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The Rawls Museum Arts celebrated 25 years in the current gallery on Linden Street by hosting a wonderful event Dec. 7 featuring live music by Jason Dorsey and Kevin Brinson, delicious food and a silent auction. 

An RMA news release noted that more than 100 people were in attendance, sharing memories of their experiences at the museum, meeting new people and rejoicing in the art community. In addition, guests were treated to the current exhibit by local artists in the Blackwater Artists League in the main gallery and photography by Mike Wade in the Francis Gallery. 

“We are so very fortunate to have such an asset as this gallery in our community,” RMA President Jane Riddick-Fries said. “People from all over the region visit us and are shocked when they come in and see how beautiful this space is and the talented artists that are featured.”

In addition to celebrating 25 years, the museum also was celebrating 66 years along with the Walter Cecil Rawls Library. In 1952, Walter Cecil Rawls and Junius W. Pulley Jr., childhood friends, envisioned a library and a museum and worked hard to convince the community and the Southampton County Board of Supervisors at that time that this was essential to a strong well-educated society. They believed that education through books and all the five senses was critical to a democracy and the growth and sustainability of the area. And in June 1958 that became a reality when the Walter Cecil Rawls Library and Museum opened. 

Over time, as both the library and museum grew, a new home was needed for the museum. Plans were created, money was raised, and support was provided to build the Rawls Museum Arts in 1999.

During the silver celebration event on Dec. 7, more than $9,000 was raised during the silent auction for art education in the community thanks to donations of art, vintage items and fun experiences from many people. 

“Art should be available to everyone,” Riddick-Fries said during her speech to the guests. “The money raised will go to affordable kids’ summer camps, gifted art in the schools, partnering with the Foodbank and other entities such as the memory care unit at the Village.” 

The funds will go toward quality teachers and a variety of art programs and supplies from painting, music, theater and more. 

Riddick-Fries thanked the sponsors of the museum: Bronco Federal Credit Union, Air Mechanix, C & C Engineering LLC, Carter & Dwyer PC, Davenport, Franklin Lumber, Griffin Oil and Propane, Ivor Furniture, Kaufman & Canoles, McCulley Wealth Management, Solenis Chemical, River Road Farm, Rick Francis, as well as the sponsors of the 25th celebration: Nancy and Harold Blythe, Carter & Dwyer PC, Barnes Brock Cornwell & Painter PLC. 

Rawls Museum Arts is a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is also supported by Southampton County, the city of Franklin, Franklin-Southampton Charities, Camp Foundation, Suffolk Foundation, and its membership. 

RMA offers programs to the citizens of Southampton County, the city of Franklin, Sussex County, Surry County and Isle of Wight County. For those who would like to know more about upcoming exhibits, art classes for kids and adults or how to become a member, they can contact RMA at 757-653-0754.