soft blanket, and a small side table for books or beverages. This cozy retreat provides a perfect spot for unwinding with a good book, enjoying a cup of tea, or simply taking in the beauty of the season through a nearby window.

8. Personalize Your Space with Memories

Displaying cherished memories and personal mementos can add a warm and nostalgic touch to your decor. Arrange photo frames, scrapbooks, or even a gallery wall featuring moments from past autumns. These personalized touches not only make your space feel more inviting but also serve as a reminder of the warmth and comfort that come with the fall season.

Incorporating these elements into your home decor will not only transform your space for fall but also create a cozy haven where you can fully embrace the beauty and tranquility of the season. So, gather your blankets, light a few candles, and let the magic of autumn fill your home. Happy decorating!

In recent years, Lynchburg has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of pickleball. This once obscure sport, blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has captured the hearts of locals and become a vibrant part of the community’s recreational landscape. The rise of pickleball in Lynchburg is a testament to its inclusive nature, easy accessibility, and the sense of camaraderie it fosters among players of all ages and skill levels. 

The Origin Story

Pickleball’s origin story traces back to the mid-1960s when it was conceived on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Created as a family-friendly game, it quickly spread across the United States and is now played by millions of people of all ages. There are an estimated 36.5 million pickleball players in the US, making it one of the largest sports in America by participation. The Lynchburg community, with its penchant for outdoor activities, was quick to embrace this emerging sport. In fact, according to pickleball court data provider Pickleheads, there are 9 pickleball courts in Lynchburg and Lynchburg is the 7th most popular city in Virginia to play pickleball. Local parks and recreation centers soon witnessed a surge in pickleball enthusiasts, and dedicated courts began to appear throughout the city.

One of the driving factors behind pickleball’s rise in Lynchburg is its accessibility. Unlike other racquet sports, pickleball uses a smaller court and is played with a paddle and a wiffle ball, making it less physically demanding and more approachable for players of various ages and fitness levels. This inclusivity has attracted a diverse range of participants, from retirees seeking a low-impact form of exercise to families looking for a fun and engaging activity to enjoy together.

The Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Department played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of pickleball in the city. Recognizing the demand for dedicated courts, they embarked on an initiative to convert tennis courts into pickleball courts by painting additional line barriers on the courts. This strategic move not only maximized the use of existing infrastructure but also demonstrated the city’s commitment to meeting the evolving recreational needs of its residents.

Local enthusiasts also took it upon themselves to promote the sport. Pickleball clubs and meet-up groups sprouted across Lynchburg, providing a sense of community for players and newcomers alike. These gatherings not only serve as opportunities for friendly competition but also as avenues for skill development, fostering a supportive environment for players to improve their game.

The surge in popularity of pickleball in Lynchburg has not only benefited the community in terms of physical activity and recreation but has also had a positive economic impact. Local businesses, from sporting goods stores to nearby eateries, have experienced increased patronage from pickleball players. Tournaments and events draw participants from neighboring areas, further boosting tourism and commerce in the city.

Another key factor contributing to the rise of pickleball in Lynchburg is the ease of learning and playing the game. Unlike some sports that require extensive training and specialized equipment, pickleball can be enjoyed with minimal instruction and basic gear. This accessibility has made it a favorite among schools and community centers, with physical education programs incorporating pickleball into their curricula.

“The magic of pickleball is it’s easy to learn, but hard to master,” said Brandon Mackie, co-founder of Pickleheads. “Beginners can go out on their first time, learn the game, have fun, and even win a few games. But advanced players stay challenged, and keep coming back for more. This dynamic is a big reason why pickleball continues to grow like crazy.”

Furthermore, the sport’s social aspect has been a significant draw for Lynchburg residents. Pickleball offers a unique opportunity for social interaction, whether through casual matches or organized leagues. Friendships are forged on the court, and players often find themselves connecting over a shared love for the game. This sense of camaraderie has not only enriched the lives of individuals but has also strengthened the fabric of the Lynchburg community.

“Pickleball is a social activity as much as it’s a sport,” said Mackie. “It’s commonly played in an open-play format where 50 or even more players show up and rotate games and partners. You also almost always play pickleball as doubles, which leaves many opportunities to socialize and meet players.”

Looking ahead, the future of pickleball in Lynchburg appears promising. With continued support from local authorities and a passionate community of players, the sport is poised to become an integral part of the city’s recreational landscape. As more individuals discover the joy and benefits of pickleball, Lynchburg’s reputation as a pickleball-friendly city is likely to continue to grow.

Beyond the physical benefits, pickleball has brought communities together, strengthening the social fabric of Lynchburg. As the sport continues to thrive, it promises to be an enduring and cherished aspect of Lynchburg’s recreational landscape. Explore the top pickleball courts in Lynchburg here.

Images courtesy Pickleheads.

Many of us first think of mussels when they’re presented to us on a menu at a seafood restaurant. 

Well, it turns out, those are not the only kinds of mussels. Freshwater mussels like the Yellow Lampmussel are important to our local aquaculture as they filter up to 30 gallons of water per day in the James River, creating a cleaner space for all of us. They are also an important member of the food web, as they serve as a food source for otters and other animals that live around the river.

The James River Association (JRA), a nonprofit that monitors the river, responds to problems, seeks policy changes, and implements on-the-ground projects to restore the river’s health, is doing its part in planting 10,000 of those freshwater mussels into the river.

Erin Reilly, Senior Staff Scientist at JRA, manages the mussel restoration program and said altogether the organization has put in 580 Yellow Lampmussels near Percival’s Island in downtown Lynchburg.

The James River Association has been working on freshwater mussel restoration for the past four years and one of the biggest initiatives has been planting mussels that were grown in a hatchery in Charles City County at the Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery. 

Freshwater mussels are filter feeders and have similar characteristics as oysters in the saltwater areas, particularly in the way they both make water cleaner. They can remove sediments, nutrients, and different kinds of bacteria which helps stabilize the sediment.

“Oysters can filter around 50 gallons of water a day and a full-grown mussel can filter close to
30 gallons of water in a day,” explained Rob Campbell, Upper James River Senior Regional Manager. “So, when we have thousands and thousands upon thousands of those in the James River, we’re having virtually all of that water run through a nice, natural filter and it’s just an amazing thing for the sediment and keeps the water clear.”

Reilly said the mussels have a parasitic relationship with fish that helps them grow and mature into the hardworking mussels that are vital to the health of our river. 

“So what happens is during one of their life stages, they create little Pac-Men that clamp onto fish gills,” she said. “They’ve all adapted different ways to attract the fish, so they can clamp on to the gills and then they move around with the fish.”

She said they drop off after a few days or even months depending on the species and, when they do, they are fully-formed mussels.

Campbell said mussels are important to the native forage and critters who live around the river.

“We see certain piles where raccoons, muskrats, and otters are going in foraging for these critters in the river. So not only are they important for aquaculture and cleaning the river, but they successfully have also played a big role in the food web,” he said. “Everyone loves otters and one of their main food sources is mussels.”

Virginia has around 30 species of freshwater mussels and five are endangered.

Reilly said the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Hatchery have been planting endangered mussel species in the James River as well. 

“It’s really an exciting time in the world of freshwater mussel restoration because, for a long time, the hatcheries weren’t really able to produce a lot of mussels and it was kind of a niche thing,” Reilly said. “But they’ve now upgraded their technology and made some discoveries about life history and how to actually make this work. So now we can grow more mussels and it’s really taking a leap in the world of freshwater mussel restoration because now we have this ability to put greater quantities and new mussels in the water.”

Mussels can live for 50 to 80 years. Heavy metal pollutants can be tracked through their tissues because they’re filter feeders and the heavy metals accumulate in their tissues, Reilly said, which can be a really good indicator of pollution, but they also are threatened if the water quality conditions aren’t good. 

“One of the reasons why we’re starting to increase a lot of these restoration efforts is because we’ve improved water quality and we think the water quality is now good enough that these mussels can survive,” she said. “Not only did we not have the technology but the mussels we put in probably wouldn’t have survived until now.”

For example, one of the places that JRA has gone out with the DWR is near an old power station on the banks of the James River which has its outfall into the river.

“So, when you have a power plant, a lot of times what they do is take water in from the river, pass it around their cooling towers to cool everything down, and then release the heated water back into the river,” Reilly said. “And that’s what they did in the case of this power plant. And it was really stark to see that above the outfall there were still mussels and things like that. And then below the outfall there were no mussels because the heated water had actually made it so that the mussels couldn’t survive there.”

Reilly said JRA went back in 2020 to look at the location after the power plant had been closed and the situation with the mussels had remained the same.

Last year, the General Assembly pushed to receive funding to create a statewide freshwater mussel restoration plan, which is starting now.

The James River Association received a grant to create a freshwater mussel restoration plan specifically for the James River, Reilly said.

“So, we’re convening a group of experts to talk specifically about what’s going on in the James and what areas we should be protecting, what species we should be working with, that sort of thing,” she said. 

She said staff went out to look at the mussels that were planted two years ago and found some great growth on them, which indicates that the area is a successful place to plant them.

“It’s really exciting for us to know that not only are they still there, but they’re also growing really well and they’re thriving. So, it’s a success story and we’re hoping to be able to keep doing that and create more of these successes,” she said.

Through a grant, JRA is continuing its work on creating a restoration plan for the James River and its hope is to start implementing that plan soon, but it will require partnerships with the state and different agencies within the federal government and the hatcheries.

“But we’re hoping to be able to take the steps in the plan and implement them, continue to do restoration and hopefully make sure that these beds of mussels can be reestablished and thriving and self-supporting,” Reilly said.  

Poet Ogden Nash once penned, “Winter is the king of showmen,” and we couldn’t agree more, especially when it so magically blankets the city like it did the grounds of Randolph College last year.

We have our fingers crossed for more snow-laden scenes this year, full of sledding in our public parks and silent walks through neighborhoods with only the crunch of snow under our feet singing out. As night comes faster and we make room for the inevitable bustle that comes with these next few months, we hope you find time to soak up the beauty of the season.

Learn the Ancient Art of Tree Tapping for Syrup

The cold seasons may feel like a time of stillness—a pause in life and production. Our gardens are often bare, the ground is hard, and the winter hues of gray and brown may dampen our motivation to get outside. But here in Central Virginia, the trees are soon to be ripe for the harvest. No, not the fruits or nuts of summer, but of sweet, sticky syrup.

Humans have been tapping trees and harvesting sap to make syrup (“sugaring” as it has been called) as a food and medicine source for centuries. As spring approached, Native Americans would venture out and establish “sugar camps,” where they would wait for the sap to start flowing, and then harvest it to make maple sugar. The sugar was used as a food source, but also as a valuable trade commodity.

The best time for tree tapping is February and March, when the trees are moving energy (in the form of sugar) up and down their trunk in preparation for spring growth. Ideally, temperatures rise above freezing during the day, but drop below freezing overnight.

All trees produce sugar, but not all of it is good for syrup, or even human consumption. Of course, there is the maple (the Acer family), famous for the table syrup we buy at the grocery store and enjoy on our breakfast pancakes. But in Virginia, several tree species can be enjoyed for their sugary syrup production. Birch, pecan, and walnut trees are just a few other popular choices for tree tapping.

The Process

Thanks to Mother Nature and gravity, tree tapping is a simple, straight-forward process that can be enjoyed by the young, old, and in between. All you’ll need is a drill, spile (a small metal spigot), hammer and collection bucket (ideally one with a lid to keep hungry critters out).

You’ll want to drill a hole into the tree at a slight upward angle, using a drill bit big enough to fit your spile or tap. Most spiles are about 3⁄8 an inch in diameter. Drill a 2.5-inch-deep hole into the tree at a comfortable height for you.

The shavings when you pull the drill out should be light brown in color. If they’re dark, it could mean that the sap wood in that spot isn’t healthy, and you should consider relocating your drill hole. Traditionally, the south side of the tree is considered best for tapping, and results in higher yields, especially if you can place your spile under a large branch. But don’t worry too much about the exact location. If you choose to tap the same tree every year, you’ll need to move the tap at least six inches to the side of last season’s hole.

Using a hammer, tap the spile gently into the hole. You can order a spile online, or use something you have around the house, like clean metal tubing. However, the spile is the ideal tool for the job, and provides an easy way to hang your collection bucket. Once the spile is in place, you may see the sap flow immediately!

Hang your collection bucket from the spile or place it on the ground to catch the dripping sap. You can use just about anything, from five-gallon buckets to milk jugs.

Collection and Syrup Making

The next step is refining the sap into syrup. It’s easy! You’ll just need a pot, a good thermometer, and something to put your syrup in when it’s all done.

Simply boil the sap until the water evaporates and it reaches seven degrees above the boiling point. Of course, your boiling point changes depending on your elevation, so you may need to look it up. Here in Lynchburg, the boiling point is about 210.65-degrees Fahrenheit. Boiling the sap can produce a lot of moisture, so many people like to boil the sap outside on a grill or fire. It should take around three to four hours to boil down.

When you’re ready, pour the syrup into canning jars, or whatever vessel you’ve chosen to store it in. Nothing to it!

Sugaring is a great skill to add to your list of practical homesteading knowledge. Everyone in the family can participate, and when all is said and done, you get to enjoy a sweet treat passed down through the ages.

If you’re interested in learning more, do a little research on tapping other tree species! For example, birch tree sap is also used for sugar and syrup, but more commonly for beverages, glazes, and marinades, and medicinally as an antioxidant and great source of vitamins and minerals.

Renowned Artist Residency Program Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Continues to Innovate after 50 Years of Success

Art, in its many forms, tends to be perceived as a product rather than a process. When you see a painting in a gallery or a book on a shelf, you are presented with a polished result of a great deal of time and effort expended by that particular creator. At Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, however, the creative process—in all its unrefined and hard-won glory—is given the spotlight. For just over 50 years, VCCA has provided artists of multiple disciplines with the time, space, and amenities to fully immerse themselves in their work without specific expectations. Considering the organization’s recent and upcoming developments, its next 50 years are sure to be even more remarkable.

VCCA’s story began in the late 1960s when two Virginia-based authors, Elizabeth Coles Langhorne and Nancy Hale, agreed that Virginia should have its own artist residency program. The program started as a couple of homes and a farm in Charlottesville, and the first artists were welcomed in 1971. In 1978, the program moved to Amherst thanks largely to the efforts of William Smart, an English professor at Sweet Briar College. To this day, VCCA resides on the picturesque 410-acre Mt. San Angelo estate across the highway from Sweet Briar.

VCCA, whose alumni include Beth Macy—author of Dopesick, which has now been turned into a Hulu miniseries—and Charlottesville-based author Jocelyn Nicole Johnson, offers fellowships for writers, visual artists, and composers at all stages in their artistic careers. Applications are accepted three times per year and are peer-reviewed by other artists within the same discipline.

“The most important part of the application is a work sample,” said Kim Doty, VCCA’s Director of Communications. “The panel carefully considers the quality and promise of the work before making their recommendations, and we try to schedule as many people as we can. We have three four-month residency seasons: winter, summer, and fall. Historically, summer tends to be a little more competitive due to many people being on an academic schedule. Within each scheduling period, people come for various lengths of time. We really want to make sure that people can come for a length of time that works with their lives.”

Since its inception, VCCA has remained committed to providing fellows with a balanced environment that allows them to focus on their work while also forging meaningful connections.

“We’re trying to make sure that we’re cultivating a welcoming, supportive, and nurturing atmosphere where artists of all kinds can come and be themselves and get the support they need to move their work forward,” Doty noted. “Our missions of time, space, and a sense of community have been very constant.”

On a basic level, that sense of community derives from artists’ shared awareness of daily life’s abiding ability to thwart the creative process.

“Few people acknowledge the amount of effort and time that goes into creating art,” Doty remarked. “Our day-to-day lives don’t make it easy to carve out that time and space. VCCA and other art residency programs are places where you can be among other artists—the people who understand the struggle personally.”

Opportunities for deeper connections are also plentiful at VCCA. For instance, after residents enjoy dinner together, writers in the group will often host optional and informal readings of their work around the fireplace.

“There are these chances for people to come together and start a collaboration, form a friendship, or simply gain new understandings about how to solve a creative problem,” said Doty. “A writer can have a conversation with a painter and, even though their work may seem to involve totally disparate processes, there’s just something about a different creative approach that can change the way you think about something.”

Of course, solitude is also an essential part of the creative process. Each resident enjoys a private bedroom and bathroom, and plentiful studio spaces are available for use.

Fellows also receive three meals per day provided by renowned catering service Meriwether Godsey.

“We used to try to manage an in-house kitchen staff, but that was sort of an ongoing struggle,” Doty noted. “Then we partnered with Meriwether Godsey, and they are just fantastic. The residents rave about the food and feel like they’re getting healthy, nourishing, and delicious meals every day. Food that is good and lovingly prepared really makes a difference.”

In addition to improved dining services, several updates and serendipitous occurrences have helped VCCA become the celebrated residency program it is today.

In 2004, a foundation in Denver, Colorado, sent out a flyer indicating that it was looking to give away a lovely property called Le Moulin à Nef in the village of Auvillar, France. As luck would have it, Sheila Gulley Pleasants, VCCA’s Director of Artist Services, is fluent in French. VCCA acquired the property and started a residency program in France. Once artists have had a residency in Virginia, they are eligible to apply to the program in France, which hosts four artists at a time. Additional international programs have since been established in Germany and Austria.

In 2020, a once-in-a-lifetime gift helped VCCA realize its long-standing dream of purchasing the Mt. San Angelo estate.

“When we learned that Sweet Briar would be willing to entertain our offer to buy the property, a longtime board member of ours [Cynthia Tremblay] was ready to help,” Doty recalled. “She owned this Georgia O’Keeffe painting, entitled Blue Sand, and when she learned that there was a buyer interested in purchasing it, she very generously donated the painting to VCCA so that we could sell it and use the money to help purchase the property. It feels very poetic that the gift of this painting will ensure that we have this home for artists.”

Although VCCA was saddened to halt the program for 15 months due to the pandemic, the organization completed several significant renovations during that time: the Studio Barn and other public rooms were upgraded and refurnished, each bedroom received its own private bath, all bedrooms and studios received independently controlled HVAC units, and the 1930s pool that had fallen into disrepair was restored. The organization also hopes to improve ADA accessibility in the near future.

Additionally, and even more importantly, VCCA recently hired its first outreach manager and established its 50th Anniversary Fund, which is specifically designated to give 50 artists of color who are new to VCCA a free two-week residency.

“We’ve always had diversity in terms of artistic disciplines, ages, and phases of people’s careers,” remarked Doty. “Now, we’re working hard to make sure that the demographics of the artists who are coming more closely reflect those of the U.S. population.”

VCCA currently has a pay-as-you-can model in which the organization’s Annual Fund covers at least 50% of the cost of all artist residences and an endowment provides more than $150,000 annually in financial aid. A variety of fully funded fellowships, which are endowed by individual donors or sponsored by grants or foundations, are also available. Ultimately, VCCA hopes to eliminate all fees for artists.

As VCCA continues to innovate and improve its residency program, its primary mission of facilitating and honoring the creative process without agenda will undoubtedly remain unchanged.

“It’s a very unpretentious and welcoming place, and there are no expectations or obligations,” Doty said. “We want people to be able to come and just pursue what they want to pursue. We’re trusting them to come and hopefully take their work to unexpected places.”

This summer, Ellee Evans, an artist who is from Lynchburg but currently living in Atlanta, set out to alter perception and bend reality. With paintbrush in-hand, she stood in the middle of Art Alley in downtown Lynchburg for four hours expertly mixing color and creating contrast. But rather than painting something stationary, Evans relied on a patient model to act as her canvas.

Artist Ellee Evans painting model Kiersten May

“I have a deep desire for making things magical just from illusion,” Evans explained. “I think it started from my scenic painting training my senior year of college. I learned how to make backdrops for plays look three dimensional and it inspired me to do the reverse with body paint. I want to turn the 3D image we see in life into a 2D illusion. It’s magical and so incredibly fulfilling once I step back and see the final product.”

Using Mehron, a water-based body paint, Evans was able to ensure that a thin layer of breathable, weightless paint could be applied to the skin and clothes to act as the base before applying contour and details. But before Evans ever puts brush to body, she first puts pen to paper.

“Prepping for a paint session starts with a drawing. I draw out a rough sketch using the dimension of the model, and then I play around with color palettes and designs,” she said. “Then, when I have a vision, I will share it with the client or friend that I am painting. I wash and cleanse all of my brushes and palettes, and then I pack up my back with all of my essentials and meet with the client to create the magic!”

For Evans, painting a person versus a canvas is about the connection and the process. Evans enjoys being able to talk to someone while she paints and allows herself to get inspired in the moment to add more details to her living painting while she works. But Evans also recognizes that there can be something deeper at play when you spend that much time working closely with another person.

“It’s body positivity,” she said. “I love making someone feel like a beautiful piece of artwork—even though every human already is one, we just often are hard on ourselves and don’t see it! I have a lot of self-image issues and whenever I paint myself, I feel so valuable and special and important. It means the world to me to be able to share that feeling with other humans.”

Evans has been passionate and curious about this type of live, body art since she was a child. Her mom would read Purple, Green and Yellow by Robert Munsch to her, which recounts a story of a marker-obsessed girl who runs out of paper and begins drawing on herself instead.

“Throughout high school, I would use sharpies and eye liner to draw tattoos on myself,” Evans remembered. “Eventually, I started playing around with makeup and cosplays. I would want to buy a costume, but then something would just click in me, and I would just say, ‘I could just paint it on me, right?’ It all started trickling off into more and more creative ways to use paint and play with illusions.”

Although Evans moved away from Lynchburg a little over a year ago, she still enjoys returning for art projects or to see how much the city has changed.

“This last time coming back to Lynchburg, I found myself taking so many photos downtown,” she recounted. “The art scene has made a huge difference in the downtown atmosphere. It makes me feel welcome and appreciated as an artist. Like, ‘Hello, we welcome art here.’”

Evans plans to return to Lynchburg often, and is available for commissions via her website or on Instagram.

Photos by Enrique with Kanded Photo

Take a walk down Pierce Street and you will find some pretty remarkable history. You may also find some gardeners and fresh produce.

At 1301-1303 Pierce St., the Pierce Street Community garden sits behind the old Calloway Store.

The garden is part of the Pierce Street Gateway, an organization that is seeking to preserve the history of Pierce Street and renew the community and neighborhood. The garden has become an integral part of the Pierce Street Renaissance District.

The two blocks of Pierce Street hold the homes and stories of many brilliant people. As the smallest of Lynchburg’s seven historic districts, it is recognized more for the people that resided there than its historic architecture.

At its start, an old Civil War hospital was run out of Pierce Street. The district was also the home of Anne Spencer, the renowned Harlem Renaissance Poet; her son Chauncey E. Spencer, a pioneer of the Tuskegee Airmen; and C.W. Seay, the first Black city council member and vice mayor of Lynchburg. There are so many others who left a mark not only on Lynchburg history, but on our nation as well.

Ghislaine Lewis, the director of Pierce Street Gateway and a founding member of the garden, knows that Pierce Street consisted of more than just the famous people.

“What you find on Pierce Street, if you look at housing records, is a lot of people who were educators and a lot of people who were seamstresses and businessmen and women who really helped to shape the African American community here in Lynchburg,” explained Lewis.

The Pierce Street Garden exists for the current residents of Pierce Street, while the Pierce Street Gateway exists to honor the residents of the past.

The idea for the garden began to take shape when Lewis spoke with Nina Salmon, a Pierce Street board member, about the gateway’s strategic plan. Salmon said they really wanted a garden.

Starting the garden became part of Lewis’ Lynchburg Leadership project. She was joined by six other members to form Team Big Hearts and, in 2021, the team established the garden behind the Calloway Store, one of the first Black-owned grocery stores in Lynchburg.

Currently, there are no grocery stores near Pierce Street, making it a food desert. This means that people do not have access to fresh, affordable produce—but with the garden they do.

“Food options are becoming really limited in the neighborhood. One of the big impediments when you’re talking about poverty is always access to food, particularly access to fresh food. It’s really important that people have access to fresh food,” Lewis said.

Before anything is planted, neighbors are asked what food they would like to see grown. Once grown, fresh produce is distributed to the neighbors’ houses every Saturday, and they can come into the garden at any time to get what they need.

On Saturday mornings, neighbors and volunteers—those who are charged with the ongoing garden maintenance—can be seen weeding and watering. Whitney Chauta, volunteer and head gardener, says there is a lot that goes into maintaining the garden.

“You have to decide what plants would do well in this setting, how much you should grow, making a schedule of when to start seeds and when you can move plants outside, and how to make the most of the space by doing some companion planting,” Chauta detailed.

According to Chauta, gardening is a very rewarding process, too.

“There’s a feeling of satisfaction when you work with your hands and can see the effects of that growing in front of you. Gardening is a never-ending learning experience.”

Eventually, Chauta would love for one of the neighbors to take over.

“I want it to be a true community garden. I want the people that live nearby to take charge of it and make it their own,” she said.

Both Lewis and Chauta expressed that one of the greatest pleasures of the garden is simply seeing the neighbors enjoy it and take part in it.

“I think the biggest joy is if you pop by on a Tuesday and you see someone getting something from the garden. Or if you come in on a Saturday morning and realize that there’s stuff that’s gone. That means somebody came. Somebody’s come in or a family’s come in and taken food. That’s been really important for us,” Lewis explained.

Chauta told a story of how she was in the garden and saw some strawberries that needed to be eaten before they went bad, so she offered them to a man passing by.

“His face lit up and he told me this story from when he was a little boy and he got into his aunt’s strawberry patch and ate all of them and how she wasn’t too happy about that. That’s the sort of thing I love—the history of a place, and the stories of a neighborhood that continue living on in the people still there. I think it’s a really positive place, in the way that it reminds people of good memories.”

Lewis conveyed that the goal of the garden and the Pierce Street Gateway is for the memories and history of the people of Pierce Street to continue to grow.

“We want to be able to create a hub to be able to tell the stories of Pierce Street—not just the stories of the famous people, but the stories of the ordinary people.”

To learn more about the Pierce Street Gateway, garden or make a donation visit www.piercest.org.

Photos Courtesy of Ghislaine Lewis

Whether your home is a perfectly preserved period piece or an eclectic hodgepodge of eras, the right antique or vintage furniture can make a statement or pull a room together. But with estate sales, consignment shops, social media marketplaces, yard sales, and everything in between, where to begin with finding the right vintage furniture for your home?

Vintage vs. Antique
First thing’s first: There is a difference, albeit slight, between vintage and antique furniture. By definition, a piece of furniture isn’t considered an antique until it is at least 100 years old. Anything else younger, but still at least 20 years old, is considered vintage. “Collectables” on the other hand, can be either vintage or antique.

Original antiques—furniture that is the first of its kind and style—tend to be rather pricey depending on where you find them. Reproductions of those pieces that pre-date the 1940s will look just as beautiful, will still have excellent craftsmanship, and can be very affordable.

Where to Search
Finding vintage and antique furniture is a veritable treasure hunt full of excitement, unique finds, and, yes, some disappointment. Because you’re looking for a diamond in the rough—whether a particular style or something that is just right for your home—be prepared to go on a few furniture hunts before you find the right piece.

Estate sales, auctions, flea markets, antique stores, and social media or internet marketplaces are all perfect for finding the right vintage or antique piece for your home. The benefit of visiting a physical store, of course, is that you can inspect the piece yourself, take the appropriate measurements, and determine if the piece is really what you’re looking for.

What to Look For
So how do you identify the real thing from a modern day look alike? Talk with the shopkeepers or sellers of the pieces and ask them questions about the piece you’re interested in. Store owners and workers especially are knowledgeable, not just about the type of furniture you’re looking for, but vintage and antique furniture in general. Ask them how to tell how old something is or what style something is made in.

If you find a piece that you genuinely love, inspect it for:
Reasonable and practical signs of wear and usage. Think about what the piece was likely originally used for. For example, a vintage washstand will show stress signs from where the heavy wash basin sat day after day. These signs can indicate that the piece is authentic.

Dovetailing on drawer joints. As a general rule of thumb, the farther apart and larger the dovetails, the older a piece is. If no dovetail joints are present, the piece is likely not vintage or antique at all.

Cracks, broken pieces, chips, handles that have been replaced. These will either need to be areas that you will need to refinish or repair, or will make use of the piece less-than-ideal.

Proof of provenance. In other words, proof of provenance is the proof of origin, history, or previous ownership. Real silver pieces will contain hallmarks, or furniture may bear a label or stamp from the maker. Occasionally, an original shipping address or maker’s location will be etched onto the back of a piece of furniture. These ultimately will help you authenticate the piece you’re interested in.

Collecting vintage or antique furniture for your home will certainly take longer than shopping for a brand new piece at a furniture store, but the hunt is half the fun. Part history lesson, part treasure hunt, you’re in for an adventure as you seek out the perfect piece for your home.