Tucked away in the Belmont neighborhood of Charlottesville, a former data warehouse has been transformed into an affordable artist-run gallery and studio space. Opened in 2021, Visible Records was created with the goal of providing both central Virginians and global artists with 24-hour studio access, community programming and artist residencies.
When University of Virginia fourth-year student Tyler Ruvolo takes a break, he escapes into a fantasy world of his own making. Ruvolo, an economics and commerce major from Long Island, New York, sees economic theory and business practicality as a perfect marriage. “Economics provides the theoretical framework, it provides a baseline in an imagined world,” Ruvolo said. “Then commerce gives the tools to actually make it real. It gives you the ability to communicate your vision.”
Daniel “Cosmo” Kuzmick has lived in Charlottesville for more than 12 years, but never felt connected to the University of Virginia. Until now. At age 71, he’s taking two courses at UVA: The Art of Moving Creatures and Introduction to Movement. He’s auditing the courses through Virginia’s Senior Citizen Waiver Program, a statewide program that allows Virginia residents 60 years and older to take courses tuition-free at public institutions.
Mary Hall and Jacob Hobbs smile at each other from behind their microphones. The WXTJ studio at the University of Virginia (UVA) is dim, lit only by a string of white Christmas lights dangling across the ceiling and the glow of a computer screen that brightens Hall’s face. A big-bellied, three-foot-tall teddy bear sits on a shelf, leaning into a corner as if listening to the show; the walls are lined with posters from station-sponsored events on the Charlottesville campus. Hall and Hobbs are seniors and four-year radio vets—and the studio is clearly their happy place—but they’re still students dealing with grad school applications (he’s a computer science major, she’s a theater major, and both plan to pursue a master’s degree) and the start of spring classes (it’s their first show of 2025).
After choreographing and watching the Broadway musical “Into the Woods” dozens of times, you might think University of Virginia alumnus Matthew Steffens would be tired of the show. But when Virginia Theatre Festival artistic director Jenny Wales asked Steffens if he would be interested in directing a production of “Into the Woods” for the festival’s 51st season, he jumped at the chance.
The New Dominions a cappella group celebrated its 35th anniversary concert Saturday evening in the Chemistry Building with unique pieces sung by both alumni from varying years and current New Dominion members. The concert included two acts from current student singers and with a set in the middle of the concert wholly dedicated to alumni performances. The evening showcased the a cappella group’s camaraderie and the special place it has in the heart of the University.
Publishing house Valparaíso Editions’ newest poetry publication, “Herbarium” was written by Elizabeth Mirabal, third-year Spanish Ph.D student at the University. Originally from Havana, Cuba, Mirabal wrote “Herbarium” as a 205 page collection of free verse poems about the flora of Cuba.
Despite Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction, graduation weekend has arrived. From theater to media studies to even architecture, graduating arts students are soaking in their final days as University undergraduates, begging time to slow down, even considering graduate school to prolong their tenure in Charlottesville. Inevitably, however, after diplomas are received and caps tossed high above the Rotunda, these students must reckon with the ultimate question — what comes next after the University?
Composer, bass player, singer and Beach Boy Brian Wilson drew deep on American traditions. “Brian Wilson was an incredibly important musical figure,” said Jack Hamilton, a professor of Media Studies at the University of Virginia. “He made a lot of contributions to post-war American pop music, introducing innovations in harmonic sophistication and orchestral arrangement.”
10 University music students had their original compositions performed in Old Cabell Hall for the first time Saturday. With faculty performers Ayn Baliya, Jiyeon Choi, John Mayhood and David Sariti, as well as a brass quintet composed of University students and a student choir, these students’ compositions were given the chance to be performed. From pre-recorded scores to arrangements for live instruments to a choir performance, there was an abundance of unique music on display.
From recent on-Grounds workshops to city-wide festivals, University students and community members all across Charlottesville have begun to embrace the unique medium of zines. The art form can be traced back to the 1920s, when they were used to spread the message of the Harlem Renaissance. Since then, artists have also used zines to speak on crucial subjects such as rights for the disabled, women’s reproductive rights, the dismantling of racial discrimination and more.
As they prepare to walk the Lawn, graduating fourth-year leaders are leaving their mark on student arts organizations. From increased accessibility for student dancers and comedians, to a more inclusive community established in the theater and music scenes, the University’s robust arts community has undergone tremendous change under its class of 2025 leaders.
