2005  Sculpture Invitiational (08.26.05 thru 10.30.05)

Considered one of the more economically depressed areas in Richmond, the Manchester district is at the inception of a cultural and economic revitalization.  Over the past few years, local businesses and non-profit organizations have begun to invest in the area.  Although the long-term prospects appear positive, it is an area largely devoid of cultural activity, community involvement, and burdened with crime that often accompanies impoverished communities.  The 2005 Sculpture Invitational, founded and curated by H. Jennings Sheffield and Vaughn Garland, recognized this transitional period, and committed to further bolstering the revitalization of the Manchester district through continues support of the cultural arts.

Richmond's growing art scene and presence is felt and enjoyed in the traditionally established areas of downtown Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University's Art Department.  With VCU's studio art programs rated as the top programs of the United States, Richmond galleries are not only positioned to utilize human and physical resources of the program, but the potential also exists to draw artists  and interests on a national level.

The 2005 Sculpture Invitational bridged the gap between the Manchester district and the Mid-Atlantic region, Richmond's untapped resources, and the sculptural arts.

Participating Artists: Margery Albertini, Andrew Campbell, Tom Chenoweth, Frederick Chiriboga, Ed Holten, Gregory Kelley, Jeffry Loy, Mackie Macmillan, Giovanni Meola, Fumiaki Odajima, James Parker, Charles Ponticello,  and Wayne Trapp.