Photo From Left: Bergquist, Agee, Brinckman, Tripani, Weddle; Photo by Jennifer Christian

Just behind Obrigado Restaurant on Church Avenue, one of Louisa’s historic homes has been transformed into a new collaborative art space, thanks to the vision of Yvonne Agee, the well-known artist behind Turn Up the Color. The Avenue ArtHouse, which officially opened in October, invites art lovers of all kinds to learn, rent space, view, and purchase work from local artists.

Agee’s vision for The Avenue ArtHouse emerged from her desire to create a supportive environment for artists to grow together. “I wanted to create a place where we could all thrive together,” she explained. With that goal in mind, she reached out to four fellow artists, each with their own unique approach and medium, to join her. Their enthusiastic responses affirmed Agee’s belief in the power of collaboration.

Yvonne Agee is well-known for her mixed media artwork, where she skillfully blends different materials to explore the emotional impact of color. At The Avenue ArtHouse, she’s eager to continue experimenting. “As an artist, I am constantly exploring new mediums and processes,” she shared. “I love oils, respect acrylics, and remain in awe of watercolors, but I return to charcoal, graphite, and pastels to ground myself if I wander too far astray. Art is magical when it speaks to its audience. To have another human connect to and feel what I felt while creating a particular piece of art is food for my soul.”

Joining Agee is Shari Bergquist, whose work in abstract art and neurographics brings a therapeutic element to the gallery. Neurographics, a form of emotional self-coaching through artmaking, is central to her artistic practice. “My hope for the gallery is to create a space that uplifts and inspires everyone who walks through the doors,” Bergquist said. Through her art and classes, she helps others tap into their emotional landscapes in a transformative way.

For Tracey Brinckman, the joy of creating is something she hopes to share with everyone who visits The Avenue ArtHouse. Known for her engaging kids’ art classes and jewelry-making workshops, Brinckman focuses on spreading happiness through art. “Creating any art simply makes me happy,” she explained. “I hope that my artwork brings a sense of joy or evokes a joyful thought, and helping others express themselves in a class brings them a sense of happiness, too.”

Jan Marie Trapani, an artist who specializes in alcohol inks, ceramics, and wet felting, also sees The Avenue ArtHouse as a place where people can explore their creativity. “I enjoy any kind of art,” she said. “It’s so exciting to see others, especially the ones who say they have zero artistic ability, try something new and love the results. Making classes affordable so more students can enjoy the amazing possibilities of art makes me happy!”

Finally, Helen Weddle brings her expertise in collage, bookbinding, and fabric arts to the collective, drawing on traditional techniques that highlight the beauty of everyday objects. “My work is more illustrative, and it’s full of my own memories,” Weddle shared. “I hope it helps people see the world the way they saw it when they were children.”

Located at 102 Church Avenue, The Avenue ArtHouse is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jennifer Christian

Jennifer Christian is a Lake Anna watercolor artist and designer. Coming from the Detroit area in early 2019, she fell in love with the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding fields and forests. Much of her artwork looks to capture the essence of the lake and its surroundings. Known for her community-minded entrepreneurial spirit, she is the creative mind behind Lake Anna-opoly, a beloved board game inspired by the local businesses and organizations of Lake Anna. Jennifer’s game has become a local favorite and has brought joy to rainy days for many families and friends in our community. Jennifer’s paintings, prints, greeting cards, and other merchandise can be found in stores around town and on her website at jenniferchristianart.com. She has also worked with several local organizations and businesses on the logo and sign designs you see around town. Outside of her artistic endeavors, Jennifer is a devoted mother to two boys and wife to Jonathan Christian, founder of LASER Robotics and the LASA Soccer Challenge Program. In addition, she founded and oversees the Lake Anna Homeschool group.