The Shenandoah Valley Art Center during the month of April, in the 416 W. Main Street Gallery, will be presenting an exhibit by Marsha Heatwole, a native of Waynesboro. Heatwole has had the good fortune to continue her 40 years and ongoing career in artmaking. Her work has won numerous awards and is proudly displayed locally and internationally. Her studio is tucked next to a spring in an idyllic mountain hollow near Lexington Virginia. Art making is a healing therapy. A way- “Of knowing that we are tied to the land—the trees and animals and soil and water—and to one another, and that we have a responsibility to care for these connections and resources, ensuring the sustainability of these ecosystems for future generations and to honor those who came before. Of treading lightly, taking only what gifts we need, and giving back. Of showing humility toward and tolerance for all we are connected to in this circle of life.” All the paintings are her perceptions about nature and our world. Marsha strives to tell a story of what beauty we have and what we are in danger of losing. The Ambassadors of Gaia are a group of animal portraits portraying that the whole Earth is a living organism, alive with communication, pathos, and cooperation. The exhibition will be open April 1 – April 27, Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 416 W. Main St., Waynesboro, Va.