Visit Smith House Galleries this month through July 31 to discover incredible paintings, illustrations, and zines in two exhibitions: “Margins of Her Own” by Feixue Mei & “Artful Escapades” by Mary Rouse. Both shows open with a reception July 3, 5-7 pm. Regular hours are Mon-Fri, 11 am-4 pm, with additional hours Second Saturday, July 11, 10 am-2 pm. Admission is free!

ABOUT THE ART:

“Margins of Her Own” is a visual inquiry into the tension between the desire for transcendence and the persistent weight of fate. This exhibition manifests a contemporary mythos—a realm where the ethereal longing for freedom collides with the gravity of cultural predestination, bridging the echoes of ancient folklore with the digital fragments of contemporary fandom.

“Artful Escapades”: Mary Rouse’s approach to artmaking is rooted in curiosity and a deep respect for the transformative qualities of paint and mixed media. Each piece emerges from a blend of memory and imagination, often inspired by the landscapes, colors, and textures of Virginia. Rouse’s works reveal a lifelong dialogue between formal study and playful exploration. She believes art is not just a finished object but a process of discovery - a journey that continues to unfold through every brushstroke, collage, and creative experiment. Whether she is layering vibrant pigments or repurposing everyday materials, her goal is to evoke emotion and invite viewers into new perspectives. With each painting or assemblage, she hopes to celebrate both the beauty of tradition and the excitement of innovation.