VisArts Releases Summer 2018 Catalog Featuring Illustrations by Cathryn Virginia

Richmond-based illustrator Cathryn Virginia created the cover of the Visual Arts Center of Richmond’s summer 2018 catalog and used the opportunity to weave together two of her biggest passions.

The cover design features a pair of hands embroidering a river scene and is a reference to sewing, Virginia’s creative pursuit when she isn’t busy working as a freelance illustrator.

Virginia is VisArts’ summer illustrator-in-residence. As such, she illustrates the center’s print catalog and teaches a special workshop on the topic of her choice. Virginia was excited to highlight fiber art, which she thinks is sometimes perceived as more of a hobby than an artform. “I wanted to convey the idea that sewing is art,” she said.

Virginia learned to sew as a child, creating small projects such as doll clothes with her mother. “I’ve been sewing longer than I’ve been drawing,” she said.

Virginia got her degree in communication arts at Virginia Commonwealth University and turned her attention to editorial illustration during her senior year. Now her resume boasts clients such as Bloomberg, Vice.com, Richmond Magazine and others. She works mostly from her Richmond home, but also has a shared studio space in the Museum District.

Her work is inspired by nature and she enjoys including elements of the landscapes around her. Virginia said the cover illustration was partly inspired by the James River, where she often spends time sketching. “I like to draw natural objects whenever I can,” she said. “The cover includes a more mountainous reference.”

On August 11, Virginia will lead a workshop, “Playful Color Theory and Composition.” Registration is now open. To learn more about Virginia’s work, visit her website at www.cathryn-virginia.com.

VisArts works with four illustrators-in-residence each year. Past illustrators-in-residence have included Chris Danger, Amelia Langford, Katie McBride, Elizabeth Graeber, Maria Fabrizio, Holly Camp, Jared Boggess and Victoria Borges.