The Virginia Artists Collection was the first collecting area to be formalized after the LCVA’s founding. It greatly expanded with a significant gift of contemporary Virginia Artists by Richmond collector Jack L. Blanton.

Jack Blanton Collection

This contemporary art collection, comprising more than 450 works, came to LCVA through the generosity of Jackson L. Blanton, a native of Tamworth in Cumberland County. Blanton retired in 2003 from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond as vice president and community affairs officer, a role in which he promoted economic development in underserved communities. In addition, he developed the bank’s fine arts program and served as curator of its art collection, which includes more than 1,000 artworks.

Marion Line Collection

Marion Forgey Line has often been compared to Grandma Moses; and like Moses she is considered to be a memory painter. Indeed, Moses and Line seem to be kindred spirits as they both paint luminous pictures of life in the country and family stories. Their vantage point is high above their scenes — all seeing and all encompassing, as if they are spirits floating in the sky as silent observers.