Local Artist Displays Artwork at Apocalypse Cidery and Winery
Meet Kris Collins
Kris Collins, who was featured at the Thirsty Thursdays Art Show hosted by Apocalypse Cidery and Winery, has an inspiring life story. He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and left the state for a short period, returning at the age of seven, and has lived in the area since then.
He has been passionate about art for as long as they can remember and took art classes at Sandusky Middle and Heritage High School before earning his Associate’s degree in Communication Design (Art) at Central Virginia Community College.
After completing his first degree, he focused more on Graphic Art and Design for social media, websites, and apparel. He worked for local companies in Art Departments for years before going back to school in 2010 to earn their Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English with an Emphasis on Creative Writing from Randolph College in 2014.
In 2016 hard times pushed him to begin painting again for therapeutic aspects. Since then, he has become a Creative Archetype. He participated in many Art shows such as Sundog Art Studios, CVCC Vibe Fest, The Academy Center of the Arts, We Got It Made Madison House of the Arts, Sedalia Center Riverviews Artspace,and Apocalypse Cidery & Winery.
In 2019-2020 he served as an Artist in Residence at Tomahawk Elementary School teaching Art to children ranging from preschoolers to fifth graders. In 2020 he created an Art Vlog called Guts & Glory by O-Two Artistry on YouTube and Instagram that lasted one hundred episodes.
In April 2021 he made some major changes that inspired the community with their art and life story. He was selected as Emerging Artist in August of 2021 at Riverviews Artspace which led him to participate collaboratively with Riverviews such as Flowers For Ukraine and Riverview’s t-shirt design still currently on sale over two years later.
In 2022 he acquired his first studio at The Craft Crucible and participated in Big Ink at Riverviews Artspace, where they produced a set of woodblock prints. He has many goals in life and Art, hoping to achieve most of them before leaving this shell.
In May of 2023, he purchased a home with his girlfriend, where they produce Art in the living room studio. His latest monthly Art Vlog series called Get Struck Tuesdays has also gained popularity on YouTube and Instagram. In 2023, the artist and his girlfriend spearheaded a Streetwear brand called Oaksiders, featuring screen-printed t-shirts and embroidered caps.
It is inspiring to see an artist who has overcome hard times and achieved such success while giving back to their community through teaching art classes. We hope to see more of this artist’s work showcased in Lynchburg’s art scene for years to come.
Thirsty Thursday Artshow
The art world is full of talented artists who are always looking for ways to showcase their work to a wider audience. Recently, an artist in Lynchburg, Virginia, Kris Collins was able to do just that at the Thirsty Thursdays Art Show hosted by Apocalypse Cidery and Winery on June 2nd. This event provided artists with an opportunity to display their artwork on easels while enjoying live music performed by local bands and musicians.
The event provides artists with an opportunity to display their art on easels while enjoying a night of live music performed by local bands and musicians. This can be a challenge for some artists who don’t have access to easels, but fortunately, the artist in question was able to borrow five from CVCC.
Good Luck *Graphic Art 2020
For some artists, finding access to easels can be challenging, but fortunately, the artist in question was able to borrow five from CVCC. The artist featured five major pieces of artwork they had created over the past few years. They also set up a merch table with framed art, stickers, portfolios, and their streetwear brand “Oaksiders,” which was created by themselves along with their girlfriend.
Not so subtle *Watercolor 2022
While social media and online platforms are excellent tools for promoting one’s work, it is essential to take advantage of opportunities like this art show. The artist values meeting new people in person and discussing their artwork’s meaning and creative process. It is not only about showcasing one’s work but also about making connections within the community.
Wildheart *Re-Directed. Acrylic paint 2020
Small art shows like this provide artists with the chance not only to display their work but also to develop relationships with local businesses such as Apocalypse Cidery and Winery. These connections may lead somewhere significant in the future; perhaps one day, the artist will have the opportunity to create labels for alcoholic beverages or collaborate on other projects.
wolf who feeds the need *Re-Directed. Acrylic paint 2023
In conclusion, events like Thirsty Thursdays Art Show provide a valuable opportunity for artists seeking exposure in their local community. Kudos should be given to Apocalypse Cidery and Winery for providing this platform free of charge. Artists should seize every opportunity given because you never know who might become your friend or collector of your work! It is essential to get out there, meet new people, and establish relationships within your community as an artist.
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