Cheryl Richards, a Shenandoah Valley native and graduate of Madison College (now JMU), is a retired Art Teacher. During her 41 years in the classroom she has indulged in many areas of art including Fibers, Pottery, Stained Glass, Sculpture, and Bookmaking. Her primary interest has been in acrylic painting and mixed media. Subjects include rural structures observed throughout the countryside, cattle, birds, rivers and streams, and family members.
Collaging and reconfiguring personal photographs is a “go-to” for her paintings. Rocks partially submerged in creeks and rivers, rusted metal and old barbed wire, twisting vines and roots – all appear repeatedly in her work. As a member of Shenandoah Nature Journaling, her eyes have been opened to closer observation of plants, birds and the natural surroundings. Increasingly these are taking a more prominent place in her paintings.
She is a member of Beverly Street Studio, Arts Council of the Valley, and Shenandoah Nature Journaling Group. Her work has been exhibited at local and regional venues. She has had paintings included in the National Juried Art Exhibition at Park Gables Gallery at VMRC and the Arts Council of the Valley Member Exhibit.