Richmond-born artist Edmund Archer spent time and created work in Paris, New York, and DC, but his impact on the arts in the River City is profound. Soon, Valentine visitors will be able to explore his work at a new exhibition, opening Thursday, Sept. 26.
“Edmund Archer: Perspectives on Black Dignity” features several portraits of Black men and women. Each one illustrates Archer’s dedication to capturing the humanity of his subjects through realistic details — a stark contrast to the caricature style that was popular among other white artists in the Jim Crow era.
Archer rented the studio of Edward Valentine in 1926 and worked on his portraits in the space. In 1962, he founded The Hand Workshop in Church Hill. The artist hub, education space, and gallery would later become the Visual Arts Center of Richmond.
The exhibition will remain on display until Sept. 1, 2025.
