Sperryville
Artistic talent abounds in Sperryville
Jackie Bailey Labovitz is a nationally known flora and fauna photographer. Many are familiar with her dramatic photography, the saturated colors and details of both common and rare native plants she deftly captures. Her Cottage Curator Gallery in Sperryville offers a visual feast. While we have written about the opening, her gallery, a testament to her artistry, is now completely renovated. The brilliant white walls and streaming natural light accentuate her stunning exhibition-size canvasses. The gallery also houses sculpture, paintings, and works by fine craft artists such as Dante Marioni, John Jordan, and Leon Niehues. Many of the artists represented have works in the major museum collections.
Gallery hours are Friday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Jackie is also available, by phone, to answer questions you may have, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, or by appointment in the gallery at your convenience. She can be reached at (202) 345-1733 or jackie@cottagecurator.com
http://cottagecurator. myshopify.com/pages/shop
RIDGE LINE DESIGNS
The business inside the brightly painted yellow house between the River District Arts building and Copper Fox Distillery in Sperryville is flourishing. It is John and Gina Sweatt’s Ridge Line Designs shop offering fine art and vintage and estate jewelry, minerals, fossils, unique collectibles and crystals in intimate, countrystyle rooms.
The house’s striking dark-wood central staircase, an architectural highlight straight out of Savannah, is surrounded with treasures in sparkling glass cases. A wondrous, almost life-size wood hewn horse sculpture catches one’s eye immediately upon entering the shop.
Gina is a designer of talent and creativity whose creations entice debit cards to leap, on their own, out of wallets and purses. Indeed, a recent visit emptied my wallet:).
The Sweatts, who live in Chester Gap, enjoyed a healthy business run in the charming Old Town section of Front Royal for many years. They’ve been drawn in recent years to Sperryville, which is enjoying a renaissance, and that is why they opened their business there last year.
Ridge Line Designs is at 10 River Lane. It is open every day from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Call 540-987-5056 or email ridgelinedesigns@embarqmail.com for further information or visit the Facebook page.
Sperryville has become a trendy hamlet where artistic talent is celebrated, whether it be the art of fine photography, glass blowing artistry, creating natural skin and body care products or dining, such as the Thornton River Grille; the art of distilling fine whiskey and gin at Wasmund’s or brewing great craft beer at Pen Druid and Hopkins Ordinary; the art of coffee roasting, baking, raising fine grass fed meats and locally grown vegetables and fruits, antiquing, knitting and designing floral arrangements. There’s River District Arts’ showcase of talented painters, sculptors and artisans, not to mention Living Sky Foundation and Copper Fox Antiques. Galleries such as Haley’s Fine Arts and Jackie Labovitz’ Cottage Curator enjoy celebrity as well.
SOAP BOX DERBY YARD SALE
Don’t forget to attend The Soap Box Derby Yard Sale Saturday, April 30 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the grounds of the Old Sperryville Schoolhouse/ Headmasters Pub. A large assortment of household items, garden and landscape planters, springtime plants and locally grown herbs will be offered. Donated items are welcome. For pick up, call Thom Pellikaan at 540-987-8447. No books or clothes. All proceeds benefit Rappahannock County Soap Box Derby drivers. Rain date is Sunday, May 1.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Debbie and Jim Donehey hosted a “Celebration of Life” gathering Saturday that was a testament to the warmth and camaraderie their Griffin Tavern generates. It was in honor of a beloved patron, Robert Gregorio, father of Ruth Porter, an accomplished dancer, and Ronda Gregorio, one of Rappahannock’s most gifted photographers and an equestrian of considerable distinction.
Robert’s life was celebrated with great poignancy among the several hundred folks gathered under a large tent in Griffin’s garden in Flint Hill. His immediate family, and his “Griffin Family” came together to pay tribute to a true gentleman. He was a son, a father, a grandfather, and a rather private man who stole all our hearts.
Those in attendance, including Robert’s 95- year- old mother, shared hugs and tears and remembrances and enjoyed a potluck with generous foods provided by the Doneheys. In Robert’s honor, his favorite gin and tonic was served.
Robert entered into eternal peace on April 11. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends who were an important part of his very memorable life. We’ll miss Robert who touched many lives and whose heart was the size of Texas. Rest in peace, sweet man.