Blacksburg visual artist Joe Kelley shares his creative process in an unusual time

Longtime Blacksburg resident and visual artist Joe Kelley joins the Moss Arts Center live from his studio for an art-making demonstration and interactive discussion about his work and the challenges and rewards of being an artist in the first edition of the center’s newest online series, “In the Moment: Artists and Their Work,” on Friday, June 12, at noon.

During this 45-minute free Zoom session, Kelley will share his creative process and participate in a moderated discussion with Margo Crutchfield, Moss Arts Center curator at large. Participants will have the opportunity to ask Kelley questions.

After studying architecture at Virginia Tech, Kelley remained in Blacksburg, where he has developed an unconventional and resonant artistic sensibility, melding an enduring interest and immersion in the Appalachian culture of Southwest Virginia with his grounding in contemporary art and artists.

Kelley has worked with many prominent artists who participated in Ray Kass’ renowned Mountain Lake workshops. In addition, Kelley is the lead preparator at the Moss Arts Center, and has worked alongside regional, national, and international art and contemporary artists over the past seven years. Kelley has exhibited his work in one-person exhibitions throughout the region, including the Moss Arts Center, Virginia Western Community College, the Alexander Black House, Patrick Henry Community College, and the Jacksonville Center, among others.

Kelley’s online talk is free, but registration is required. Find registration information on the Moss Arts Center website.

“In the Moment: Artists and Their Work” provides an opportunity to meet notable creators of Southwest Virginia — from visual artists to theatre-makers to choreographers — and learn more about their creative processes in this unusual time. This series of 45-minute chats gives an exclusive look inside the homes and studios of the artists, providing a chance to experience their work, ask questions, and discuss how creative luminaries are approaching art in this moment.

The series features choreographer and dancer Rachel Rugh on July 10 and Kendall Payne and Keith McCoy from Adaire Theatre in Pulaski on Aug. 7.

More virtual experiences

The center is offering other free virtual programming opportunities, including viewings of past performances, behind-the-scenes videos, and online exhibitions showcasing the creativity and innovation of Virginia Tech students and faculty members.

Take a deeper dive into some of the work featured in the Moss Arts Center’s spring 2020 exhibition “Fierce Women” with the center’s new behind-the-scenes video series, “Moss All Access.” Join Moss Arts Center Exhibitions Program Manager Meggin Hicklin for a virtual exploration of the work of Chakaia Booker and Rozeal.

The Center’s Student Arts Spotlight celebrates budding creativity in the time of social distancing. This dedicated online space features the work of Virginia Tech undergraduate and graduate students. From collages, sketches, and paintings to music performances, digital works, and sculpture, a range of work created by students from various disciplines passionately expresses their current experiences.

The Moss Vault features archival footage of some of the unforgettable music, dance, and theatre performances the center has presented over the past seven years. A new performance goes live online every Monday at 5 p.m. and is available for two days only.

Experience the research and innovation happening within the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) with “ICAT: Open (at the) Source,” an online world filled with innovative ICAT projects. Navigate the virtual gallery and interact with other users in an environment created using Mozilla Hubs, an open source resource that can be accessed by a web browser.