Roanoke, Virginia, is a city where history, art, and culture converge, a place shaped by resilience and creativity. It is here, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, that Art on 1st stands as a testament to the power of artistic expression. Founded by artist Annie Schultz, whose decades-long career spans pottery, stained glass, and painting, and photographer Rick Sheridan, whose work has taken him from New York City’s arts scene to esteemed photography roles at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and the American Museum of Natural History, the gallery has become a beacon for contemporary art. Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, they celebrate diverse perspectives and narratives. Their latest exhibition,  Love in Many Colors, explores the multifaceted nature of love—its intensity, its depth, and its power to connect us across time, space, and experience.

Roanoke’s history is deeply rooted in America’s colonial and Native American past. The region was originally inhabited by the Siouan-speaking Tutelo and Monacan tribes, whose presence shaped the land long before Scotch-Irish European settlers arrived. During the 18th century, the area became a vital passage for westward expansion, with notable settlers like Daniel Boone forging new frontiers. Roanoke also played a role in early American independence, serving as a crucial point in Virginia’s economic and military history. The city later became a hub for the railroad industry, earning its nickname, “The Magic City,” for its rapid growth and transformation.

Mill Mountain Star

Among Roanoke’s landmarks, none is more iconic than the Mill Mountain Star. Erected in 1949, this luminous structure was initially designed as a holiday decoration but soon became a permanent fixture, symbolizing the city’s ambition and unity. Over the decades, the star has witnessed Roanoke’s evolution, standing as a guiding light for residents and visitors alike.

Vibrant Downtown Roanoke & Its Art Scene

Art on 1st, cornering Kirk Ave., is housed in a charming early 20th century building nestled in the heart of downtown Roanoke, surrounded by historic landmarks like The Corinthian Building. Its prime location offers convenient walking access to an array of restaurants including Fortunato, boutiques, hotels, residences, event venues, and public spaces. Over the years, one can assume that this building has served many functions and has been home to various businesses, each adding to its rich history. Now, as the home of Art on 1st, it continues its legacy as a place of innovation and inspiration.

O+ Positive

Sasha More’s mixed-media painting, O + Positive, finds its place within this history as one of the carefully selected pieces in the Love in Many Colors exhibition, seamlessly aligning with and enriching the show’s central themes. The title is drawn from the artist’s blood type, serving as a personal and universal metaphor. Just as blood sustains life, love sustains the human spirit. The piece challenges viewers to consider love in all its forms—not just as an emotion but as an essential force that nourishes and connects us.

Ignite

Additionally, More’s artwork Ignite is featured in the show, capturing the raw, passionate energy of love. While celebrating love’s intensity, power, and healing nature, the piece also invites reflection on how love ignites transformation. When people uplift and support one another, they lay the foundation for a brighter, more connected world.

Explore The Many Sides of Love

The Greeks understood love in its complexity, categorizing it into distinct forms: Eros (passionate love), Phileo (deep friendship), Storge (familial love), and Agape (universal love). Modern psychology echoes these themes with the Five Love Languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. These frameworks remind us that love is not a single expression but a dynamic and evolving force that takes many shapes.

Introduced in 1969, Virginia’s iconic slogan, Virginia is for Lovers®, has become one of the world’s most recognizable travel mottos, evoking the timeless romance and allure of the state. Designed by David N. Martin and George Woltz of the Martin & Woltz advertising agency, the phrase was originally meant to promote romance, history, and adventure within the state. Over time, it has evolved into a broader symbol of inclusivity, passion, and human connection. Just as the slogan has transcended its origins, so too does Love in Many Colors, offering a space where love’s boundless nature is explored and celebrated.

Where There Is Love There Is Life

Roanoke, Art on 1st, and this exhibition all stand at the intersection of history, identity, and expression. Annie Schultz and Rick Sheridan have effectively created a gallery that uplifts artists like domestic abuse survivor Mackenzie Rose, fostering meaningful dialogue on important social issues. Sasha More is honored to contribute to this mission. The works O + Positive and Ignite are not just pieces of art—they are statements of gratitude, testaments to the transformative power of love, and celebrations of the privilege to create and share within this space.

Love, like art, is meant to be given freely. It flows, it connects, and it endures. And in the heart of Roanoke, within the walls of Art on 1st, it finds a home—one that celebrates not only artistic expression but also the power of art to heal, transform, and bring meaning to our lives.