Art Notes: ArtMeter project returns to Amherst

Amherst’s ArtMeter project, which had local artist painting defunct marking meters that are on display on Main Street, will continue this year with a new theme: “Glimpses of Amherst: The First 100 Years.”

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Executive Director Suny Monk came up with the idea last year after she read a story about Amherst’s parking meter dilemma. The down had disabled the old meters, but couldn’t get rid of them completely because they are also used to display holiday flags.

The project grew from there, and organizers eventually unveiled 22 decorated meters.

“It’s really been such a pleasure and fulfilled its mission: it brought the community together (with) a sense of pride,” says Monk. “You just saw people walking on the street, pointing and laughing (at the meters. I think people were just so happy and surprised.”

This year, Monk says they hope to get 18 to 20 new ones. Once they’re collected, the existing ones will be moved to downtown side streets.

“They’re going to get an extra year of life we didn’t anticipate,” she says. “It will be kind of a tribute to the artists who believed in the project from the beginning.”

Businesses, groups and organizations can sponsor a meter for $100 (half the money goes to pay the artist; the other half into a fund for project costs). Artists and sponsors can apply; the deadline for applications is March 19. Artists will be notified by April, and the meters will be unveiled during a street fair/parade June 12 to coincide with the town’s 100th anniversary celebration.

For more information, visit www.amherstva.gov or e-mail smonk@vcca.com or hjenkins@nelsoncable.com.

Campbell County library opens exhibit

The Campbell County Public Library’s latest exhibit focuses on the first black aviators to fight in World War II.

“The Test, the 332nd FG (Tuskegee Project) in Combat,” photographed by Jerry Taliaferro, includes photographs, models, maps and graphics to educate visitors about the men, the aircraft they flew and flew against and the operations in which they participated.

It will also include information about racial relations in America before the war and black involvement in early aviation.

Only two other libraries in the nation have held this exhibit. It will be available for viewing during regular library hours, which are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit www.campbellcountylibraries.org.

NPR correspondent speaks at Lynchburg College

Susan Stamberg, an NPR special correspondent, will speak about “Why Museums Matter, Why the Arts are Important,” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Lynchburg College’s Memorial Ballroom (in the Hall Campus Center).

Stamberg, the former host for “All Things Considered,” was the first woman to anchor a national nightly news program and has won every major broadcasting award, including the Edward R. Murrow Award from the Coporation for Public Broadcasting. She now serves as guest host for “Morning Edition” and “Weekend Edition Saturday,” in addition to reporting on cultural issues for all NPR programs.

A reception and book signing will follow the talk.