[art_backup/photogallery/photo00012508/real.htm]  Jennifer's Story I am writing as a Richmond artist and member of art6 gallery since its inception. I wish to share here some perceptions and impressions of some of the most memorable gallery events in which I have participated. Although I have not submitted a proposal for an art show of my own at art6 to date, I remain a member because of the cooperative and passionate spirit shown by my fellow members. I personally get a sense of fulfillment from helping art6 to flourish and by associating with the members of this gallery that has such a fine reputation in the Richmond art scene. The Fluxus Show held at Art6 in July of 2005 was a dynamic multi-faceted and panoramic educational piece that reached a large segment of our community. There were hands-on, historical and theatrical pieces, as well as simply visual pieces. I personally, although fairly cognizant of art history, had never heard of the Fluxus movement as such. Both an important concept and movement in art history, fluxus has influenced much of the art world since it arrived on the artistic public’s consciousness. The gallery’s Pinckney Near Memorial Lecture Series provided an esteemed and knowledgeable speaker who illuminated the concept and the movement to a packed house. It was personally rewarding to me to see our gallery providing such entertaining and enlightening illustrations of a pivotal art movement and concept of which many more than I might not have been aware. It was exciting and gratifying to observe the enthusiasm of our patrons as they experienced this exhibit, and I felt proud to be a part of this gallery which brings to the public visions of art that are not available elsewhere in this arts town. The Think Small Exhibit in the summer of 2005 involved hundreds of artists and probably thousands of spectators who enjoyed a sampling of the Richmond art world at an affordable price and in a very digestible format. The bus running between art6 gallery and Artspace gallery helped to join the two sides of the River dividing Richmond’s art scene so that a sense of cohesion existed where before there was separateness. Our cooperative spirit helps to create an atmosphere that makes art fun and accessible to a great many people who might otherwise not be involved. Participating in two of Mim Golub Scalin’s Postcard workshops was a lift for me as I discovered my capacity for abstraction. Under Mim’s tutelage, and in a friendly and comfortable environment I combined images in way that was new and exciting for me. Although I produce mostly representational (though not realistic) images, it was fun for me to play with the elements of design in a less literal manner. The other artists who participated also seemed to derive enjoyment from the camaraderie as well as from the presentation. As a writer as well as a visual artist, I’ve participated in, as well as been a member of the audience at literary events. I attended the Slashtipher Coleman performance of The Neon Man and Me, an original award-winning one man play. Art6 provides a wonderful environment to enjoy the arts in many dimensions.