For Our September & October Art Exhibition

Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Welcomes 

Caitlin Garvey

image of new artist, Caitlin Garvey

Caitlin Garvey (b. 1970, Brooklyn, New York) is a Virginia-based photographer whose work explores the themes of identity and relationship. Drawing inspiration from the Shenandoah Valley where she resides, her art often utilizes nature as a metaphor to explore the concepts of self and belonging, while in relationship with one’s community and environment. Garvey received a B.A. in journalism, a M.A. in English literature, a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law, and an L.L.M in international law from American University. She has worked as an attorney, a librarian, a historical interpreter and a teacher.

Work by caitlin garvey

Her work has been widely shown in galleries including juried shows at the Museum of the Shenandoah, Athenaeum Gallery, Darkroom, 1650 Gallery, the Art League, the Valley Educational Center for the Creative Arts, Muse Winery, and the Falls Church Arts Center. Her art has been featured by the “Mountain Courier”, the Tiny Seed Literary Journal, Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America, the Gardener’s of America, and the American Horticultural Society. She was the featured artist in the “Mass on the Epiphany in Creation, A Eucharist Drawing on the Poetry of Mary Oliver'' where her images were projected on the walls of St. Aidan’s Epsicoal Church accompanied by the poetry of Mary Oliver and the words of the mass. 

work by caitlin garvey

Among her honors, Garvey was listed as a “Must See” exhibit for the Climate Arts Beat Calendar in 2023 and 2024, was awarded a Bronze Award by J. Mane Gallery, earned “Honorable Mention” at the Moscow International Foto awards and also at the Neutral Density Photography Awards and “Best in Show '' and the “People’s Choice” awards in a juried show at the Valley Educational Center for the Creative Arts.

Most recently, she was honored to have her work featured in a solo show at the VECCA gallery and a 2-person show at Muse Vineyard, included in the Woodstock Banner project, awarded 1st Place in the Photography Show at the Valley Educational Center for the Creative Art and promoted by Fox Meadow Winery.

Artist Statement
work by caitlin garvey

My work speaks to what it means to be human and humanity’s role in and to the world around it.  We all seek to be at home in ourselves and desire a sense of belonging amidst our community and environment.  My art often focuses on nature as a means to explore these concepts, as the natural world well illustrates that what first seems simple is often not simple at all. My art ranges from sweeping vistas to delicate blossoms and acknowledges the unsettled awkwardness of what it means to be human, desiring to be grounded in ourselves while striving for something beyond. I am fascinated by the sheepish gaze between brothers, the morning sun greeting the dirt-speckled cabbage, or the way a single toe of a chicken determinedly wraps around a fence rail. The incongruity of deep, universal truths hiding behind the seemingly simple or obvious inspires me. Nature is a vehicle to explore these concepts, as the natural world illustrates that what first seems simple is often not simple at all.   The incongruity of deep, universal truths hiding behind the simple or obvious inspires me.

I recognize that identity is often tied into things not immediately visible, which lends itself well to my use of infrared photography since infrared captures light invisible to the human eye.  Finished images often reveal features that were not initially visible. What first appears in my camera as a hazy, red image is transformed into a detailed study subtly shaded with colors that reveal themselves as the creative process progresses in the studio. Infrared serves as a metaphor for how the concept of self is connected to nature, and from that literal grounding, further discoveries of identity and community can flourish. 

work by Caitlin Garvey

These days, I wryly refer to myself as a subversive eco-spiritual artist. I create work that addresses relationships (to ourselves, our community and also the divine) but I do so in a way that might, at first, just seem like a pretty picture. While my work might address issues of grief or climate change or the aging process, I also strive for my work to be deliberately subtle and relatable because people's initial response of responding positively to nature provides a doorway to greater awareness and understanding. People want to connect with themselves, each other, with nature and with God. If the start of that connection is just appreciating the beauty of nature in one of my images, that’s a good start. 

Past Exhibitions
List of previously featured artists

2024

Jan - Feb | Erin Harrigan

Mar - Apr | Kate Duffy

May - Jun | Jane Goodman

July - Aug | Theresa Markiw

Sept - Oct | Caitlin Garvey

2023
Jan - Feb | Zachary Sensabaugh

Mar - Apr | Janet Pearlman

May - Jun | Judith Lochbrunner

Jul - Aug | Paul Cook

Sept-Oct | Mia Ackerson & Janet Lee

Nov-Dec | Sandra Parks

2022 
Jan - Feb | Kelli Hertzler

Mar - Apr | Marydean Hairston Marydean Draws 

May - June | Laura-Paige Keller LPM Pottery

July - Aug | Peg Sheridan

Sep - Oct | Rocktown Urban Wood 

Nov - Dec | Kary Haun

 

2021
July - Aug | Brenda Hounshell

Oct - Dec | Elaine Hurst

2020
Jan - Feb | JMU Student Exhibition 

Mar - Apr | Frances Coates

2019
Jan - Feb | Erica Lohan

Mar - Apr | Jackie Labovitz 

May - June | Tony DiStefano 

July - Aug | Ann Currie & Christine Andreae 

Sept - Oct | Andrea Finch

Nov - Dec | Lotta Helleberg

2018 
Jan - Feb | Gene Gibb

Mar - Apr | Kelli Hertzler

May - June | Carol Kirkham Martin 

July - Aug | Dabney Kirchman 

Sept - Oct | Celia Culver Rutt 

Nov - Dec | Lynn Whitmore

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