A Henrico County artist is using her creative talents to break down barriers and inspire others while showcasing the vibrant spirit of Richmond through her latest art exhibition. Shaina Cilimberg, who lives with autism, ADHD, OCD, and physical disabilities, has turned her artistic passion into a powerful tool for community connection and disability advocacy.
Cilimberg's newest collection, titled "RVA Scenes," is currently on display at anne's Visual Art Studio Gallery in Richmond through October. The exhibition highlights both the beauty of Richmond's landmarks and Cilimberg's personal journey as an artist navigating life with multiple disabilities. A special reception and meet-and-greet with the artist will take place during the First Fridays art walk on September 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"I want to tell the public, you know, hey, those of us with disabilities like to do the same things other young people like to do," Cilimberg explained. "I want to show that we want to have our lives too, we like to go to pretty places like Browns Island and Forest Hill Park." For Cilimberg, creating art serves as both a form of personal expression and a meaningful way to connect with her community.
Over the past eight years, Cilimberg has developed a close working relationship with gallery owner Anne Hart Chay, who has helped her refine her artistic skills and build an impressive portfolio. The collection features pieces inspired by beloved local landmarks, including neighborhood coffee shops, the popular restaurant Joe's Inn, the bustling Broad Street corridor, and Richmond's distinctive skyline. Cilimberg hopes that being featured in this prominent gallery will help advance her career as a professional artist.
"I create art because it's just a way to connect with people and places I find aesthetically pleasing, places I've been to or where I'd like to go, or people I know, or people I would like to know," Cilimberg said. Among her featured works are "Brown's Island Sunset" and "Ronald McDonald House," both of which will be available for purchase during the exhibition.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Cilimberg has emerged as a passionate advocate for disability rights and awareness. She openly discusses the financial challenges she faces as a young person with disabilities who is unable to maintain traditional employment. "Right now I have to choose between getting contacts or art supplies," she revealed, highlighting the difficult decisions many disabled artists must make. She hopes that this exhibition will generate art sales that can help support her continued creative work.
The partnership between Cilimberg and Hart Chay has evolved from a professional relationship into a genuine friendship built through their shared art lessons. Hart Chay deliberately uses her gallery as a platform to provide exposure for artists who might otherwise struggle to showcase their work. As a VCU graduate, Hart Chay has dedicated years to working with the local community to increase accessibility in the arts, designing her gallery to be warm and welcoming to visitors from all backgrounds.
"In my annual Art2go show, I have never charged a fee for artists to submit, I've never turned an artist away," Hart Chay explained. "When I would go to pay them, I would find out that they were living in their car, or that they were indeed homeless. I literally found one of my people living under a bridge." This commitment to inclusivity drives Hart Chay's mission to feature a diverse range of artists in her collection.
Friday's reception will offer visitors live music, refreshments, and displays from other local artists, creating an opportunity for the community to explore Richmond's thriving art scene. The gallery welcomes all interested individuals to attend and discover the diverse talents within the city's creative community.
"RVA Scenes" by Shaina Cilimberg will remain on display at anne's Visual Art Studio Gallery, located at 208 West Broad Street in Richmond, from September 5 through October 31. The gallery operates from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. during First Friday events. Private appointments and pop-up events can be arranged by calling Anne Hart Chay at (804) 644-1368.
