Charlottesville Arts Cooperative Gallery
A vibrant cooperative gallery on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, showcasing diverse art from talented local Virginia artists.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More artists present
Charlottesville Arts Cooperative Gallery
Best Time
More artists present
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant cooperative gallery on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, showcasing diverse art from talented local Virginia artists.
"Coolest place downtown!!! This art co-op has something for everyone on your list."
🎯 Support Local Artists
Purchasing art here directly supports the vibrant community of Virginia artists. :heart:
💬 Chat with the Creators
Many artists are members and often present; don't hesitate to ask about their work! :speech_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Featured Artist Exhibits
Main Gallery Space
Experience rotating exhibits by featured local artists, offering fresh perspectives and new collections.
Diverse Local Art Collection
Throughout the Gallery
Explore a wide array of art, from paintings and pottery to jewelry and textiles, all created by Virginia artists.
Artist Meet-and-Greets
Gallery Floor
Connect with artists, learn about their creative process, and find the perfect piece with a personal story.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Local Talent
Meet the Makers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Support Local Artists
Purchasing art here directly supports the vibrant community of Virginia artists. :heart:
💬 Chat with the Creators
Many artists are members and often present; don't hesitate to ask about their work! :speech_balloon:
🎁 Find Unique Gifts
Excellent spot for one-of-a-kind gifts, from jewelry to home decor, with something for every budget. :gift:
🖼️ Check for New Arrivals
Artists frequently restock, so there are always fresh pieces to discover. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Support Local Artists
Purchasing art here directly supports the vibrant community of Virginia artists. :heart:
💬 Chat with the Creators
Many artists are members and often present; don't hesitate to ask about their work! :speech_balloon:
🎁 Find Unique Gifts
Excellent spot for one-of-a-kind gifts, from jewelry to home decor, with something for every budget. :gift:
🖼️ Check for New Arrivals
Artists frequently restock, so there are always fresh pieces to discover.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Charlottesville Arts Cooperative Gallery for its vibrant collection of local art and the opportunity to connect with the artists. Many highlight it as a fantastic place to find unique gifts at various price points, appreciating the supportive community atmosphere. While some note that prices can be on the higher side, the quality and local origin are seen as well worth it.
"Coolest place downtown!!! This art co-op has something for everyone on your list. Local artists have a place to show case their creation and tell a story. I got to meet one of the artists during my visit, who told me about how she made her pieces. Such a neat place!!"
Nola
"What a cool place! This little shop has just locally crafted pieces and is run by the people who make the art. They have great jewelry and really neat art pieces. The clocks and the wild flower art were my favorite. Swing by next time you are in the area and enjoy this shop. They are super nice and you’ll love what they have to offer!"
Joe Wilson
"Nice collection of arty pieces. Costly, but a must visit 😊"
Nikita B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The gallery is conveniently located on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, VA. It's easily accessible by foot if you're exploring the mall area. Parking is available in nearby garages and street parking, though it can be busy.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available on or near the Downtown Mall. Be prepared for potential crowds, especially on weekends or during events.
Absolutely! The Downtown Mall is a pedestrian-friendly area, and the gallery is a great stop while exploring other shops, restaurants, and historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Charlottesville Arts Cooperative Gallery is free. It's a wonderful place to browse and enjoy local art without any admission fee.
Operating hours can vary, but the gallery is typically open daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.
Yes, the primary purpose of the gallery is to sell art created by its member artists. You can purchase original pieces, prints, and other handcrafted items.
The gallery often hosts special exhibits and opening receptions, featuring specific artists or themes. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements about these exciting events. +1
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of art, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, photography, and more, all created by local Virginia artists.
Yes, many of the artists are members of the cooperative and are often present during gallery hours. It's a great opportunity to chat with them about their work.
Absolutely! The gallery offers a wide range of art at various price points, ensuring there's something for every budget, from small prints to larger original pieces.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always polite to ask an attendant or artist if you plan to take many photos, especially of specific pieces.
As it's located on the Downtown Mall, accessibility can vary. The gallery itself is generally on one level, but it's best to contact them directly if you have specific accessibility concerns.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Gifts
The Charlottesville Arts Cooperative Gallery is a prime location for buying unique local art directly from the artists who create it.
You can find a wide variety of gifts, including handcrafted jewelry, unique home decor, original artwork, and more, perfect for any occasion.
Many visitors find the prices to be well-priced for the quality and uniqueness of the art, especially considering it's directly from local artists.
Yes, the gallery features a selection of art pieces suitable for home decor, including paintings, prints, and decorative items.
The gallery offers both original artwork and prints, providing options for different budgets and preferences.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for pieces with whimsical themes or bright colors that might appeal to younger visitors. The cooperative model means you might even encounter an artist who can share a simple story about their creation, making the experience more interactive. It's a good way to break up a day of exploring the Downtown Mall and offers a chance for everyone to find a small, affordable souvenir.
🎁 Gift Shoppers
From delicate jewelry and charming pottery to striking wall art and decorative items, there's a wide selection to suit various tastes and budgets. The fact that the art is locally made adds a personal touch that recipients will surely appreciate. Plus, you have the opportunity to support the local arts community with your purchase.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cooperative Model Explained
As a cooperative, each member artist contributes to the gallery's operation, often by taking shifts to staff the space. This hands-on involvement ensures that visitors are greeted by knowledgeable individuals who can speak firsthand about the art and the artists. It also means that a significant portion of the sale price goes directly back to the creator, making it a truly supportive environment for local talent.
This model allows for a constantly evolving collection, as artists bring in new pieces and featured exhibits rotate. It’s a dynamic space that reflects the current creative pulse of Charlottesville and the surrounding Virginia region.
+1Finding Your Perfect Piece
Consider what you're looking for: a statement piece for your living room, a unique gift, or a small memento of your visit. If you see something you love, engage with the gallery staff or any artists present. They can provide details about the piece, the artist's inspiration, and the materials used. This interaction can deepen your appreciation for the artwork.
Many visitors highlight specific items like clocks, wildflower art, and jewelry as personal favorites.
![Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection - Spencer Collection, The New York Public Library. "Basile et Sophia, [Binding components]" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1910. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/becac5b0-c5c6-012f-2307-58d385a7bc34](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1755546368198-493a259eb1b9%3Fcrop%3Dentropy%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26fit%3Dmax%26fm%3Djpg%26ixid%3DM3w3ODc2Nzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxLbHVnZS1SdWhlJTIwQWJvcmlnaW5hbCUyMEFydCUyMENvbGxlY3Rpb258ZW58MHwwfHx8MTc1ODUzNzcyMXww%26ixlib%3Drb-4.1.0%26q%3D80%26w%3D1080&w=3840&q=75)
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit