The Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center in Virginia will present two new exhibitions this fall: "Gateways: African American Art from the Key Collection" and "Transcendence" featuring works by Norfolk artist Luisa Adelfio. "Gateways" showcases ninety works from the collection of Eric Key, a Smithfield native who began collecting African American art in the 1990s as a means of exploring his identity and supporting Black artists, including pieces by Henry Ossawa Tanner, Jacob Lawrence, and Elizabeth Catlett. "Transcendence" presents Adelfio's paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the last five years, blending Classical architecture, Renaissance panel painting, and Surrealism, with a series titled "Corona Chronicles" that juxtaposes domestic objects with pandemic-era headlines.
These exhibitions matter because they highlight the Torggler's commitment to presenting diverse artistic perspectives and fostering community engagement through free, accessible programming. "Gateways" offers a significant survey of African American art from a private collection, emphasizing themes of identity, preservation, and cultural dialogue, while "Transcendence" showcases a contemporary artist's response to global events, connecting personal and universal experiences. Together, they demonstrate how regional art centers can serve as vital platforms for both historical and contemporary art, enriching the cultural landscape of Hampton Roads and beyond.