August Artist of the Month:

Gary M. Harley

Born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia, Gary Harley has spent his life watching his hometown grow and change. A graduate of Petersburg High School, Harley has remained connected to the city throughout his life, finding inspiration in its people, history, and community.

Harley’s journey as an artist began in the fourth grade when a classmate, George McCrae, showed him how to sketch. From that moment, Harley kept a pencil and paper close by and continued developing his skills through practice, observation, and a love of art. What began with sketching eventually grew into watercolor, painting, and digital artwork.

Today, Harley draws inspiration from the world around him. Having traveled throughout the continental United States, he has photographed and observed landscapes ranging from the mountains of Colorado to the redwoods of California. Those experiences often become subjects for his artwork. He also finds inspiration in photographs, television, nature, and even the scenery around his own home.

Harley describes his approach to art as one that brings the viewer into the picture. Through careful sketching, detail, shading, and color, he strives to create artwork that makes people feel as though they are actually standing in the scene. His creative process typically begins with a sketch, followed by adjustments and added details before color brings the image to life.

For Harley, art is about more than creating a beautiful picture. It is about inspiration, peace, and leaving something behind for others to enjoy. He hopes his work encourages people, especially young people, to pick up a pencil or paintbrush and simply begin creating. He believes that art does not have to be perfect to be meaningful.

Harley has also found art to be a source of peace and joy in his own life. He continues to create regularly, often completing several pieces each month. Whether painting a landscape, sketching from a photograph, or experimenting with new colors and techniques, he sees every piece as another opportunity to grow.

His faith is also an important part of his creative journey. Harley credits God with inspiring him and giving him the ability and determination to continue creating. Even during difficult moments, his desire to draw and paint has remained strong.

Harley hopes his artwork will become part of Petersburg’s story and serve as a reminder that creativity can come from anywhere. He signs each piece with his name because, as he explains, he wants people to remember that Gary created it.

At its heart, Harley’s message is simple: have faith in yourself, never give up on what you believe you can accomplish, and keep creating. For him, art is a way to find peace, create harmony, inspire others, and make his mark on the world.

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#petersburgva #petersburgpubliclibrary #artgallery

Peace from Anxiety with Jade Carter.

Check out this brief conversation with the May 2026 Artist of the Month.

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness around emotional wellness and encouraging honest conversations about mental health, stress, anxiety, and healing.

This month, the Petersburg Public Library is proud to feature Virginia-based contemporary abstract artist Jade Carter (Doing Business as Creating AS) and her exhibit, Peace from Anxiety.

The title alone speaks to something many people quietly experience every day.....

Peace from Anxiety with Jade Carter - Petersburg Public Library

Visit us at the Petersburg Public Library: https://www.ppls.org/

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Come. Discover the Wonder Within You.

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About Joshua “Ray” Branch-Howell:

Website: https://joshuaraystudio.com/

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Born in Hopewell in 2003 and raised in the Petersburg/Chesterfield tri-county area, Ray began making art at just two years old after being diagnosed with autism. Influenced by music, he has developed a style rooted in experimentation and rhythm, often using oil pastels and printmaking as his signature mediums. Many of his works pay tribute to musicians and cultural figures, blending African diasporic traditions with contemporary expression.

Ray’s work has earned recognition nationally and regionally, including exhibitions such as The Space Between Notes: Thelonious Monk Tribute Exhibition at Paper Mill Playhouse, the National Conference of Artists MLK Jr. Commemorative Exhibition at Ashé Cultural Arts Center, and The EMERGE IX Exhibition at the Bond Millen Gallery. His triptych The Path of Monk is part of the official Thelonious Monk Estate collection.

Currently living in Colonial Heights, Ray is completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts at Virginia State University. His recent projects explore themes of music, cultural identity, and social commentary, making Jazzology a celebration of rhythm, creativity, and local culture.

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#petersburgpubliclibrary #joshuabranchhowell #virginiastateuniversity #fridayforthearts #petersburgva #readmorebooks #jazzappreciationmonth #jazzart #virginiaevents